Short, Sweet and Great! (Not me - last weekend's flight.)

Know what's better than driving to Phoenix to see Nick?

 Flying!

And you know what's better than just flying?

Flying over incredible scenery...

... through super smooth skies.

♥ Thank you Mark and Carly for the time with Nicolas. ♥

   

WOT?

The question is always the same:

"What's for dinner, Mom?"

Today I got a, "WOT?!?" from Acacia when I answered, "Grilled Mahi Mahi with shredded Brussels sprouts and kale salad."

"You trying to poison us?"

"Yes, with love and health, my precious."

Grabs her throat and pretends to be gasping for air.

"Yum. Sounds good. I'm starving." With her head in a Fine Cooking magazine, Cayenne ignored her sister's theatrics until Acacia got louder and started falling off her chair. Only after Acacia got a smile out of Cayenne did she recover from her death throes.

And you know what? Turns out it was "actually some of the best fish I've ever had." Yup. Those words escaped Acacia's lips.

It's a Christmas Miracle.

   

Thanksgiving Hoodmire

Although the term "muck and mire" was originally lifted out of the book of Psalms where it refers to pits of despair, here in the southwest it pretty much means a good time. Durango Mountain Resort hosts a Muck & Mire, an annual muddy adventure race, just for the fun of it, and we borrowed the idea when planning Thanksgiving with four families in the neighborhood this year.

Introducing the first ever Timberline Hoodmire: A slip-sliding muddy obstacle course run.

As they completed each obstacle, each of the 11 kids received a playing card. At the end, the winner was not who crossed the finish line first, but who had the best poker hand, allowing even the tiniest contestant a chance at winning.

At the starting line, not quite sure what awaits them...

They first had to climb a tree and ring the bell to get their card before running to the water tower where Kristin was waiting with hoola hoops.

At Carl's stop, they bouldered to the bell.

And you never knew who you'd meet along the trail...

(Bill Luthy)

The Viking Maiden's aid station.

Katie took the mire part seriously. Nice leg warmers!

Yes, that's a turkey on his head.

I love this shot.

After whetting our appetites with sunshine and fresh air, we cleaned up and regathered for what would end up being a 6-hour progressive dinner. First course at our house:

Seven of the 11 

Each course was at a different house.

By the time we got to the Sturm's, we were very full but still enjoying every minute.

Very thankful!