Life continues to be heavy, friends, and I know we’re all feeling it. Around the world it seems like we’re going about our daily lives — sending kids to school, getting dinner on the table, meeting work deadlines (or trying to) — while emotionally, we’re all dying a little bit inside.
The stories and photos out of Ukraine are heartbreaking, and what the kids are going through … it will be with them their entire lives. It feels wrong that this is happening, while I’m over here typing up a blog post, including photos of how we’ve spent our “carefree” time over the past few months since the holiday. It doesn’t just feel wrong, it is wrong.
And yet … here we are. In 2022, we live in a world where one insane leader has enough power (and money) to force an entire country of people into an unwarranted war, while we sit idly by and watch. All the donations in the world can’t stop us from feeling lost, but it’s all we have. Today I donated to World Central Kitchen (and TripAdvisor is matching my donation). This organization is currently working at a 24-hour pedestrian border crossing in southern Poland and has expanded to provide meals to refugees as they flee to the neighboring countries of Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Slovakia. If you can, consider donating here, or at any number of organizations doing amazing work.
I can’t stop reading and thinking about and praying for the people for Ukraine, even as I try to keep a normal face for my kids. We’re so incredibly lucky to live where we live — despite the issues we put up with — and I hope we never, ever forget that.
Bis bald, friends — I hope you’re doing well. Here’s a little bit of what we’ve been up to lately.
Grace and Chris have gone skiing most weekends since we got back from Christmas, and it’s the definition of adorable. He brings them to Eldora, which is the perfect little mountain for kids.She’s getting so good at it, too!Meanwhile, Lotte started ski lessons this past weekend as well, and she is, as you can see, too cool for school 😉I cannot wait for us all to get on the mountain together <3Besides skiing, the girls have also been in swim classes at the YMCA, which has been so much fun.Sledding at the girls’ school for the first time was an experience. (Hint: Everyone goes really fast!)Chris ran a race a few weeks back to raise money for the victims of the Boulder fire. As usual he was very impressive, coming in 8th out of more than 800 people!Tiny supporter <3This one keeps us on our toes and smiling!Meeting up with Lotte’s kindergarten class at Urban Air Adventure was a highlight for both Lotte & Grace. The coolest!Drinks with a friend at the new Mexican restaurant Lady Nomada in Olde Town Arvada was quite restoring. Lotte seems to have a birthday party every other weekend to attend, and I’m not mad that after 2+ years of hibernating, she’s finally able to socialize the way kids should. It’s the most fun to watch her flourish.We made a REAL thing out of Valentine’s Day this year because we’ve decided that there’s just not enough to celebrate in life anymore, so why not celebrate where we can <3There were a lot of hearts in our day <3And smiles <3Coffee and treats at Kneaders after school and before Lotte had ballet was a highlight. We’ve had lots of awesome-weather days during these past few months, and when that happens we always try to take advantage.Majestic View Park is never not one of my favorite spots. <3<3<3The Denver Zoo is another of our fave nice-weather activities. Especially when it involves merry-go-round rides!
And that’s about it, my friends. Hug those loved ones tight, be grateful for the good things … and help out where you can. It’s the least we can do.
