Cabin wrap-up

 After the lake, we ventured into Pinetop to visit Ian's grandparents cabin.  It's where Ian spent a lot of his childhood summers.  He loved showing Ben and Max around (the other boys went home with my mom and Trina)

 Back at the cabin, Ian kept the girls and Rowan and Evan entertained. 

 While Joe and Michael danced in the kitchen. 

 Later we spotted a wild animal :)

 Many games of 5 Crowns were played...

 We traveled home on Saturday.  Of course Ian carved and stained a stick while we were there.

 Until next time...

Unreal

 I was driving home one day and saw moving trucks in front of my parents' house.   A sight that not only took me by surprise, but something I thought I'd NEVER see.  It sucked.  I can't even explain it.  I made a spur of the moment decision to go up with my parents the next day to help them unload.  Evan came too, of course.

On the way up we stopped for a green chili burro at the Burger House in Globe.  Jared had been there on his mission and got my parents hooked.  We also stopped at Safeway to get lemon filled twinkies for Brian.  I didn't try them but I hear Brian's addicted :)

Evan helped unload the trucks.  Harold, Vickie, Denis and Denise also came by and helped.  It was fun to see my aunts and uncles and catch up a bit.  It turned out that it was a bit of a mistake for me to leave - Max had a project due the next day and it was a nightmare trying to help him from miles away.  Luckily Xander stepped up and helped.  I love that boy.

The next day dad and I spent a lot of time moving things upstairs, then we headed home.

 I love my parents so much and am grateful for the love and support they give me on a daily basis.  I only hope to be able to do the same for them. 

Thanksgiving Part Deux

Carving the turkey.....
Eating the turkey...and a bunch of other yummy stuff......

Still eating....

Playing the "shocker" game. I. don't. like. this. game.

Evan dressed and ready to play in the snow.
Ro eating the snow.

Xander preparing the throw the snow.

Max throwing a snowball at Darrel (everyone's favorite target).

Getting ready to throw more snow:
and more snow:

Darrel strikes back.
The adults converge to discuss stratedy.

Evan & Ro throw snow at Darrel's truck (Darrel was too far away).

Emmy makes a snow angel. She's a lover, not a fighter.

Games at the cabin:

Playing trucks:

My favorite part (besides playing in the snow) was when Michael offered to get Max a drink and asked Max, "Where's your cup?" To which Max replied, "I'm not wearing one."

We had fun.

Max + Stairs = Short Vacations

This was Max two years ago on our California vacation when he first lost his fight to the stairs.
We left Tuesday afternoon for the Lodge but had to come back last night because Max got injured. So.. for his second bout with stairs it had the same result. He didn't learn anything the first time around and was beaten again. The boys were playing hide-n-go-seek and Max was "it". He was climbing up the stairs and fell. The funny thing is Max didn't even know he was hurt - Ben had to tell him he was bleeding. I'm thinking he might have that disease where you can't feel pain. Seriously. He tore up his gums pretty bad (Ian could see his permanent teeth). This is the second time Max has sustained a serious mouth injury climbing stairs. Obviously he has my coordination problems.

For the short time we were there we did have lots of fun. Ian's parents were in Pinetop with his brother and came over to visit. They brought the dogs and Evan quickly made friends with Sugar by feeding her Vanilla wafers. I don't know who was more upset when we had to take the cookies away - Sugar or Evan.

Yesterday afternoon we drove over to Greens Peak. This is one of my favorite places in the world. It is so beautiful. Max and I hiked up part of the mountain (actually I hiked up carrying Max on my back). We were sad that the look-out tower was closed.

I've been wanting to take a picture of my dad with my boys for a long time. He is such a wonderful grandpa - they love him so much. I think he is still one of Max's best friends. On a side note - notice Ben. When we were packing he assured me that he packed long pants and sneakers. The long pants turned out to be pajama pants that were too small and he conviently forgot his sneakers. Sigh.

Things I learned from this "vacation":

1. Evan is particular about music. Keane - NO! Housemartins, Coldplay and The Killers - yes.

2. Ben sleep walks. He kept Ian up all night for fear we would find him wandering in the forest somewhere.

3. Rain = mud. And not just plain old mud. Sticky, clumpy, tar-like mud.

4. Boys attract mud.

5. The Lodge is going to be my favorite hang-out next summer.

P.S. it was 57 degrees and raining when we left.

Cabin Fever

My dad is almost finished with the lodge, I mean cabin. Max keeps bugging him to get it done in time for Max to have his birthday party there. I plan on spending A LOT of the summer there - that is if I don't go broke paying for gas. Here are some pictures I stole off my dad's computer...

the family room

View from the downstairs

the Trezise's room (I picked the color of paint - what do you think?)

6 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms (I think). Woohoo!

Lambson Lodge

My mom really needed to go to Vernon last week and I decided at the last minute to go with her. I just didn't like the thought of her driving there and back in one day by herself. So I took the kids out of school for the day - I know! I'm crazy - I NEVER let my kids miss school unless they are dying. It was so fun seeing the cabin. I am beyond excited for it to be done. There are 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. I am already making lots of plans for trips up there.... Here is a picture of one of the inside doors. Beautiful!

Grandpa & Ben on the balcony of the room that will be ours :)

My dad has and is working so hard to get it done! My mom hopes it will be done by Christmas.