Lucky to have Alesia

So I feel like an amazingly fortunate gal right now.  Most days I would be loading into the car to head to work.  Instead, I am snuggled up with Zoe in Washington, waiting for the house to wake up so that I can spend the day with my adorable niece and nephew.

All the delightful cousin time we've been having reminds me of when another favorite cousin, Alesia, came to visit in March.  It was such a fun visit!  True to style, the first place we visited was the downtown City Library.

We'd been having a fairly dry winter, so we were happy when Alesia brought some snow with her.  After the major storms New York has had, she was an expert at helping us shovel.  Thanks, 'Lesha!


Even more fun was sledding at Lindsey Gardens.

Icy windshields or not, I do love a good snowstorm.

Plus, the trek uphill is a great workout.

Naturally we had to introduce Alesia to the very best the Avenues has to offer--Hatch Family Chocolates.  This girl was made for this place.

Annika helped us celebrate Valentine's Day in style.

Our own Valentine's party, aka Cupid's Cafe, aka Chinese New Year, was the ultimate highlight.  But wowzers, it was a lot of work getting everything prepared.  Thanks once more, Alesia!

Next adventure--skiing at Brighton.  Front and center in blue, Alesia blends right into our family for sure.

Annika skied the real slopes for the first time and did great!

So proud of you, little munchkin.  Now if only you didn't feel your Daddy's need for speed...

As Brooklyn knows, a full day of skiing can leave you a bit disheveled.

Fortunately, Sunday was more laid back.  We headed to Temple Square and listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform at Music and the Spoken Word.  The bell choir was particularly fascinating.

After church, we packed our bags and hopped in the car for a quick trip to Moab.  It was dark when we arrived at the hotel, so you can imagine how excited we all were to wake up in the morning and discover this.

Windy with low temps--Brrr!


Fortunately, the hot tubs saved the day.

I'm sure it won't surprise anyone that once in Moab, we went hiking. It's even less surprising that I took way too many pictures.  I'll spare you the narration and let the photos tell the story.  Arches National Park, no matter what the weather, you are amazing.

Delicate Arch: ever iconic and ever majestic.


Hold onto your hats!  It's a wee bit blustery.

Brooklyn's hair says it all.

The petroglyphs on the return trip were also fun.

Now for the horizontal wonder: Landscape Arch.

Thanks for trekking out with us, Talia!  (The others preferred to wait in the warm car.)

Our last stop before heading home: Moab Brewery.  Here's Jason sharing a pint with Brooklyn.  (Glad it's just root beer.)

Annika liked the jeep decor.

And Alesia with our Easy E.


Alesia, thank you so very much for coming all the way from New York to spend your spring break with us.  You spoiled us rotten, not only with the most amazing gifts (think shrinky dink jewelry, hand-knit bunnies, Star Wars, and Harry Potter), but especially your love.  We feel so lucky to share your smiles and creativity--they light up our lives.  :)