Jude getting ready for the third grade play

Every year at school each grade puts on their own school play. This year Jude’s class put on the story of Moses. It was quite a production with many rehearsals and performances. Marcy volunteered to be a helper for the play so she was quite involved. Unfortunately I missed the performance as I was away in London.

I arrived home on Friday night and we were going to head up to the mountains for another weekend of skiing. But they was a big storm up there and driving was going to prove hazardous so we decided to stay at home. We had no plans other than Anna’s ice skating lesson on Saturday. We made it a family outing as they have free skating for everyone after the lessons.

Anna helping me skate after her lesson

It was a nice day yesterday so we decided to ride our bikes to the zoo. Unfortunately, the cold front moved in a little earlier than we expected and it dropped 20 degrees very quickly. So, we rode home in the freezing cold.

Anna sewing her new dress

We have been listening to more of the Little House on the Prairie books and been watching the TV series as well. Both kids are captivated by the stories. Anna was motivated to make her own dress, just like Ma does in the stories, and she has been hard at work on it this weekend.

Grandpa reading stories to Jude and Anna

On their annual trip to Mexico Baba and Grandpa came through Denver again and stayed a couple of nights this week. The kids were thrilled to have them visit. As Anna said to me tonight on our walk to the store as we were discussing this past week: “I just love Baba and Grandpa so much.” It is a real treat for the kids to have them stay at our place and the kids get them to themselves.

On Friday morning they were off south to New Mexico as they continued their long drive from Des Moines to Cabo San Lucas. Then Friday afternoon we packed the car and headed up to Keystone for a ski weekend.

Jude and Anna about to go down a black diamond run through the trees on the Outback

Along with what felt like half of Denver, we hit the slopes at Keystone on Saturday. It was the most crowded I had ever seen Keystone and so we spent quite a bit of time in lift lines. But the weather was gorgeous and the snow excellent so we weren’t complaining. Jude really wanted to do his first black diamond run so I took him down one on the second run of the day. Not to be outdone Anna wanted to give it a try. So, we did a long steep run through the trees on the Outback. Jude and I split off with Anna and Marcy halfway down this run but let me tell you, it was a challenging run. Everyone came through with flying colors albeit a little exhausted.

Anna about to do some snowshoeing leaving from our driveway

This morning Anna woke up with a nasty cough so we decided to not let her go skiing. I was feeling a little sore myself so I was happy to stay home with her. By mid morning, she was feeling much better so she donned the snowshoes and went “hiking” around the big snow piles in the parking lot. She enjoyed herself, even getting the sled out at one stage.

Jude and Marcy warming their feet by the fire at the Outpost Lodge

Meanwhile, Jude and Marcy were up the mountain bright and early. We wanted to leave before midday to avoid the storm that was coming and to watch the Bronco game. Jude had a great morning of skiing. Both he and Anna continue to improve every time they go out.

I had recorded the AFC Championship game so when we got home after unpacking the car Jude and I settled in to watch it. It was a very exciting game and even Marcy settled in to join us. It was a real nail-biter all the way to the end but we were all pleased the Broncos won and are heading to the Superbowl again.

Anna with Mary Poppins and Bert the Chimney Sweep

This weekend was a full one. I have been in China for 8 days so it was good to spend time with the family this weekend. Although Marcy and Anna did their own thing both afternoons this weekend. Today, they went to see the play Mary Poppins at the small Pace Theatre in Parker with some other friends from the gym. Anna absolutely loved it and came home singing and dancing to Mary Poppins.

Meanwhile, Jude and I had a weekend of football. Jude is a big Packers fan and they had a night playoff game on Saturday night so we watched the first half and then recorded the second half to watch in the morning. Sure enough at 6am this morning Jude came in to wake me up for the second half of the game. We finished it before breakfast and unfortunately the Packers lost but it was a great game.

Jude chasing the ducks in the park

I had to get Jude out of the house for some of the weekend. So, we went to the playground yesterday. Jude wasn’t into playing, instead he wanted to go and chase the ducks. Which was great for him to get some exercise, but not so great for the ducks who had to all fly off to avoid him.

Anna with real Ninja Warrior Meagan Martin

While Jude and I were watching football yesterday Anna went to an event at a local gym with Marcy. Here there was an obstacle course and they spent time discussing goal setting and they got to meet a real female Ninja Warrior, someone who had not just been on the TV show, but was the first woman ever to complete the entire Ninja Warrior course, and she is a professional rock climber here in Colorado. Anna loved it and came home wanting to do pushups and all kids of exercises.

Anna and Marcy on their way to Mary Poppins. Anna chose matching outfits for them.

Finally, I spent much of the past two weeks in China with 4 days in Beijing and 4 days in Shanghai. It was an interesting visit, although the smog was really bad. And in Shanghai I got invited to have tea with the CEO of this pretty big company. They had a most elaborate setup for tea, complete with an ornate wooden table where they would prepare the tea. It was quite the experience.

Peter having tea in Shanghai

Bringing in the New Year at the top of Keystone

We spent New Year’s Eve at home with a pretty quiet evening. We did a countdown with the kids at around 7pm and then they were up to bed as we all were getting up to go skiing the next day. On the first day of 2016 we drove up to Keystone for a day on the slopes. We couldn’t stay at our condo because we had renters so we just did another day trip, our second one in just over a week.

Anna showing her skiing style in Keystone

Then today, with the renters gone we came up to Keystone again, this time to stay the night. The kids don’t go back to school until Tuesday so we are staying up tonight and will drive back Monday afternoon.

Jude doing great wearing Marcy’s helmet

Both Jude and Anna continue to improve. Jude was having a bit of a rough time, complaining of headaches, until we realized that his helmet was probably too tight. After switching at lunch time today with Marcy he was totally fine. So, we bought him a new one this evening because the kids and Marcy will head up the mountain again tomorrow but it will be a work day for me.

At Jungle Quest getting ready to go ziplining

On New Year’s Eve day Marcy took the kids to Jungle Quest along with one of Jude’s classmates. It was an indoor climbing and ziplining place with lots of activities for the kids.

Anna acting out her puppet show

One of Anna’s gifts that she made for “the whole family” was a puppet theater. She made an elaborate cardboard theatre set as well as some finger puppets, then wrapped it all herself and put it under the tree to give to us on Christmas. Well, yesterday she set up the living room for her show which was one of the most adorable things I have ever seen. She was really into it and created a nice little story for all of us.