Jes2cu:)

This is my beautiful friend, Jes.  To know her is to love her.  She always brought an infectious energy to the room.  Her laugh was unforgettable and her smile was as radiant as her spirit.  She taught me so much in life over the last 25 years of friendship.  (Jes even gave me the name for this blog many years ago in a conversation we had wherein she was commiserating with me about being the Mom of all boys.)  

Unfortunately, she has taught me a lot about death and loss, as well.  Jes passed away on August 4, 2017 from metastatic breast cancer.  She fought ridiculously hard to hold on for all who loved her - her friends, family, and mostly for her husband and three young boys.  But God wanted her home.

In the weeks that have followed I have found myself thinking of her constantly - even more than usual. I often find myself wishing she were here to ask a question of, give advice, or just hang out with a cup of coffee and a lesson on her latest craft.  What I've learned (the hard way) is that life is too damn short.  I know people say that all the time, but I guess I'm slow and stubborn and it took losing someone (my age!) who was (until recently) ALWAYS there when I needed her, to learn this lesson first hand.  

The problem is/was that I let life get in the way too often.  Looking back over emails, text messages or G-chats Jes and I would send back and forth, there was a resonating repetition in our messages.  "Let's get together when the weather gets better" or "the next couple weeks are crazy so let's try after the holidays" or "I miss you, when can I see you?" (with no response from one or the other of us for WEEKS or MONTHS to set up a date).  There was no conscious realization that we'd NOT have a chance to reschedule or NOT have a chance in the future to set something up LATER.  The unfortunate result of this was that I found myself saying, "I really thought we'd have more time",  A LOT at her bedside in Hospice and ultimately at her funeral.  

Well, time ran out.  And now I'm kicking myself for not making better use of the time we had.

Rewind a few years...

When Jes called me to tell me the devastating news she had just received, I remember getting off the phone and calling my mother - My Aunt had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer so I wanted to know how my Mom was helping her.  Through tears I asked my Mom, "What can I do!?!" and "How can I help?".  With the confident wisdom that only a mother can impart, she said the best thing to do was to let Jes know she wasn't alone and that I was here and thinking of her.  My mom did that for my Aunt by sending her cards to keep in touch.  

So I went out and bought a bunch of cards.  Thinking of you.  Miss you.  Friendship.  Get well soon.  You name it, I picked them up everywhere I went.  I stocked up on them in droves so I'd have just the card needed for just the right time.  At first I was good at sending them.  I'd drop Jes a card or a note or a text to tell her she was in my thoughts.  I'd let her know I was here if she needed anything.  But as time went on and as she seemed to be handling everything with the strength and ease I honestly expected from her anyway, I got lazy (?), complacent (?), COMFORTABLE with the idea that she was strong and would kick cancer's butt and be just FINE.  Meanwhile, LIFE got busy, my check-ins were met with a confident and positive Jes telling me things were good and scans were showing positive news.  Life continued to get in the way and before long it would be weeks or even months between my contact.  Like I said before, I really felt like TIME was on our side.  Boy was I was wrong.

So, as I walked around my house after Jes passed away I found myself staring at this stockpile of cards I had bought to send to her and wondered, "Now what?".  I totally screwed that up.  Now I had this visual reminder of what a crappy friend I had been and how short life really is.  I was remembering on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis how easily opportunities can slip away from you and how we DON'T always have MORE TIME.  

So, I decided to take that lesson and make sure I never took my friends and loved ones for granted again.  If I was thinking of them, I wanted them to know.  If they had done something I was grateful for, I was going to tell them.  As silly as it is, I didn't want anyone else to die without knowing exactly what they meant to me.

I started sending those cards I had stockpiled to friends and family (far and wide).  I sent them to friends I see often and those I haven't seen or talked to in ages.  A few at a time, every week or so I'd have the names of people that had crept into my thoughts throughout the week.  (My list is longer now than my stamp budget, but I'll get to everyone.  I promise.) 

