Have I mentioned how awesome our extended family is for sharing their fun toys with us? Michael’s brother sold his boat recently, but until he did, he would take us out on it in the summer. His sister Maren and her husband Clarke, own a condo in Park City and called us up and offered it to us for a few days over New Year’s. We’ve ne
ver gone somewhere as a family before, without it serving an additional purpose of visiting some extended family! We packed up the kiddos and head up there on the 30th and came back on New Year’s Day. It was so fun! It sleeps 12 and there was plenty of room for them to run around. On the deck they have a hot tub. Of course that’s one of the first things the boys noticed about the place and was the first thing they asked to go do! But, as they were making that request, they were a bit distracted by the foosball table…..and Michael was too! We really just enjoyed some quality family time; less distractions, less media, more interaction. It was nice.
Aside from just hanging out a lot, we managed to venture out and see the Olympic Park with the kids. We took a tour of the museum over there. The kids liked the hands on activities. Favorites included the 3D skiing (especially Scott who went through a strange obsession with watching roller coasters on YouTube, and pretending he was really riding them….this was right up his alley), and a 
display that showed downhill skiing technique where they pulled a lever and watched these big balls run down a hill with a big mogul on it. They also like the idea of Bobsledding. Thanks to the babysitter, they were recently introduced to “Cool Runnings,” and bobsledding. Ironically enough I had just told Michael I wanted to show them that show, thinki
ng they would probably like that…..and they did :) We also ventured down to an actual bobsledding course and walked onto it. They have a zipline and obstacle course set up that you can try out, but honestly, it was WAY too cold to even attempt….not to mention Scott was a bit under the weather. After that we rode around town a little and took the boys to Café Rio for lunch. Going out to eat anywhere and sitting down is 
a big deal, so they thought that was pretty special! They make me laugh (most of the time). I have to say there was one experience that was a little sad. Scott had hurt his hand and really was miserable with whatever this cold/flu is that he’s had and started screeching when he got hurt, at the restaurant. This woman sitting next to me (obviously judging me….I could feel it
, big time as she stared), starts chatting with her daughter about how this must be a screeching session we are having. They both eyed me and I have to admit, at first I was a little embarrassed, but that quickly turned into anger within minutes at how they would try to make me ashamed of my kids and having 4 of them. Trust me, seriously, that much was conveyed in the expressions and stares……
and comments. How sad are they!? We left and it was quickly forgotten, or so I thought, until I started blogging this…..but you get the picture…..
When we got back, Michael took the boys sledding near the condo. When that time rolled around, quite frankly, I was chilled and a bit tired of being cold, so I bowed out. They still had fun, but it only lasted about 20 minutes before Michael decided he felt the same. I think it was only 15 degrees midday!
We did manage to make it to the hot tub too! That was fun! I wa
s bummed I forgot my swimsuit, so I was able to don Michael’s shorts and T shirt instead. I think it was a bit colder than it would have been, had I been in a swimsuit. Sitting in a hot tub in the snow is awesome! Sitting in one without kids would be even more awesome, but sitting in one with them was fun!
All in all, it was a really nice time and we are so grateful to the Hilbigs for sharing their fun toy :)
