February 2014

Again, we had a lot going on in February.  Wrestling wrapped up, another month of cold and snow, and also a trip to Arizona for me.  Here is a recap....
 
 This is how I found Owen one morning.  I about tripped on him, going upstairs to get kids up for school.
 

I think this is the sectional wrestling meet at Story City.  Gracie is hanging out with the wrestlers and helping the cheerleaders with her skills.
 

Owen with Mitchell Broer
 
No school!
The kids got to enjoy a day at home.  While it was snowing a lot over night, it was over 40 degrees by the afternoon on this particular day.  Perfect snow for a snowman and playing outside.  They were pretty excited.
 
Owen on the sled getting ready to be pulled by the 4-wheeler.
 

Gracie and Nick on the 4 wheeler
 
We got out the tube.  Might as well use it for something.
 
This is Nick's method of exercise for Jack.
 
Nick and his team at the school before heading to state.  We had 3 athletes make it to state this year.
 
Killing some time at the state meet.  Gracie decided she didn't want to go, so Owen and I got some bonding time together.  He loved the strawberry smoothie.  Gracie went the following day with us for consolation finals.  We had 2 wrestlers place; 4th and 7th.  It was a great season!
 
My sister and I took a surprise trip to Arizona.  Unfortunately it was not under good circumstances.  On February 14, my grandpa suffered a stroke and after a week and a half hospital stay, was admitted to hospice care.  Annie and I flew down with intentions of seeing him, but didn't make it in time.  While I'm happy that he did not suffer for long, it was disappointing to not be able to see him again.  My grandpa was so lucky to live such an active life and enjoy it in sunny Arizona.  He was very happy, active, and healthy for the most part, right up to the end, making it almost to 90 years old.  He will be missed.
 
While the Arizona trip was unexpected and not meant for pleasure, it was nice to soak up some much needed sun and warmth.  We enjoyed seeing my mom and aunt, as well.
 

Annie and I hiking at Camelback Mountain
 

Another picture of our hiking adventure 

This is only a portion of the climb.  Annie took this picture after remembering that she is not a big fan of heights.  The first day, we hiked two different mountains for a total of about 3 hours, I think.  I was pretty sore the next day, but we did it again, and I convinced Annie that she could go further.  Annie and I also took walks every morning and tried to savor every moment of being there.
 
The Blyth girls at my aunt's house
 
View of Camelback
 
I think this about sums up February.  I can't wait to be able to bring the rest of my family down to Arizona.  I know the kids will love it.  Gracie doesn't remember it, except for what we have told her and knows that she was there for football.  I can't believe it had been 4 years since we had been down there.  That's way too long!


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