January 2015

2015 started off with a jam-packed January for us Budensieks, with the highlight being a 10 day trip to Canada! 

We've been loving the snowy weather here, interspersed with 60 degree days.

Even "Bronny", Kai's dinosaur, got to wear a snowsuit and join us outside :)

Digging snow caves.

A mom-son date to a dinosaur exhibit here in Greeley.  Kai was beyond thrilled!

Enjoying a midday break from skiing at A-Basin.

And, stopping at the Morrison dinosaur museum on the way home.  Kai was really excited to get to use an air scribe to chip rock away from a fossil and also in awe that his hero paleontologist Bob Bakker was working away in the same room. :)

Trying on his new ringbearer duds for Nathan and Sarah's wedding.  This picture makes me laugh every time.

Of course, we couldn't leave Bronny out.

Our peaceful plane ride to Vancouver led me (falsely) to believe that traveling with a 7 month old was a piece of cake.

We celebrated a late Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma on our first morning in Canada.

Anders loving on Great Grandma.

94 years old and 5 years old.  A great pair.

It was fun to celebrate 33 years and 42 years with my oldest brother.

Getting his Canadian education.

Night skiing in crummy conditions but with great company at Cypress.

Kai requested that we go to the beach while we were in Canada, so we ventured out to chilly Crescent Beach one morning.

Ring bearer and flower girl...these two quickly became great buddies and kept hard at work during the rehearsal.

...and throughout the rehearsal dinner.

So happy for these two!!
Kai announced during the ceremony, "this is the best wedding EVER!"...after Bryon dropped the rings on the floor :)

Taking a selfie to keep Kai occupied during the ceremony.  That, and Mentos kept him from getting too antsy :)

Handsome ring bearer and best man.

These two did such a great job!

Kids' table at the reception...the girls even brought Planes which endeared them to Kai even more!

We couldn't ask for better cousins.

This is how Kai felt about leaving Canada...all the way to the airport.  I asked what I could do to make him feel better, to which he responded, "move here".  :(
Really, he loves it here in CO, but it's just so hard to say goodbye.

Meanwhile, Anders was happy as a clam as per the usual.  Or, maybe he just liked the Tim Horton's ice-cap Bryon was feeding him. :)

Finally peaceful after a good scream during take-off.  Yes, we were those people on the plane.

And, home to sunny and warm Colorado!

Attempting to give Anders an underduck.  Oh my!

December 2014 - Christmas etc.

I love Christmas.  And, this year was no exception.  Here's what we were up to.

But first, a few pictures I missed from the beginning of December...

Bryon's work Christmas party...dinner out in Denver followed by a production of the Jersey Boys.

This boy loves his tree trails.

We spent the days surrounding Christmas up at Bryon's parents' place in Estes Park.  It was beautiful, white, and relaxing.

Christmas jammies.

Anders was mesmerized by the presents.

Kai was very patient the next morning and waited 2 hours for me and Anders to wake up.

Then it was down to business :)

Santa was kind enough to bring one of the items from Kai's list.  Kai was thrilled, but then read the tag and wondered why Santa bought his present from Toys R Us instead of having his elves make it?!  Oops...mom fail.

Kai, helping Anders open the present he bought for him.

After presents and a yummy breakfast, we enjoyed our white Christmas and went sledding.

Then in the afternoon, Bryon and his dad went back country skiing.

Anders got in on some sledding later that week.

Poor Anders!

Bryon and I had a fun afternoon going back-country...only my second time ever, but really fun!  Thankfully Bryon is very patient :)

We came home to lots of snow, but thankfully Kai was an eager helper with all of the shoveling.

And that brings us to the end of 2014.  We saw the old year out (well, almost...I think we were actually home and asleep before midnight :) ) with friends here in Greeley.  Here's to 2014 and to whatever new adventures may lay ahead in 2015.