An icy Adventure:)

Since Shawn has been dubbed the Fun Czar in the Rolph Family, we thought we'd share a fun outing our family had this weekend.
Cost? None.
Level of difficulty? Low.
Potential for serious injury that could result in death? High.
But we made some great memories.

It has been so cold here that we took the kids to play on the frozen Stillaguamish River. It's a fun childhood memory of Shawn's. The kids were in HEAVEN!



The ice was very thick so we felt pretty safe. The girls had a great time slipping and sliding around.



Dad and girls chillin' on the ice.
So we all thought we'd take a nap:



Brrrrrrrrr!!!!

Of course you can't be on the ice and NOT perform your own ice dance routine:
Here is Rachel doing a lovely spin:



Brooke's arabesque is exquisite:




She landed a perfect triple lutz:



Every good figure skating routine has to end laying on the ice:


And the final bow:



I convinced Shawn to join me in the pairs competition:




He hates me right now for that. We had a great time. Now I'm off to bed-I don't know why I've stayed up so late-Nighty night!!

I've been humoring myself by reading back on some of our earlier posts. I'm so glad I've written about certain things the kids have done or said because I've already forgotten. So here is another funny tidbit to remember. We were in Costco the other day, in the self-checkout, and this worker came to help move my stuff along. He was a little on the short side, which made Brooke ask rather loudly, "Mom, why is he so short?" I don't think he heard, and I gave Brooke a look and said, "I'm not sure, and please keep your voice down."
So, her intelligent, kindergarten self decided to rephrase the question:

BROOKE(in a loud voice)Mom, what's a midget?

MOM:Brooke, sshh!

BROOKE: Moooooom, what's a MIDget?

MOM: Brooke-quiet! We'll talk about it in the car.

BROOKE: MOM! What. is. a. MID. GET??

MOM: Brooke, you're in charge of holding my card and when it's time to swipe it I'll let you do it, okay?

BROOKE: Cool. Thanks Mom.

I'll be really sad when she is no longer distracted so easily.

Have your kids ever said anything embarrassing in public? Please share:)

A very Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Who doesn't love a celebration that's all about food with no pressure to shop for gifts? I do. And what a better way to spend it then with all of my family. Yes, ALL of us. Not one of us was missing. A true miracle, I tell you, made entirely possible by our gracious hosts, Josh and Kristina. I don't know what was more exciting for our kids: seeing their grandparents or staying in a hotel with a pool and a "free" breakfast. It was a toss-up(sorry Grandma and Papaw). We had such a great time. I had to sit in the backseat for most of the ride home to hide my tears from Shawn. I wish each one of my siblings could be my neighbors. I love them all enormously. And the fact that they all married(and will marry)some of the greatest people on earth, makes it even more difficult to say goodbye. sniff sniff...until we meet again:)

Enjoy the photo gallery:



The beginning of our 13 hour journey-every one is smiling..but not for long.



When are we going to get there?




I'm bored.




Finally-we made it to the hotel with the pool and FREE breakfast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




I forgot my suit(shucks!)so Dad was the fun one...I was really okay being the photographer.




Brooke would not let me leave until I took a picture of her next to the hot tub and this is how she posed. Be scared for us.




We took a day trip to San Francisco. It was a gorgeous day. This may be our Christmas card picture so act surprised when you get it.




We stopped at the beach to play, but with all the little kids running around, someone was bound to bite it. Poor Kristina was the first to take the plunge.



Way to go Aunt Kristina for cooking the best turkey I've ever had. And stuffing, and potatoes, and salads, and pies.....truly amazing!!

Kate like it, too!



Our attempt at getting all the grandkids to cooperate in a picture with their grandparents. What a group of cuties!



Thanks to Josh and Kristina for opening their home to all of us and providing a truly memorable Thanksgiving!!