Then I got a few texts or messages from friends saying they had received my card(s) and that it made them smile.  A couple friends mentioned that they had been having a bad day or a hellish week and that my card was just what they needed.  One friend even said that it meant a lot to know that she "mattered if in some small way" and that it was a "much needed pick me up...in this chaotic adult life that can be boring, routine, complicated and so very harsh".  THIS is exactly what I needed and just what I wanted to spread.  I want to make sure the people in my life who have made me who I am never question the impact they have on the world.  

So I decided to make this my mission (?) or project of sorts.  It's a work in progress but it makes me happy to spread smiles, I guess.  So I asked my sister to come up with a logo for my project.  I call it my "Jes2cu:)" (Just to see you smile) project.  

The "Jes" in the logo is Jes's actual signature which makes me happy every time I see it.  

And so I will spread love and smiles whenever I can, in honor of my beloved Jes.  It sucks that I had to learn this lesson by losing her.  But I hope to never make the mistake of letting a moment go by without letting the people I care most about know they are important and loved.  Every time I stick a stamp on a card being sent to someone special, I can almost see her beautiful smile!

Bundles of note cards I put together to give to friends so they, too, can spread the love to people THEY care about.  

Community

 

     com·mu·ni·ty

         kəˈmyo͞onədē/

        noun

1. • 
     

     
     
   • 
     
   • 
     

     
     

     
     
   • 
     

     
     
2.    1.

      a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.

   
   

      "the sense of community that organized religion can provide"

 

A dear friend of mine, David, used to say "you build community wherever you go".  He was a world traveler with fascinating experiences to share and valuable life lessons to teach.  He was brilliant and undeniably left an indelible mark on this world before Cancer took him in 2013.

This phrase has always stuck with me...yet until this week I never fully understood its impact and power.

 

I got word on Tuesday that another lifelong friend, Jes, was moved to Hospice after an all too long and difficult fight with Cancer.  It has finally taken its toll on her amazingly strong body and spirit.  I sat there in a daze trying to figure out what to do, how to help, why any of this was happening.  I felt lost and confused and full of dread for what was to come.
 

As I walked into Hospice that first day after getting the news, my anxiety was at an all time high.  Here I was in a beautiful, yet somber building, in an unfamiliar town, not knowing what to expect and definitely not wanting to be there in the first place.  As I stepped through the doors of her room, I was greeted by a room full of faces, both familiar and new.  Some of these people I had known for a lifetime yet hadn't seen in years, some I knew more superficially, but most I had never even met until that moment.  

 

As the hours and days have worn on, I have spent a LOT of time in that room with these people.  I have learned their names, their stories, who they "belong" to/with. I have slowly figured out their connections.  And they have learned mine.  Each of them has welcomed me in with (literal) open arms.  As the only "past" person there in a room full of blood relatives, family, and friends who live richly in her "present", I haven't once felt like an outsider.  Instead, I have come to count on these people for strength, updates, and support.  I look forward to seeing them again every day.  Hospice has since become a place of love and camaraderie, jokes and playfulness (as odd as that sounds).  I have found solace there in this group of people feeling the same feelings and walking the same path.  We each have our role to play - caregiver, meal planner, information sharer, medical expert, shift scheduler, comic relief...Our contributions are all different but each part makes up a whole.  Each of us is a piece in the puzzle of community that we have built around Jes, her family and each other. 

 

We are no longer strangers from different towns, backgrounds and times in Jes's life.  We are suddenly a COMMUNITY of friends, united by a common love for this amazing woman and a shared sadness for the journey we were traveling with her.  This amazing community she has built around her makes me both proud and sad.  I am so proud (and not surprised in the least) that Jes has this rich group of amazing people that love and adore her as much as I do.  However, I am sad that I didn't know many of them until now.  I am also immensely relieved to know that her husband and three wonderful boys will continue to have the love and support of these fabulous people to carry them through the next few weeks, months and years.

 

Shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer, I was talking online with Jes and wrote, "We'll get through this, my dear. You're not alone. Now is when all your years of being wonderful to everyone else will come back to provide strength and support for you!  Because you have earned all the love that we will now shower on you :)".  These words were genuine and sincere at the time yet somehow I never quite knew just HOW true and genuine they would become. 

Our journey together is not yet over, though the end does appear to draw near.  Please pray for peace for my dear Jes.   

Go, Fight, WIN!

