Our Trip to Idaho Falls...a month ago.

About a year and a half ago we swore off flying with little ones.  It was an unpleasant experience that we weren't looking to repeat.  Fast forward, and we're at it again, but this time was much, much better.

I am of the opinion that flying with little ones is great before they get mobile (thank you Aimee for not being in a hurry to crawl), or after they are well potty trained and able to behave in socially acceptable ways in tiny spaces for extended lengths of time.  Ummm...3 years old for us.

So, where did we go?  Idaho Falls.  Pardon the poetic romanticism, but imagine rolling prairie land as far as the eye can see completely blanketed in white.  It looked like a snow ocean.  So beautiful.

We went to visit with Lee's uncle, aunt, and cousins who we rarely get to see.  It was great spending time with them and getting to know them better.  We stayed warm and cozy in their big house, and we had the most amazing dinners a la Auntie Steph.  Seriously, she can cook.  Suffice it to say, I went to bed each night a little uncomfortable because of my inability to stop eating when I was full...and I would usually finish Kara's portions...after getting seconds.

But, to redeem my lack of self control, we did do some exercise while we were there.  We decided to use this opportunity to get Kara on skis.  She really did better than I expected.  She typically gets upset when she has to wear heavy clothing (see previous blog post), so I was going to be happy if we were able to get the ski boots on her, much-less actually go down a hill.  But there is something about being in super cold weather surrounded by snow that makes coats and bibs and mittens and hats much more appealing.  As far as her skiing, she did ok.  I mean, there was a lot of crying and whining going down the hill, but each time we reached the bottom she would ask if we could go again...and faster!  This was confusing to us, but we think she will remember the experience as a good one.

Lee and I even got a chance to take a few runs while Uncle Jim graciously offered to watch the girls.  I will just say that we both need practice, and being in-shape wouldn't hurt.

We had a terrific time, and we are so thankful to Uncle Jim and Aunt Steph for letting us disrupt their baby-free lives for a few days.  The girls loved them, and we hope they are planning on a Texas trip soon!

 Flying with kids.  Not so bad...this time.

Daddy Ski School.  Perseverant is not usually a word I would use to describe Kara, but she really did a great job with self-control and patience while learning something that was a bit beyond her.

 And then she fell asleep on the floor of the ski lodge.  

Daddy, Aimee, and Elmo.  The most common word people use to describe Aimee when they first meet her is "serious".  Wonder why.

Lee saw some elementary-aged kids throwing snow chunks into the frozen river.  He is easily influenced.

Feeding the geese with Uncle Jim.  This was our only picture of anyone from their family.  How did that happen?