A Blizzard of Fun - SPOKANE

Our trip to Spokane was a whirlwind of fun. I probably say that each time we come back from a visit there but honestly we fill each moment to the brim and we all love spending time together with cousins, aunts, uncles, and Grannie.

By default I became the event coordinator which is no blissful job when trying to please 30+ people. It is a challenge coming up with activities that are cheap, entertaining to a 6 month old, 30 year old, and a 59 year old, and can house over 30 people. All I can say is that my kids had a blast and did not want to come home!

In November Alysee got this cute little book that suggested ideas of things to do with your girl friends. One idea was to do a book club. So Alysee suggested the idea with all her girl cousins and WAM BAM they picked to read "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" decided on a location for their first meeting, organized a conference call for those girl cousins not able to make the first meeting, fixed snacks, and elected Grannie to be in charge of a craft.
It was a real hit! The girls all had a great time and have elected new officers for the next meeting, decided to be philanthropist and collect old Friend magazines for the children of Fiji and have chosen a new book.

While the girls were busy reading and discussing "Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" the younger boys were playing the day at Brent and Deena's house. The big boys and the dads hit the slopes for a day of skiing at Mount Spokane. They had a GREAT time!

Birch, Alex, and Tyler on Mount Spokane

Tyler Snow Plowing

Alex loved every minute!

If you are unable to view the video click on: http://youtu.be/S8a22iQMHhk
One night we were all treated to the opening night of the ABH 2011 movie. Uncle Kelly did an awesome job -- this year's movie was probably one of our favorites. We hit up Chuck E. Cheese another morning for games. Alex was on fire with the pitching arcade game.
Birch was pretty awesome at the Guitar Hero game.

Us moms sat around trying to figure out what we were going to feed the mob and planning our Girls' Afternoon away.

Nate had so much fun trying out Uncle Brent's refurbished go-cart!

Hard to believe that this kid will be driving a real car in 2.5 years. Yikes!!

We had a fun afternoon at Sky High, an indoor trampoline place. Everyone went crazy bouncy off the walls, playing dodge ball on the trampolines, jumping into foam pits, etc...

My favorite activity of the week was going to the Spokane Temple to do sealings together. It was really sweet to be surrounded by loved ones. Those that were not able to come were really missed -- truly it just didn't feel complete to not have all of our family there. It really made me think about the desire have an eternal family.

Our three days in Spokane flew by and everyone groaned when we said it was time to load up and head home. Sure is wonderful to love being together!