On July 19th, 2013 one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jes, got a call from her doctor and heard three little words no one ever wants or expects to hear..."You've got cancer."

At 37 years old, she now bravely travels along a road many of us dread.  Suddenly, words like "chemo", "radiation", "malignant", "biopsy", "Stage 2" and "invasive ductal carcinoma" are everyday lingo.  She's had her hand forced to begin talking to her young children about very difficult things...explaining that Mommy is sick and having to come to terms with the reality that (at least temporarily) she won't be able to be as strong for THEM as they will have to be for HER.

Despite this disease that weakens the body, Jes is one of the strongest women I know.  Chemo might take away her energy, and challenge her thoughts, but she does not let it steal what makes her so wonderful - HER SPIRIT.  She has dealt with this "new normal" so well...with courage, grace, and unbelievable RESILIENCY.  I know she struggles at times to remain upbeat and positive, but she is amazing and is a true fighter!!  She has taken this diagnosis and turned it around.  Through her blog, she shares her story to help and encourage others in her situation and infuses SO many with her light and positivity.

So fitting - Jes's husband, Gary, is chief of their fire department.
As a Firefighter Wife myself, I, too, will FIGHT!!

Unfortunately she lives 40 miles away so swinging over every day to check in (like I'd prefer) isn't realistic.  But I do want to help in any/every way I can...I know she would do the same for me.

SO, on October 20th, I (and my family) will be walking for Team Jes in our local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to raise money for research to end this horrible disease.  I will NOT let cancer disrupt my family anymore (my Aunt fought - and WON! - this battle very recently) and/or threaten my friends!

If you are moved to support me in any way, great or small, please click this link to sponsor me/Team Jes and help raise money to fight back!  Any donation will help...OR consider joining Team Jes and walk with us!!  

Nearly Four

Alex's birthday is rounding the corner.

Quickly, he is closing in on FOUR.  I can hardly believe it!

Yesterday we celebrated his birthday together with my nephew, Ian (who turned 2 last Friday).  It was a small gathering but I rather enjoyed it.  MUCH less stress than the larger scale get-togethers.  Of course, I'd love to be able to host ALL my friends and both sides of the family but it just gets to be too much.  This year, Dave had to work so I knew I'd be going it alone.  So, instead, I opted to go in with my sister-in-law and make it a joint party with my nephew since we generally have the same crowd at both celebrations, one week apart.  

Since both boys love WHEELS and all things WITH wheels, we went with a tractor theme.  

Some of our most favorite people were there!

Alex was spoiled with goodies (a soccer ball/net, basketball, football, art/craft stuff, and a "Cuddle Cuddleuppet", among other fabulous treasures)! 

It's nice that (most of) the kids are finally to an age where they can play together, roam free, and the adults have a minute to talk between the noise.  

In attendance were my sister and my nieces, my sister-in-law and my nephew (obviously!), my parents, and my two best friends, Pam & Tiff and their kiddos.  Together we have a 1-year-old (my niece, Coraleigh will be one in a couple weeks anyway), a 2-year-old (my nephew, Ian), a 3-year-old (Pam's Brianna), two 4-year-olds (my Alex - on Thursday, anyway - and my niece, Kensington), a 5-year-old (Pam's Shawn), and two 6-year-olds (my Nate and Tiff's Brielle).  It makes for crazy chaos but I love every minute of it.  Such fun!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday dear Alex & Ian!

Happy birthday to you!

Make a wish!

And BLOW!

Aunt Wendy made the delicious cupcakes and even made gluten-free vanilla ones for Alex!

It was a great celebration of two special boys.  I can't wait to celebrate my Boo's actual birthday on Thursday!  Here's to Birthday Week 2012!  :)

Too Soon to say Goodbye

Jim Whipple, Jr. - 1991
The way I'll always remember him.
♥

So many words are running through my head tonight.

So many stories, thoughts, memories, fears, concerns, and unfortunate realities are bouncing around in my mind.

So many tears are running down my face.

Words like: "Life isn't fair"..."Only the good die young"...and "true privilege".

Because that's what it was.  A true privilege to have known a man taken from us much too soon.

