2017 Is Off to a Great Start!

I can't say that things have gotten any less busy in our family, but I am trying really hard to say "yes" to "no."  If you really know me, you know that (a) I like to be busy and (b) I have a hard time saying "no."  I took a step back and realized that I need to make a few changes.  Even though most of my commitments last until the end of the school year, I am taking small steps to get my priorities straight. I am stepping down as president of the board for Abigail's daycare.  Also, I have already mentioned to some of our school staff that I will not be in charge of the social committee next year.  (Three years is enough!)

Now, on to the fun stuff!

Look what Emma got in the mail! We sent the photo of Emma dressed as "The Pioneer Woman" for Halloween to Ree Drummond and, 3 months later, she receives a package in the mail.

Emma was beyond excited and we have already made a few of her recipes.

Yep, that's a machine from the gym.  After months of talking about it, Andy and I finally got gym memberships and are loving it.  We have to rotate the days we go (since there is really nothing for the kids to do there) but, so far, we are really enjoying it.  I consider it all cross-training for my running.

Fun on the sledding hill!

When you get new coats and you don't want to take them off...

Our little chef...

Family time at the ice skating rink...

Abigail's hair is finally long enough for a braid!

Emma's writing from Spanish class...

Working on her science project...

The finished product...

This past weekend was one of those epic Park City weekends.  On Saturday, Andy and I had tickets for a Sundance film, followed by a couple hours of skiing, then dinner and, finally, another Sundance film.  Phew! 

Waiting for our first film, Before I Fall, to start...

A couple hours of AMAZING skiing...

Dinner at the Boneyard...

 Waiting for our 2nd film, Mudbound... 

The amount of people that come to Park City for the Sundance Film Festival is indescribable.  While, yes, the amount of traffic creates an inconvenience going to and from work (and getting around town), Andy and I have learned to embrace it and enjoy it.  We have seen some absolutely incredible films at the festival over the years, most of which have been world premieres.  That is, we have been in the first audience to see the movie.

 Here are some of the cast and crew from Mudbound.  (Mary J. Blige is fourth from the right.)

 On Sunday, we had one film, To the Bone.  It was written and directed by Marti Noxon who is known for writing and producing Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  She also is an executive producer and writer for Unreal and Code Black. 

 After the premieres of the movies, there is a Q & A for the director and cast.  This is the cast from To the Bone.  Lily Collins (daughter of Phil Collins) is 2nd from the right.

Keanu Reeves (I just can't help but think about Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!)

 After the film, we had some family ski time.  It was our first time where our entire family can now ski together (and Andy and  I don't have to hold on to Abigail)!

except on the jumps

such an awesome feeling!!!

She even insisted on riding the magic carpet by herself.

Winter Break 2017

Even though it is only Saturday, and we don't go back to school until Tuesday, I am posting our winter break adventures today.  We will probably be on the slopes Sunday and Monday so there really wouldn't be anything new to post.

Our first weekend of break was very cold so we took a break from the slopes and went to see Trolls (at a super comfortable theatre).

 This girl loves puzzles!

 back on the slopes

It's amazing how good that hot chocolate tastes after a couple of hours on the slopes.

Andy made some of his grandma's caramels.  Andy cut the caramel, 

Emma and I wrapped them,

 and Abby put them into the container.  What a process!

snowshoeing

I have never seen a kid so excited to go to the dentist.

Abby worked on her letter to Santa while Emma got her teeth cleaned.

Emma and I got quite the giggles while she was getting her fluoride treatment.

My mom came out for a week over Christmas so it was fun to show her winter break, Tullis style...

Emma's letter to Santa...

She also wrote one is Spanish...

Each year, we head down to the Zoo Lights and make a stop to see Santa.

Andy and I got out for a few hours of skiing.

 We went to breakfast at the Woodland Biscuit Company...delicious!

Then we took my mom snowshoeing in the Uintas.

 helping Grandma make cookies

Santa came!

Abby asked Santa for a guitar and a whistle for her backpack.  I think Santa thought a ukulele would be more appropriate at this age.

Emma asked for a large stuffed animal dog, belts, gloves, and a Shopkins watch.

Abby got more accessories for her Peppa Pig house. 

Andy surprised me by having all the bibs from my first running series framed.  Now that brought tears to my eyes.

Do you remember Halloween when Emma dressed up as Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman?  She still LOVES watching her shows.  We got her a cookbook and my sister got her the spice drawers (which Emma uses as an organizer on her desk).

This was year #2 of using our Santa suits.

The girls love putting on singing shows lately.  Add in the ukulele and it is quite the show.

 Andy is getting our sledding hill up and ready.

Love!

We had lunch with our good friend, Dawn.

No Worries Cafe, which is just a 1/2 mile down the road, is closing and today was their last day. (Hopefully, they will open in another location.)  We just had to have one more breakfast there.

Abby dressed up for the occasion.

 As we were doing some cleaning, Emma found her portfolio from daycare and looked through every single page.  Precious.

And finally...I am not sure if Abby is going through a growth spurt or what but she is always hungry lately.  I decided to make the girls snack drawers--one in the refrigerator and one in the pantry.  I'll take any excuse to go to The Container Store!

Decorating their snack baskets was a hit!

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you much health and happiness as we begin the new year.