Happy 2016!

2016 is off and running! We finished 2015 by taking the kids to the ice skating rink.  This was H's first time on the ice, so we got her a plastic guide that was pretty valuable in keeping her upright.  She was fighting a cold that became an ear infection a couple of days later, so she tuckered out after 40-ish minutes, but I think she liked it.

Owen spent a lot of time on the ice, but I was so proud of him for not giving up.  He had lessons last year, but it took him a while to remember what to do.  By the end of our hour, he was doing really well!  We might have to try this again when they are both healthy.

We had a very quiet, calm winter break from school.  Between illnesses and the frigid temperatures, we laid pretty low. The kids did go play in the snow a few times though. I think I've mentioned how Owen loves to fall down for comedic effect.  The snow increases that! Although he claims not to like winter or having to put on all the extra layers...

But winter has its perks!  The house building going on behind us led someone to use a snow-covered dirt pile as the starting ramp for a ski jump they created in the drainage area. You could pick up a lot of speed going down this ramp! The kids always veered off the path before the jump, which was probably a good thing, but Mom hit the jump a few times. Ouch! I would have taken a video, but my phone decided it was full. :(

And lastly, the gingerbread houses saw their demise. Someone was not deterred by stale gingerbread or hardened icing...