Birthday week

It was my turn this week for a birthday during the pandemic. A very strange birthday at that. I loved all of the messages, phone calls, surprises and treats! 

Since Sidney and Uncle Ben decided to bake an elaborate cake the day after my birthday (thanks to a lot of FaceTime), we decided to use that special cake for my birthday. 

Sadly, it looked a whole lot sweeter than it tasted! Something didn't go quite as planned with her cake and we all took one bite and then tossed it into the garbage. She was a fun surprise cake though! 

I was elbow deep in a pretty intense work case when our doorbell rang. I flagged to the girls to answer the door so I could wrap up with the doctor on the phone. To my complete surprise, it was a dearest softball mom friend with birthday treats!! She knows my love for chocolate, wine and candles, and is desperately trying to get this #rulefollower to have a little fun with the fireball! 

And that dearest mom friend, along with another mom, surprised me again at Regan's domeball games this weekend with "mom juice" in the parking lot while we watched the live stream games. 

Sure was a birthday like none-other, and one for the record books! 

 

Outdoor fun

We've been spending a LOT of time outside this winter: sledding, skating, you name it, we're doing it. And by "we", I mean ALL of us! I'm not one to love winter weather, but I'm embracing it because it's about the only way we can see other humans :) I'm even sporting a battery operated heated vest to keep me warm! 

Lincoln is a pro going down the big hill near our home. He loves going off the jumps that the big kids have created!

Everyone (and their brother) has been frequenting the frozen Centennial Lakes for some skating. It's big enough to keep our distance although the ice can be a bit a bit rocky sometimes. Lincoln loves to dodge people (aka: cut them off!) while he and Ryan are playing tag, weaving in/out racing up and down the ice. 

Regan convinced her softball teammates to trek down to the local sledding hill and join in some sledding and ice skating outdoor fun. Thankfully we didn't have to call Coach to report any significant injuries! Her bubble is incredibly small these days. And if she is spending 6 days/week with these girls, might as well get together outside for some fun! 

My little dare devil wants so badly to be successful in snowboarding the hill. I wish he'd try a smaller bunny-hill to start out. He's doing quite well! Might have to take him to the ski hill next! 

 If we're going to continue spending all this time outside, I may have to also invest in battery-powered socks and gloves! 

Dome season 2021

It’s dome softball season. And a very unique one as we continue to cautiously play under COVID restrictions. 

Sadly it means parents are not allowed into the domes. 

I’m incredibly thankful for coaches and an association that have  figured out a virtual platform. It’s not the same, but it’s better than asking the girls for a recap afterwards. 

And since it’s quite the drive (on an early Sunday morning), us parents are getting creative and watching the games online while huddled around tiny portable heaters! 

There’s nothing better than watching your kids do something they love. 

And we are so grateful they continue to have an opportunity.