Fairbanks

 We were SO lucky to have Grandma and Papa Shinsel come up a few weeks ago and visit with us and then stay with the kids while Andy and I took a trip to Fairbanks for 5 days! I think its the first vacation we've done that wasn't visiting family since we got married. I was kind of worried about how Wynn would do, but both kids did well. They didn't show any signs of being upset until about the last 24 hours. It was weird to be able to do whatever we wanted, but we had tons of fun. I took lots of naps and we spent a lot of time just lounging around like we never get to do anymore :). Highlights of our tourist adventures included a dog mushing race, the International Ice Festival, and riding the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage on the way home. We got to see some wildlife and true back country Alaska. Unfortunately it clouded over each night and we didn't get to see the spectacular auroras Fairbanks is famous for which makes me cringe just thinking about it. I really wanted to see those massive auroras! Now I'm already itching to go back....

The winning realistic sculpture (single block)

 The winning creative sculpture (multi block)

We went back at night to see the sculptures all lit up/

Sydney is 5!

Sydney had an really fun birthday this year. At five, she loves all things princesses and ponies. She reads very well and is very into making things and crafts. She loves to talk and doesn't like to be alone (except for during quiet time which she still enjoys and spends her time drawing and singing/listening to music in her room), but takes a while to warm up to new people. She really enjoys playing with Wynn as long as she is in charge of what they are doing ;). Since Sydney is so into crafts right now, we spent all week before prepping the games and decorations for her party. I think that made her enjoy it even more. Everyone started out finding their lost "ball" shoe, before decorating their crown and shields for the ball. Then we had snacks, played games and broke open the pinata Andy and Sydney spent the past few nights making together. It turned out to be super strong and needed some help opening :). We learned our lesson for next time. She requested a strawberry cake, with strawberry frosting, and strawberry ice cream, so that is what we did!. Sydney had such an awesome time and was so thrilled with her friends' presents, she didn't have any interest in our little family party and presents after her friends left so we continued the celebration the next day. Wynn was super excited to help her out with the present part and is already talking about his birthday. He loves being surrounded by all the older kids and trying to get in on their games. He doesn't understand why the kids his age don't interact like he wants them too. He's a social butterfly just like his sister! Happy fifth birthday Sydney. We love you :)

Ski lesson

Sydney's preschool had a field trip up to the Eaglecrest Ski Resort again this year for a ski lesson. Sydney was super excited since she remembered going last year. She barely slept the night before just like on Christmas Eve because she kept waking up in anticipation. Luckily she held up pretty well. Last year she didn't make it through the last half hour of the lesson because she said she was tired, but this year after a boot size change towards the start she was good to go! She even could turn and aim a little bit for the foam block towers they set up for the kids and could stop herself by the end of the lesson. Wynn enjoyed running around on the snow and throwing the stuffed animals they had for the kids to hold and ski with too.

Cookie Cutters

For months now Andy has been working on building a 3D printer. Now that he has it working pretty well, he has been able to make them some custom things which they have really enjoyed,. So far he has made them mickey rings, a toy airplane, a catapult, and most recently, cookie cutters. Sydney is super into My Little Ponies so he made her a 'Pinkie Pie' cookie cutter and Wynn got an Ironman face cookie cutter. Wynn likes to call himself Ironman now and runs around the house 'flying.' It has been cool to watch Andy make something... I'm always in awe at what he can do. Now I need to think of something useful and plastic that I want him to make for me too :).

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