Today was the funeral and graveside military ceremony/burial for Jimmy, my brother's best friend.  We practically grew up together and his family is one of those kind, caring, loving families you always want to be a part of.  I can not imagine their grief to learn that their son and brother was taken so suddenly at only 38.  He leaves behind two young children who will hold only early memories of a great man they call, Dad.

It was a beautiful ceremony. Touching stories were shared, heart-wrenchingly appropriate songs were played, a community of people (standing room only!) came together to show their love and pay their final respects to a wonderful friend, father, son, brother, soldier, and all-around fantastic guy.  He will be missed (among other things) for his mischievous sense of humor, his beautiful blue eyes, his charming personality, and his kind heart.

Growing up, we used to call him Eddie Haskell because he'd come into the house with a compliment for my Mom, he had impeccable manners and always spoke with yes ma'ams and no sirs, long before the military broke him in.

This poem was read at his funeral and it says so much of what I can't right now:

The Final Flight

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To Laugh, to love, to work, to play,

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me.

God wanted me now, He set me free.

               author:  unknown

RIP Jimmy
October 29, 1973 - September 14, 2012

photo by Kelly Cook, 2012

Wordless Wednesday...Skype-ing Across the Miles!!

I love that technology makes loved ones so close when they are (in reality) hundreds of miles (and hours!) away!

Monkey Power!

Our precious Brie brought the boys rings over the weekend that fit each of their personalities to a "T".  Nate got a fire dog (Dalmatian) and Alex was given a monkey.  Because, well, he IS a monkey. 

 

Today I got to wear Alex's monkey ring to a doctor's appointment (and ultimately to work) because it matched my outfit.  I don't know what it is about this silly ring but it's seemingly given me "monkey power" today.  Everywhere I have gone people have lightened up simply upon seeing it, commented on its cute factor, and in response I've been in such a good mood wearing it that its quirkiness is downright infectious.

It's like having a piece of my Monkey with me all day and I can't help but look down at my hand (even as I type this) and smile.  So, today, I wish you all your own version(s) of "Monkey Power"! 

The story of how our cross country journey came to be...

Oh, where do I start? What an amazing trip to Oregon!  Many friends/relatives following my trip on Facebook asked for details on how this trip came about and how it was planned.  So I thought I'd tell the "story" of how the trip came to be...

When I first got word that my cousin, Marc, was getting married in March in OREGON, I thought there was NO way I'd be able to make it across the country for the second time in less than a year.  I had just flown to Arizona for my cousin, Todd's, wedding in April 2010 and was quite sure that finances and time off would preclude me making another trip of that caliber.  Then I got the official (fabulously funky) invite in the mail and a sweet, handwritten note from the bride that said she understood it was a haul but that she'd really love it if I could make it because I had made her feel especially welcome when she met our family the previous year.  How can I say no to that?!?  It moved me beyond words and I knew I had to be there to see my cousin make this genuinely fantastic woman his wife!  

So I started thinking about how I would pull it off.  My husband had zero interest in going to Oregon.  So I figured I'd be going it alone.  I definitely couldn't finagle another trip (like Arizona) without the kids so whatever my plan, it had to involve them.  I knew flying would be expensive (not to mention STRESSFUL) so I googled some info on distance and travel times and thought driving might be an option.  Of course that would be an adventure and when I think ADVENTURE, I think of my person, Tiff....so I texted her and asked if she'd be up for a 40 hour road trip to Portland, OR.  She immediately "signed on".  Of course she thought I meant Portland, MAINE, so she couldn't understand why it would take 40 hours but once we got THAT straightened out, she remained committed to my crazy plan and the excitement and planning began!  

After doing some research and running some numbers, Tiff suggested the train option and I was intrigued.  We came to the conclusion that it would cost about the same to take the train as it would to fly all 5 of us there, but in contrast, what an experience the train would be!  I had reservations about flying with my children anyway and really didn't want Nate to get on a plane, arrive across the country 8 hours later and never fully comprehend how very far away from home we had traveled.  So, we opted to pay for the adventure of an experience we could learn from and remember forever over the convenience of getting to our destination in 8 hours or less.  As they say, the fun is not in the destination, but in the journey!!

