Did We Actually Book A Vacation?

The last time I announced a vacation on my blog, 4 days later the world shut down. So I'm a little nervous to talk about what we have planned for later this year. But I realized when I posted a picture of my new puffer jacket, I realized I never shared that we actually have booked a trip!

The idea for this trip started with our snow weekend in January. We got 4-6" of snow and had a blast! 

Our neighbor/friend, Karin, had the idea that it would be fun to have a real snow vacation and go with the kids. Given we didn't know the status of the world, we decided to find somewhere we could drive and began looking at properties in New Mexico and Colorado.

Our usual couples were all interested and we found a house in Ruidoso that could accommodate 10 adults and 11 kids ranging in age of 18 months to 14 years and booked it!

2008

Allena/Brent* ~ Karin/Kelby ~ Dez/Derek ~ Rhonda/Ryan

[Susie and Riley weren't dating yet]

*baby Trent snuck on this trip

12 years later and still traveling together - our local 2020 staycation

Ryan/Rhonda, Riley/Allena, Brent/Susie, Derek/Dez

[Kelby and Karin were in new baby land]

THEN our February Snow-vid experience happened and we all started questioning whether we really wanted another week of snow, ha! But we figured the house we rented is prepared for lots of snow and at a minimum wouldn't lose electricity for hours and hours when it's 3 degrees outside! {grin}

Views from the house!

One thing I've been trying to do is buy what I can while things are on sale at the end of winter. We have almost nothing that is appropriate for real winters, so I'm looking at winter coats, hats, gloves, long johns, ski pants, socks, boots...the whole 9 yards! Unfortunately I'm not looking at too much for the kids since it's hard to guess their sizes in 8 months, but I might try at the end of summer.

So far for myself I have bought the puffer jacket I shared Tuesday and a pair of snow boots. One of my friends has some ski things I can borrow, so I don't think I'm too far off for myself being prepared.

My new boots! I got them 50% off!

So there you have it - all the details for an officially booked trip in 2021! For you 'real winter' people, what are the must haves we need to stay warm and what can I buy now??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Five on Tuesday

My mental blog drought continues. Sigh. I did think of a few things I wanted to share, so here's a Five on Tuesday for you! Not as catchy of a name but better than no post at all, I hope!

ONE

Tennis Lessons

At 40 years old, I've picked up a new hobby!

Our neighborhood has a tennis center, and they were offering beginner lessons.

It was a 6-week series and 6 ladies signed up.

When it finished, we decided to keep going because it was so much fun,

 and our wonderful instructor agreed to keep teaching us!

Are we good? Not really!

Do we care? Nope!

Abraham [who is maybe 25 ha] and his old ladies

TWO

Winter Puffer

I have been on the hunt for clothes for a trip we are taking in December.

Just realizing I don't think I've blogged about that?

[Takes note for a blog post idea, hallelujah since the wells are dry]

But check out this jacket I got for $21. Normally $120. 

Pretty awesome, right?

Gap Factory is having HUGE sales right now. 

I placed an order last week that would have been $575 full price...

my total was $184. Proud of myself for that one! {grin}

THREE

Barn Doors

These beauties will be ready for our house very soon!!!

FOUR

Quarantine

Trent and Drew are home in quarantine because of kids in their classes having COVID.

I am so glad we decided to send the kids back to school in September.

Because the last week having them home without help has been tough!

So thankful it isn't Paige's class in quarantine!!!

FIVE

Downton Abbey 2

I AM SO EXCITED ANOTHER MOVIE IS COMING OUT THIS YEAR!!!!!

I had heard rumors that the first movie did well enough to warrant another one,

but I had heard NOTHING about a 2nd one actually happening.

So to already have a release date?!?! EEK!