The Knudsen Krew: Life is Rough......and Catch Up Part 2

Winter 2011 was full of Awesome Get-Aways! I don't think we have ever had more fun in the dead of Winter.

In January, we took that fun family trip to Walt Disney World. I have about a million pictures...and will say more about this another time. But, just wanted to mention the highlights. Being there with the VanWagenen cousins for a few days of our trip was a blast. We had an evening together at Epcot, a day together at Universal Studios and a day together at the Magic Kingdom.

We loved our day at Universal Studios! I was surprised at how fun it was. We loved loved loved the new Harry Potter Village and rides. We really felt like we were there! This is a must see... We had such a good time.

Look at those innoncent faces. They didn't know about the terror just coming up. (The big drop..what a great memory and we got a great picture to capture it!)

A classic moment... ahh the Disney Magic!

I will record more about this later. It really deserves its own post or its own book....

A couple of weeks after going to Walt Disney World we went to the cabin with our wonderful friends dubbed our "third side of the family." We went with the Howes, familie Gentile, famile Aragon, and the Carmichaels. The Dads in the groups work together and make up the ICS International Field Team. We love them and are so glad we got to spend some time together at the cabin.

These kids get along so well and have hung out a lot together on many of the weekends during this past winter. So from left to right clockwise we have Jonathan (15), Eric (19), Evanie (19), Jared (15), Jacob (9), Chloe (13), Sarah (15), Scotty (sitting on Sarah's lap-3) and little brother Aragon.

We played games.... and talked and laughed, told stories, ate good food, watched a good movie and just enjoyed....

From left to right: Velma Aragon, Angie Carmichael, John Carmichael, Edie Howe, Ralph Howe.

We snowmobiled and played in the snow... Here is Velma and Miguel getting ready..oh and Scotty too.

Steve-o having a fun day.

Giles Gentil, John Carmichael, Natalia Gentil, and Angie Carmichael getting ready to try out the snowmobile in the beautiful wild country of Idaho.

And off they go...

Ready to go hiking across the frozen lake... Oh I wish I had taken more pictures. But, here's what I want to remember: the easy laughter with these fun friends, the sparkley snow, the clear fresh delicious air, the sense of freedom and peace as we stood in the center of this frozen lake with a big beautiful blue sky above us.

The kids also had a lot of fun. Playing, pulling each other on the snow board behind the snow mobile, snow mobiling.

We ate delicious food!

What a great time we had! What a great group of people!

The second weekend was the College/High School age Crowley Cousins Weekend Getaway! I soooo enjoyed this weekend and the kids did too. We have done this two years in a row now and I believe a tradition has been born. We love love love our winter wonderland getaway and the opportunity it provides to bond with people we love. So blessed!

The boys making a GREAT breakfast. What fun they had.

Another new tradition.... called the "Polar Bear." (I think) These crazy boys strip down to their shorts, and jump into snow drifts from a second story window. (oh and it is probably about zero degrees or less outside) then they run upstairs and warm up in the sauna.

Warming up in the Sauna after about 10 jumps into the snow... so fun...ny!

My favorite time of the weekend... playing out on the frozen lake. We built snow men..a snow CROW, created a real ice skating rink, hiked across the lake. It was pure magic..with the lightly falling snow, the blue white of the ice and snow, the frosty air... I loved it!!

The two oldies...Aunt Annie and Uncle Richard who acted as the chaperones. We had the chance to talk for hours like old times and I read two books! It was a true vacation....shhhh..don't tell anyone, because I want to be the one who gets to do this again next year.... shhhh.

The ice skating rink was just amazing. It was so fun to watch these two... Tanya is really really good and Evan isn't bad either. (He has a good teacher)

Good Times... WE are FAMILY... !

Trekking across the lake.... FUN!

And on into February, Michael played King Duncan in the Shakespeare Play "King Lear." He was great! He played the part very very well. Here he is with two of his really good friends. All the kids did a great job!

Ahh the Proud King Duncan. :)

Cute Supportive Brothers... ha ha literally...

Basketball wound down at the end of February (I think)

The whole family supported Jacob at his last game!

Good Job Jacob!!!!!!!

And Let's not forget Michael's 6th grade Valentine's Day Dance. This is so much fun. The kids prepare for weeks learning dances, the waltz etc. They learn dance etiquette. I think it is just great. I helped a little and snuck in and totally embarrassed Michael....but hey too bad! I had to take a peek!

The theme was set after the 50's. Aren't the kids just darling dressed in their 50's attire? They also served treats similar to what you could get at an old fashioned soda fountain. Very fun. And the band was just amazing!

You can just see it in his eyes.... "oh mom, please!"

Oh yeah, they are so cool! The 6th grade dance is such a highlight for everyone.

About that time we enjoyed the annual Rennaissance Feast sponsored by the Performing Arts of Hillcrest Highschool. This year Joseph acted as a steward again. He did a great job and it is a lot of fun.

Wow....

"What can I do for you My Lady?" Joseph doing a great job...

Joseph announcing the arrivals of the Lords and Ladies....

The great Queen Elizabeth.... Isn't she perfect at this role? (Renae Dalgleish-the choir/orchestra director)

I didn't just capture these two at a bad moment...they are reacting to the strange thing in my hand that flashes light...they being people of the 1400's don't know what a camera is.... and think it is a scary magical thing. So funny.

Amazing costumes and quite a fun show.

We were blessed with a visit from Jill, Zeke, Lynette, Ryan and families for General Conference.

General Conference is always a most special weekend and it is even more special when you get to spend it with the people you love!

Cute little kiddos or what...that includes you Uncle Zeke!

Cousin time... Ben and Jacob.... ahhh wish we had more of this....

Oh yeah baby..... look at those handsome men heading off to the priesthood session of conference.

And then we have the post priesthood session de-briefing.... and treats. Fun. Eric..is so awesome with his journal and pages of General Conference notes.