Presenting the Flag at the Nuggets Game

The kids had an amazing opportunity to present the American flag before the Nuggets game this past week. Our Brownie troop leader, Rebekah, was able to get our girl scout troop in. Since there were not enough little girlies, siblings could join in too! So all four kiddos got a free t-shirt, a free patch and a once in a lifetime opportunity! 

 I was an extremely snowy night so there weren't many people in the stands, 

especially at the beginning. 

Ella and Leona made the jumbotran! 

 LOVE this picture of Elijah and the players! 

Young Ameritowne: When Kids Run a City for a Day!

The twins have been so excited for this day- Young Ameritowne.

My husband remembers when he went when he was in 5th grade 

and this experience is one that I'm sure the twins will remember for years to come. 

Basically, what happens is the 4th and 5th graders get to run a city for a day. They have been preparing at school for weeks and talking about what it takes to run a business, balance a checkbook, spend money wisely, run a town, etc.. They had interviews were they met with parent volunteers and tried to get a job that they were interested in. They get assigned a job and then get a salary at Ameritowne for working 3 shifts. They get 2 breaks where they can cash their paycheck at the bank and then spend it through cash, debit card and checkbook in the town. They could buy toys, snacks, pay for a newspaper (that the kids at the print shop put together), go to college, workout, etc... so many options! And kids run each shop! 

 I spent the day in the warehouse- basically there if they had questions.
Each shop had a manager, an accountant and several employees.
Managers and accounts got paid $30 for the day and employees got paid $25.

 Ari was the accountant for the snack shop. She had to write the paychecks for the employees and for bills to various parts of the town and loan repayments. It's cool because in weeks to come, they will see if their business made a profit or went in the hole. 

Sophia was a health care assistant and had to gather people around the town who were hurt. She made sure to tell them to bring their checkbooks for the copay. The kids even came up with their own town laws before hand and they had kid policeman who would write tickets if people broke them (like running in the town square) If the kids thought they were charged unfairly, they could go to court before a kid judge who would hear the case and decide guilty (they would have to do community service) or not guilty. Seriously, this whole thing was just amazing! 

It was so cool, too, because our school had the whole town to ourselves. 

Just so amazed at this whole process and how it is preparing them in a small way to catch a glimpse of the real world! They even have summer programs! We may be checking them out! 

Salida Weekend and Monarch Mountain Ski Trip

 This past weekend, we got to get away to our favorite mountain town- Salida. 

We have very sweet and generous friends who let us use their cabin. 

This is the road that their cabin is on- the mountain scenery is just breathtaking! 

Our friends, Nathalie and Andrew and their kiddos, came along and 

we had a great time just relaxing by the fire, talking, laughing and eating. 

 The kids love all the legos and games that are set out to play with! 

We did get in our first family ski trip to Monarch Mountain. 

 This year the twins have free season passes through school, and Elijah was free, so we took advantage! We got a buy one get one free pass at the Shell gas station for Mark and I and Ella's pass was $20! Not too shabby. 

 We spent most of the day on the Caterpillar and bunny slope getting familiar with skis! 

The twins ended up graduating to the adult lift and the green trails. 

Mark and I would take turns going up with one twin at a time. 

We skied for 6 hours! Couldn't believe we lasted all day! 

 Ari and I went up near the end of the day and a HUGE storm moved in while we were on the lift. 

It was scary going down the mountain in near white out conditions 

but Ari was a champ and didn't fall once! 

 We also got to visit Salida- it's the best town! 

 This is my favorite shop in the town- Beeyond the Hive- the owner sells her homemade honey, lotions, soaps,etc... every time we've gone, she's always working behind the counter. 

Sweetest lady and most amazing honey ever! 

 We also made it into this little restaurant- The Laughing Ladies. 

Everything is homemade from scratch and is so tasty! 

This is the kids favorite shop:) 

Love all the old signs everywhere in Salida! 

On the way home, we hit a big snowstorm in Denver, but we made it through! Grateful for this trip and the time we can spend connecting with family and friends all the while soaking up the gorgeous creation and good gifts we get to partake in!