Manson Winterfest 2020

 

Our winterfest trip this year looked a little different than usual, but it was still a great time.  In fact, it may have been one of my favorite trips yet!  We rented a beautiful house with our friends Sherman, Elisabeth and their two boys, Ronan and Theron.  The house was gorgeous and modern, had a big covered deck and a view of Lake Chelan.  We arrived Friday night and had a low key, relaxing evening.  We got pizza to go and let the kids run around and play.

Saturday was sunny and beautiful.  We slept in and then spent some time on the deck with the patio heater playing skipbo.  Later in the afternoon we went up the sleep to Radiance Winery.  The winery had a big field with snow so the kids had a great time playing in the snow while the parents wine tasted.

We lucked out with the best seat outside to wine taste.  They even gave out free smores and hot dogs.  It was a great time.  The wine was delicious!  We even got to sample their mulled wine.

Saturday night we ventured into downtown Manson to see all the lights and the fireworks show.  I enjoyed some mulled wine.  🍷

The lights were so pretty!  The town was so fun to see all lit up.  

Sunday morning we went up to Echo Ridge for some skiing.  It was crazy busy, I've never seen it like that.  Sadly, the rental place ran out of kids skis so Ronan was not able to ski.  Luckily we had hand me down skis for Carson and Rylee fit into my skis and boots so they were able to enjoy the day.  The kids did a ski lesson and they were lucky enough to get a private lesson!  They had so much fun.  Carson ended up sharing his skis a little so Ronan could try them out.  The kids had the best day.

It was a beautiful, warm day.  The parents just relaxed with warm beverages while the kids had ski/ snow time.  Absolutely perfect day.

That evening the parents sat outside by the fire and enjoyed the view while the kids watched a movie.  It was a great end to a great day!

Monday we headed to Leavenworth for some sledding.  The snow was icy which made for some really fast sledding.  Our friends went home that afternoon, but we decided to stay one night in town so we could enjoy the lights in downtown Leavenworth.  I absolutely love Leavenworth in the wintertime!

That afternoon we ran into our friend Julie who told us about these awesome igloos to have dinner/ drinks in at the Bavarian Lodge.  We decided to check it out and was so glad we did!  They were enclosed and heated.  SO fun!

We walked around town and checked out all the beautiful lights.  Leavenworth went all out on the lights this year- it was amazing!

After the lights and dinner we went back to the hotel for some swimming.  We stayed at the Enzian Inn which was really nice!  The pool was huge and the breakfast was amazing.  Made to order omelets and lots of other options.  They have someone play the alphorn every morning in the breakfast area, but the kids had zoom calls for school so we missed it.  Next time!

This was the view from our room in the morning.  Such a great way to wake up.

  We had a great little winter getaway.  We just love Chelan and Leavenworth, they never disappoint!   

Good Riddance 2020!

We hosted our neighbors for New Years Eve.  The kids ran around and played, while the girls chatted and the guys played poker.  Later the adults played some board games while the kids played Just Dance on the Switch.  It was a low key but fun New Years!  

We are so lucky to have such great neighbors. 

Happy New Year!  Lets hope 2021 brings us all continued good health and happiness.  Time to make some New Years resolutions...

 

Merry Christmas 2020

Milk and cookies for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer

We had a quiet Christmas Eve this year.  We took a walk and played games with our neighbors down the street.  We ate cheese and crackers for dinner, opened a few gifts and watched a movie.  It was actually really nice to have a low key evening with no plans.  These were their new Christmas jammies and slippers.

The kids opened gifts from Lance's side of the family on Christmas Eve.  After opening they immediately started building the new toys they got.  Rylee is building a Lego Friends airplane and Carson is building a mini skate park.

On Christmas morning we woke up to new sleds and a whole pile of presents.  Santa Came! 🎅

Grandma Marcia, Papa Mike, Aunt Mandy, Uncle Jon and Kennedy came over Christmas morning for brunch and gifts.  We also had to celebrate my Dad's (Papa Mikes) birthday!

The kids got way too many gifts as usual.  They love making forts out of their gifts every year.

Of course Coulee had to be involved with everything.  She got quite a few gifts this year too!  Spoiled dog.  This art set was one of Rylee's favorite gifts.

We spent lots of family time together, playing games and snuggling.  It was one of my favorite Christmases yet!

Kennedy was so much fun.  That girl is such a trooper.  She was so happy all day and evening.  She loved opening her gifts and playing with all of Rylee's things.  

The kids were hilarious on the trampoline.  Kennedy was giggling nonstop!

Carson was very surprised to get his BMX bike.  He was a little disappointed that Santa didn't bring it, and after Christmas morning I think he had determined he wasn't getting it this year.  His face was priceless when he saw it.  One happy boy!

We had our traditional prime rib and crab dinner... so delicious!!  We ended the evening with carrot cake cupcakes for Dad's bday and some card playing.  Perfect day.  💗

Holiday festivities

 

We were able to find many safe and fun ways to celebrate this holiday season.  We had our annual cookie baking party with Grandma Marcia, Aunt Mandy and Kennedy.  We made candy canes, snowballs, magic bars, and the kids decorated sugar cookies.

Our neighbor Barb started a new tradition with the kids- gingerbread man and house decorating.  They also frosted sugar cookies.  She hosted Rylee, Carson, our neighbor Bryce, and her friend Cameron.  

The kids had so much fun and came home with so many goodies!

We also did our annual Christmas light viewing with hot cocoa and blankets in tow.  We drove through sky island and other neighborhoods in Bonney Lake.  People went all out this year!  We got some creative ideas for next year.  😊  Now we are ready for Christmas!

Award Winners

 This year has been challenging for sure.  Virtual school has been iffy at times, and I find myself wondering if the kids are learning anything.  I am constantly questioning myself- should I be doing more?  Less?  They want their space to do school independently, but then I wonder if they're actually getting done what needs to be done and doing quality work.  Its hard for everyone.

We recently had parent- teacher conferences via zoom.  Both of the kids teachers had good things to say.  They both are keeping up and doing well.  Their report cards were great!  Then came some awards... time to brag a little!😎

Carson got a Viking Card Award earlier this year for being respectful.  The vice principle called to congratulate him and tell us how great he is.  We were very proud!  😊

Rylee got a "Golden Ruler" Award last month for her academics.  Such a smart girl!  🎉

Carson got an "Empathy Award" this month from his teacher.  The November and December assemblies were online so I got to watch both him and Rylee get their awards.  Very exciting for me!  I could tell the kids were proud.  💗