Everybody's Workin' For the Weekend

That song is in my head. And, darn it all, so is an image of Chris Farley dancing. (You're welcome for sharing that little slice of heaven, by the way...)

Last week (as soon as January fled and February presented itself), winter reared its ugly head, and Idaho weather reminded us (its lowly inhabitants) that it can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants.

Let me elaborate: last Wednesday (2.2.11), it was -18* Fahrenheit when I went to work. NEGATIVE EIGHTEEN, people! (That's -27* Celsius for those who were wondering.) It warmed up to, I think, 4* that day.

I've survived well enough; I live in a nice townhouse with working heaters. I own lots of blankets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc.--I bundle up appropriately and survive the subarctic temperatures.

Mostly I feel bad for my knuckles; they have cracked and occasionally they bleed. Poor, poor knuckles. (FYI: medicated lotion, although helpful, stings horrendously. Just ask me. I know.)

So yeah...I haven't exactly been thrilled with the weather of late.

However...last Thursday, Handsome Rob and I left for Zion, and the drive was truly glorious. The skies were blue, the sun was out, the heater was on, and I enjoyed some truly stunning vistas right there on I-15.

lovely winter

ah...breathe it in!

How can I hate winter when it presents itself so beautifully?

I spent some time on Thursday with Vance and Janie. Oh, that cute little girl has adopted a cheesy little grin. Behold:

What a sweet, silly girl...

I also got to play with Marshall and Kaylee (and visit with Janel and Abby). I sure love my babies!

Marshall and Jane playing with packing peanuts
(or snow, as Marshall liked to call it)

I love KayleeBug's crooked smile

On Friday, I headed to L-town to visit Aaron & Amy and their brood of boys. First on the agenda was a date with Seth. (I took him to lunch for a birthday date...almost a month late.)

Seth is one picky little eater, but he loves fries and ice cream, and he loves to play, so we went to McDonald's. (Note to self: if you ever take your other nephews/nieces to McD's, make sure you've eaten before going; if you go hungry, you'll end up eating something there, and it's...well, it's NOT satisfying!)

I missed Seth's birthday party, so I asked him about it. Our conversation is as follows...

Me: "Hey Seth. What did you get for your birthday?"
Seth: "Handy Manny fruit snacks."
Me: "Cool. I heard you got a robot." (This is true, my folks gave him a robot.)
Seth: "Did you hear what I said? I got Handy Manny fruit snacks."

Oh, to be 4 again...

Anyway, despite eating lunch at McD's, we had a fun little date, Seth and me.

Seth loves juice boxes

Seth loves ice cream
(Seth giggled good and hard over this picture)

Seth loves cars
(his Happy Meal toy was a real hit)

Later that day, I also got to smooch with and nibble on Emmett, in all his rotund glory. (Yes. My lips were planted on his juicy cheeks for minutes at a time. It was truly stellar.)

And don't think I didn't steal a kiss or two from Jackson.

I know, I know. Three boys in one day. (If only I could get that kind of adoring attention from fellas my own age. I may just figure it out one day.)

Hello, handsome!

His cheeks are so inviting!

Jackson: Upclose

I love this SethFace

Fattest. Tigger. Ever.

I stayed the night at Aaron & Amy's and chillaxed some more with the crew. Then. I got a massage. Oh, how I wish I could fit a weekly massage into my budget! (Aaron and Amy gave me a massage by Joleen Cullens for Christmas; she's got magic hands, is what!)

Saturday evening, I saw the BYU Ballroom Dance Company perform at BEHS with ma and pa. Wowzer! They are incredible! And, apparently, they are Undefeated National Standard Formation Team Champions. Every year since 1982! That says something profound, don't you think? I mean. WOW!!! It was definitely an enjoyable evening with my folks. And? To make it even better, there were a couple of older ladies who sat right in front of us, and after each routine, they would clap (loudly!) and yell "Yay!" with gusto. I kind of loved those ladies...

Anyway. That's what went down in Utah.

I love making memories...