The Polar Vortex arrived to MN the same day as we returned from CO.  For the next 3 days, this was the story.

ProJac Ski Vacation 2019 from my perspective was one of my Top 10 Vacations for sure - and I don't even like to ski.  Isn't that ironic?  Now, I don't hate skiing, but I wouldn't say I enjoy it, yet.  Maybe I will one day.   Maybe I won't.  But,  I promise you, I will continue to put on my snow pants because seeing the joy, determination and happiness through my own eyes is worth it. 💯 

My favorite parts of this long weekend include AP.  And let me tell you, the Mister can ski, and ski well.  Watching Andy swoop around on those slopes was amazing, and it just makes him so happy!  He is a great teacher, so patient with us newbies, giving advice and suggestions - never getting frustrated and not making too much fun.  I also quite enjoyed watching the parenting skills of the Jacobsons, as they masterfully navigated the world of a 5 year old and 3 year old.  There are times I have wished that our kids were the same age - this trip proved that it's pretty great to have them years apart - the big kids entertained the littles and the littles entertained the bigs.  After crashing their family vacation, I loved being welcomed by Joe and K, immediately becoming just a few more members of the ski family. 

And, of course, any time I get to spend extended time with my Bestie, that's my favorite of all. 

The weekend through the eyes of the Gnome was pure determination.  This little girl was fierce - however she did not know it when we first stepped out of the chalet.  Upon arriving at the base of the hill, Harper was NOT going on the chair lift.  She made it very clear, through her tears streaming down her face, and yelling at me in between sobs, that there was not a chance of her getting on it.

 It was a difficult parenting moment, because I knew she was terrified (I was, too!).  But, I also knew she could do it.  So... Do I let her just watch?  Do I try to convince her it will be ok, and she shouldn't be scared?  Do I bribe her with something?  Do I snuggle her up and tell her that I trust her to decide?  Nope.  For the first time ever, I forced her into getting on that chair lift.  Not physically, of course - I just said, "Harper.  We are doing this.  Right now.  Let's go.  You can do it, I know you don't know it yet, but You. Can. Do. This."

And, did she ever.  

Day 1 on the slopes Harper Nicole was zipping down the green hills, detouring through a few trees.  She was flying past her mama (which really doesn't say too much...) and patiently waiting for me to catch up.  She had a smile in her eyes, and behind her face mask, too.  Day 2, Harps was riding the chairlift with Bennett, and mastering bigger hills with T.  She had little time for rest or snacks.  

And while I am quite certain that I will never live down the, "I can't believe you FORCED me to go on the chairlift, MAMA!!!"  I do know that we will be back, and she will conquer those hills again and again and again.

The weekend through the eyes of the Boy was pure and utter bliss.  Bennett was in his happiest place, with his favorite grownups.  Adult time is Bennett's favorite time, and each one of us found ways to spend time with Bennett individually - whether it be ditching the girls for some mountain top runs, or sneaking away to take the long way home, or just a few minutes taking in the scenery - the kid got his coveted time.  (Can you tell what Bennett did with his mama?? 😂)

His cheeks were forever rosy, and I know they ached from the grin that didn't leave his face.  He was cautious, taking his time on the green slopes, but quickly asking for more.  By the end of our stay, Bennett had gone to the top of the mountain, and boarded all the way down.  He will tell stories of being so high, that his elbow was flush with the mountain side - and how he was scared, but pretended like he wasn't. 

"We will be back next year and next year and next, and next. Right, guys??"

The orginal plan was to drive to Sioux Falls, SD, and stop for the night.  Then, we would head to the edge of NE, and stop, and the final travel day would take us up the mountain and to our besties.  

But, in typical Prose Fashion, the plan was changed due the continued awesome-ness of the Ninja and the Gnome.  These two were the best travelers.  They did not complain once - not once.  They kept themselves busy with homework and movies and playdough and a tape dispenser. (Don't ask.)  When one started to get a bit antsy, the other provided entertainment. 

Because of the their rock star status, we decided to breeze through NE, and head straight up the mountain.  For months, I had been wondering if these mountains would sing to the kids, as they sing to me.  Would they feel the beauty?  Could they hear the call?

At the first glimpse of the foothills, I knew they did, and I felt relief.  I'm not sure I would know what to do, if they didn't hear the lyrics, because...  well, there are just no words to describe the vibe... 

They were tired, yet ready to explore.  And very hungry, so we headed out for burgers.

ROADTRIP 2019 - COLORADO MOUNTAINS - HERE WE COME!!!

We kept trying to find ways to extend this trip - add a day to the beginning and the end?  Stop at a couple more hotels and swim?  Sign us up.  We couldn't get in the car fast enough, that Wednesday afternoon.  First stop, Sioux Falls, SD.

The very first Friday night that both the Ninja and the Gnome had social engagements = The very first solo happy hour for the Mr. and Mrs.

The Great Science Experiment of 2019:  Did You Drop Your Cookie?

Bennett's science project was designed to test the validity of the "3 Second Rule".  This future scientist wanted to know if your food really did get more germs the longer it stayed on the floor.  To test his hypothesis, Bennett dropped cookies, leaving them on the floor for various amounts of time.  He then tested each cookie, swabbing it for bacteria.  The swabs were put into petri dishes and set under a heat lamp to fester for 14 days.  Observations were performed each day and photos taken to document the growth - or lack thereof - of the bacteria.

Germs were most certainly detected on the cookies, and interestingly enough, the cookie with the most germs was the control cookie, that was taken directly from the box and spent 0 time on the floor.  Hmmmmm...  This may lead to several other experiments.

"Mom...."  On Sunday evening, Bennett slipped his hand in mine, as we sat on the couch watching Shark Tank.  I turned to him and said, "Yes?".  His voice was reminiscent of that little boy voice of the past, and it got my full attention.  

"You're probably going to say 'no', but do you think we could all go up to the big bed?  Watch TV like we used to - you know, before (to this he whispered) Harper."

I smiled, "Well... is she invited to join us?"

Per Harper's face, she and I did find this whole gathering place for the family a bit strange, but those snuggle loving Scorpios had never been happier.  Thank goodness we have a king size bed, because it wasn't long before the cats joined in on the fun.

Safar Family Fun Day 2018

 First Generation

Second Generation

Third Generation

Fourth Generation

Pretty certain that Andrew and Francis Safar are smiling down on us, proud of themselves and their children, and grandchildren, and great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Bennett often gets annoyed with the question "What sports do you play?".  It's asked by people who don't know him very well, and he is quick to point out that people never ask Harper what sports she plays.  (Interestingly precise observation, I must say...)  Bennett's extracurriculars tend to lean toward the academic end of the scale, including the speech team.  Bennett and Andrew have been preparing their version of the classic "Who's on First" bit by Abbott and Castello, and last night they received their first ribbon at the Ricori Speech Invitational - and it was not a participation ribbon either.  These future linguists came home with top honors.  Way to go, Abbott.  Or are you Castello?