Enter skepticism and overall negativity and you hear a whole lot of people telling you you're crazy for embarking on such a trip.  Friends of mine thought 63.5 hours on a train with two small children sounded horrible.  My husband thought I was insane for even wanting to do this much less for doing it via train.  Someone even told me the whole plan sounded like three days of hell!  

Needless to say it was none of the above.  I am so thankful to have taken this trip and forever grateful to Tiffany and Brie for coming along!  Not only would I never have had the courage to go it alone, but it quite simply wouldn't have been the same without them there!  They are an extension of us and it just feels natural to experience these things with our family there!  I wonder where our next journey will lead us....?

Simple Woman's Daybook...April 5, 2011

FOR TODAY...April 5, 2011

Outside my window...it’s a typical gray April day.  Cold, rainy, ick.  We had a nice warm (yet breezy) day yesterday so it was a sprig of hope that Spring is coming…

I am thinking...more wondering, actually, when enough is enough.  After (another) failed attempt at reaching out to a friend of mine who for some reason has totally written me off, I’m beginning to think it’s time to just move on.  While I have NO idea what went wrong or where I zigged so badly while she zagged, it’s just gotten too hard to invest so much emotion and energy into something that obviously is one sided.  It makes me sad, but dwelling on it hurts too much, so perhaps it’s time to just carry on - time to stop stressing and wondering and worrying.  Perhaps it’s simply time to stop trying.  

I am thankful for...the friends I do have.  The ones I know are true and real and lifelong.  I’ve been super blessed in that department and I honestly don’t know what I would do without them to (constantly) lift me up and make me a better person.

From the kitchen...there is very little until we do some grocery shopping.  Since returning from Oregon, we have not done any grocery shopping so our cupboards are pretty bare.  I hope to stock up on healthy options to assist with my desire (NEED!) to lose some weight!

I am wearing...my iPod to block out distractions and give me some peace.  

I am remembering...the details of my FABULOUS trip to Oregon last week.  I am trying to write them all down so I can put photos to them and get some of my thoughts/memories on my blog before I lose it all!  

I am going...to finish and post the (many) drafts I have started and don’t want to forget…I have a (1/2 birthday) memory post started for Alex, too.   He has so many little quirks at his age that are fleeting too quickly and I want to capture.  

I am hoping...to get my house back into shape this weekend.  There is so much to do to catch up from while we were away…laundry, cleaning, organizing, etc.  

I am hearing...a random mix of tunes from my iPod (Foreigner, Eric Church, various show Soundtracks, New Kids, Nic Cowan, etc.)  

Pondering these words...“Save your strength for things that you can change, forgive the ones you can’t…you gotta let it go.”  - Zac Brown Band, Let it Go

Around the house...lots to do.  We just got 6 chicks that need care (and protection from little hands!). Dave is in the process of building them a chicken coop because they get more and more ambitious every day and are trying very hard to escape their current digs.

On my mind...changes.  There seem to be a lot of them lately - Changes in season - Changes in schedules/routine - Changes at work that could greatly impact my current comfort level.  

Noticing that...we live in a beautiful country.  I loved traveling to see new places and new things.  There were so many gorgeous sights to behold.  I also noticed that a lot of the things that I thought were so spectacular on our trip out West are right here in my own backyard.  I just take them for granted here.  I’m trying to take a fresh look at our surroundings to see things the way a tourist would.  I’m looking at things and asking myself, “would I want to take a picture of that if I didn’t see it everyday?” – It’s fun to see my every day in a new light.

One of my favorite things...chocolate and peanut butter.  I’m obsessed, actually.  If they had rehab for this sort of thing I would have to check myself in.  No wonder I can’t commit to a weight loss plan…this stuff is dangerous!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Nate has his last swimming lesson this weekend and I’m taking him to see Lion King at the theater.  So exciting!  

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 

I brought the boys to and took photos at a fire department training over the weekend and this was my favorite shot of Dave working the hose.  They were "drafting" (pulling water from a farmer's pond and transferring it back and forth between the trucks to "fight the fire") - It was cool to witness and (of course!) the boys LOVED it! 

Simple Woman's Daybook...March 1, 2011

FOR TODAY...March 1, 2011

Outside my window...the sun is setting on what turned out to be a great day!

