A breath of fresh air

We made our way up to the Whiting cabin (or as Carter calls it, the "cabinet") for UEA weekend to spend some quality time up in the mountains with our family. We had such a blast, as usual! I don't think I have eaten that much since Christmas! My boys loved being outside so much and I loved that they weren't watching TV. Here's a few pictures of the trip:

I had to take this picture of Preston's jeans splattered with mud literally 2 minutes after we had arrived. He was already getting into the spirit of being in the mountains!
Aunt Mellie greeted us on the 4 wheeler and Carter and Preston immediately got on for a ride. This is one of their favorite things about being up here, thanks for all the rides Mel!
We had a campfire both nights we were there and it was so much fun. Smores are the best!
Carter was constantly looking for the perfect walking stick.
Little Smoreface!
The next day James made sugar cookies with the kids and let them frost their own. Preston wasn't too interested when he had chips around. He ate atleast half of the bag himself.
Carter was pretty proud of his since it had a spiderweb on it (James helped a bit) CHEESE!!

We all want a ride please!

Bethany and I went for a run up there and about died. I didn't realize how much the elevation would affect me. It was about 10,000 feet up there so I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. Maybe I need to train up here for my next race!
Saturday we went on a hike up to Ruth Lake. It was so pretty and Carter did pretty good to hike with us. Preston was in a backpack with James and enjoyed all the scenery from up high.
Isn't the scenery gorgeous? This family picture might have made the Christmas card but the sun is WAY too bright on my face. Bummer. Our picture from last year was up at the cabin but looks like we will have to find a different location this year.
Preston could not get enough of the Mike and Ikes. He wouldn't share with anyone.

Here is a typical Preston picture. His eyes are closed in about 75% of them. He says cheese then closes his eyes. Love this boy!

On Sunday I got no pictures which I am bummed about. We went on a nature walk and ended up turning a corner on the trail we were on and were face to face with a momma moose and her baby. We turned around immediately and high-tailed it out of there! That made James' whole trip, he is obsessed with wildlife. He even watches hunting on TV even though he doesn't hunt, just to watch the deer in action. Who does that? Anyway, we had so much fun playing games, eating a ton of food, reading People magazine (every single adult read it!), and just relaxing together. One of my other favorite things is the talks that James and I have on the way up and back. It is good for us to reconnect and forget about work and life for a few days. Thanks to Melanie and Carl for inviting us up! We loved it!