Wales 2016

I find it interesting that we've been to Wales each year we've been here. Definitely a favorite destination for us! This time we went back to Snowdonia National park but stayed in the southern part of the park. I think of all the times we have been to Wales, this was my least favorite. More so because of the weather. It was a bit cold, very windy and not a lot of things were open. That's what we get for going anywhere in the off season. We did still have fun and no matter what time of year, Wales is gorgeous.

Some pics at the cottage.

 

Hike to Dolgoch Falls

Blake has been learning about viaducts and trains at school. So I wanted to get a picture of him in front of one. Well this is the face I get when I bring up the "s" word.

Blurry, but we had some friends following us.

 

 

Boat Race (Avery's won)

 

Hiking a Random Mountain

 

 

 

Favorite memory from the whole trip according to the kids .... when I got my shoe stuck in the mud. It happened to Blake too actually, but I guess my shining moment was better. I'm sure it was a sight to see.....me trying to jump across the muddy/wetness. Never did invest in any willies here. Too late to do it now.

 

Harlech Castle --- 1/2 price admission bonus and of course hide and seek fun.

 

 

Barmouth -- Beach and Dunes

 

Playing tag in the dunes was a close 2nd favorite moment from the trip

Several stops at random parks. This one was the best. Blake didn't want to leave!

Ate at several good pubs. No food pics, but I do love how so many of the locals, especially at the pubs, make you feel at home. They brought the kids out games to play while waiting for our food.

 

You'll notice that the majority of the pictures are of Avery. She was having such a great time on this trip. I haven't seen her THIS happy in a while. Totally in her element and loving every second. Truly enjoying life. It made my heart happy. I noticed something too. When she was soooo happy she was always willing to be a helper, do things we asked, even things we didn't ask of her, volunteering to give things up for her brother and sister. It was so fun and sweet to watch.

CrEaTe

I received a gift yesterday. It touched my heart so much. It is so special to me and came at the perfect time.

I find myself being a people pleaser. It truly makes me happy to make others happy and I don't find it a burden to do special things for special people. However, sometimes it can get exhausting when you feel like the things you do aren't appreciated or are easily forgotten. When I start to feel like that it really hurts. I do think I have a big heart and I am an emotional person so it not only hurts but like really hurts to the core when I feel like I am not appreciated. I start to question why I do things for others and while I don't really know the answer to this I would think it comes down to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Who wouldn't like to have someone do something really special and thoughtful for them? When I go out of my way to do something special for someone it's usually because I know they are having a hard time with something or they have just been so kind to our family and I want them to know they are being thought of and/or they are appreciated. Sometimes it would be nice to have that feeling myself. I don't want to say that I expect something in return when I do these things -- because I'm doing things for them out of love and appreciation. But it is just nice to know the things you do are meaningful to them and sometimes when I am visibly feeling down or having a hard time it would be nice to know I have someone out there who cares about me and my feelings. My family will do sweet and thoughtful things for me and I'll have friends take kids for me, which is awesome!, but doing something like this is something I've never had done for me before. I've expressed some of my feelings on Facebook recently when I found a quote about people pleasing. I'm not sure if this was in response to that or another conversation I had with this person or just because she genuinely cares (or a combination).......but this meant so much to me. So very grateful for this person. I may not be cool enough to be a good friend, but ever so grateful that our lives crossed paths and for the good she has done in our lives.

January Happenings

The most exciting thing in January was hands down Prague, but there are a few other picture worthy moments worth sharing.

One of my assignments in Primary this year was to decorate a bulletin board. We didn't have one, requested one -- were told no --- and then ended up with a gigantic WHITE board towards the end of the year last year. The room has always looked kinda blah so I was up for the challenge. Little did I know how hard it was to find paper to cover this gigantic board. I am a perfectionist, unfortunately, so I am not thrilled with it but also not completely disappointed.....I will call it ghetto fabulous!

 

No picture, but Derek was promoted!! He didn't want any sort of ceremony or party so he just showed up to work and everyone was confused! haha. Blake and I did have lunch with him to celebrate, but other than that no real celebration. It is an exciting and well deserved accomplishment though!!!!

 

Allie wasn't too thrilled about it because she liked the Captain "H's". H for Huber. So one night when we were at Derek's office she wrote this on the white board:

Derek forgot to erase it......and we went to Prague. It was still up when he got back and everyone thought it was the greatest thing ever! Love our witty girl!

WINTER WONDERLAND

We went to the base winter wonderland again this year. We went the first year we were here as well. This year was SO crowded. We stood in line for this for about an hour and that's all we did!!

 

I actually got sick that night and didn't go to church the next day. The kids were so worried about me. They were so cute and thoughtful. They would come see if I needed anything, check my forehead, give me hugs. So sweet! When they came home from church they all came running straight upstairs to check on me. Later, I woke up to the walls covered in notes!

Blake was so concerned that morning because I wasn't getting up to pick out his clothes. He ended up picking them out himself and he did such a good job! I have never seen a boy who loves clothes like he does.....and he has such great style too!!