I am thinking...about the fun day we had today.  I put Nate on the bus this morning and then Alex and I walked around the corner to drop in on my brother and play with my nephew.  I had been feeling disconnected lately so I was happy to spend some one on one time with them and air my concerns.  When Nate got home from school we loaded up and met Heidi and clan at Chuck E. Cheese's for some fun.  

I am thankful for...the time I have been able to spend at home with my boys these past couple of weeks.  I feel so much more in control when I have an inside hand in what's going on here at home instead of just flying through once in a while like I do working 40 hours/week.  

From the kitchen...the kitchen is closed tonight.  I had big intentions of making something for dinner but by the time we got home it was the farthest thing from my mind.  The boys were less than cooperative so I gave up.

I am wearing...the outfit I wore to meet Heidi earlier...plus my bathrobe.  I have a chill I can't get rid of so I layered up.  

I am remembering...that Dave will be changing shifts again when I go back to work.  We will see each other very infrequently so I am glad it is short lived and remembering that it will all be worth it once he's certified and doing something new that he loves.

I am going...to enjoy the last couple of days home with my boys.  We have few plans that will take us away so we'll stick close to home.

I am hoping...to survive the month of March with few casualties.  

I am hearing...nothing.  I am breathing a sigh of relief while Dave has taken the kids to town to get Chinese food for dinner.   Between getting up at 5AM and no nap for Alex, I am at wit's end.  Alex gets so wired and rotten when he's tired and today he's tired beyond even that!

Pondering these words..."Chances are good that you won't have to see me again" - Dr. Andolina, Blood Disorder Specialist at Strong Pediatric Hematology 

We got the call tonight that Alex's blood work came back looking good.  He is a little low on the iron but not detrimentally so.  The doctor said his hemoglobin numbers were a bit low but that could be explained by his attempt to overcome anemia or a viral infection he may have had recently wherein he'd still be building his numbers back up.  He recommended we continue supplementing his iron for another month or so and then have him checked again at his 3-year check up in September.  But all in all, everything checked out.  *sigh of relief  

Around the house...general run-of-the-mill chaos.  Pillows, toys, basic fire fighting equipment is strewn about, as usual.  Tomorrow I will tackle that, the dishes, the laundry, and snuggle with my boys some more.  

On my mind...I'm trying not to dwell on it, but I feel the pressure as these three weeks home with my babies comes to a close.  I really wanted to figure out some magical equation that would allow me to make this staying home thing work for all of us, for real.  But alas, here we are and I'm no closer than I was three weeks ago to being able to make a living from home.

Noticing that...my head spins when I get the option of having 5 minutes to myself.  Should I blog?  Take a shower?  Nap?  Clean?  Fold Laundry?!?!  So many options...so little time.  Usually by the time I figure something out my time is up.

One of my favorite things...my laptop.  It allows me to be "connected" while still being connected where I need to be.  I'm able to get a lot of stuff done without being away from where the action is.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  haircut, swimming lessons, hanging with the family.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Chloe and Nate were playing a game at Chuck E. Cheese today that simulated electric voltage and they had to hold on for a certain amount of time to earn tickets.  I love the look on their faces...classic!

Finally!

Finally the weather warmed up enough so we could get the kids out sledding today!  It was a perfect day  for it!  After last year's (literal) run-in with a tree, I insisted the boys wear their bike helmets for safety.  

  

After a couple trips down the hill (and rides back up the hill!), Alex was content to sit at the top at eat the snow while the big kids (Nate & Brie) went down over and over.  He even talked a big game about building a "snow castle" but couldn't maneuver his fingers well enough in those bulky gloves.

Aunt Tiff hung out with her Godson while I took an "emergency" run down the hill to find out what was wrong with Nate as he lay at the bottom of the hill.  As it turns out, you apparently can't get back up the hill while still laying on your sled.  That was Nate's big drama.  

Couple more runs down the hill for Nate and Brie whilst the rest of us hung out up top and ate more snow.  Yum!

And finally, exhaustion set in. 

He was done.  It was too much work!

So, we packed up and headed to Cam's Pizzeria for some delicious (and WARM!) lunch!  

What a fun day!