Bean There?. . . Get it;)

We've had a really fun weekend with our cousins visiting from Canada! I think they brought the Great North's weather with them because we've been enjoying a winter wonderland since they got here. Yesterday for President's Day we went to beautiful Sundance to try our skills. I must admit that I was by far the least skilled in that skill but had a wonderful day anyway. We took the four oldest kids and let them have a go on the slope. It was a lot of work getting them up the rope tow but once there they were pros. They stayed for about one hour then went home with Grandpa while the parents stayed up to ski. It was so fun but I'm so sore today. I'm not as young as I used to be--pretty profound, huh!?
Here are the kiddos enjoying some light refreshments after working so hard. Nothing like a good 'ole PB and J to restore your energy.
Today we tried to do something fun just to keep up so we went over to the Monte L. Bean Museum for the reptile show. Every time I go there I think of my very brave sister, Jamie, who used to work there and do the shows. She was the one holding the rats that they fed to these bad boys--shout out to you, Roo. The kids were pretty impressed by this seven foot boa constrictor, named Rocky. We also saw a pretty cute box turtle, snake eggs, and stuffed turtles. That was a little sad for the kids and they kept asking why they were dead and where their spirits were. It was a great doctrinal discussion. So, we are ready for some more fun stuff and will let you know how we top these.

Preparedness

I went to a very "informative" meeting last night and realized that there are a few things that I've got to get on:). Hopefully, only figuratively speaking. We had an earthquake awareness meeting where we were given lists and lists of things that we should do to get ready for the Immenant Danger. I've decided I'm just going to focus on one list each month so I don't feel so overwhelmed financially and mentally. I feel like we've got great food storage--living with the very prepared parents that we are with. But I know that our 72 hour kits are way out-dated and I don't have a beautiful bucket port-a-potty on hand. I would hate to get stuck without one of those:). So, I thought I'd include the list of items needed to create one of these so you, too, can create one of these in your own home. (I'm sure most of you already have this. . .)

Emergency "PORTA POTTY" Kit:

1. 5 gallon bucket with carry handle
2. Seat with lid (can be purchased @ emergency stores)
3. 8 gallon size plastic garbage bags to line bucket (several boxes seeing how you don't know how long you'll need it.)
4. 7-8 rolls of toilet tissues (place individually in plastic sip-lock bags to keep from moisture or drying out)
5. Hand sanitation or moisture wipes
6. Air freshener (optional for some of you;))
7. One 2-liter plastic bottle with small grain kitty litter (sprinkle small amount in bottom of lined plastic garbage bag)--absorbs moisture but also smell!
8. 1 roll of paper towels

And the great thing is all of these items can be stored right in the 5 gallon bucket until it is needed:).

So, I feel like I've got a few things on my to-do list. Can't wait to have the satisfaction of having this done.