Snow!

This is the first year the kids have been out in the snow. The kids--especially the girls--love to play outside. They don't last that long because they get cold, but they love to go out. Getting them dressed to go outside takes about as long as they spend outside, but as long as they have fun, is all that matters!

The first thing they wanted to do was make snow angels. I just watch in amazement while they lay down in the snow...wouldn't catch me in doing that in a million years, even if I had snow pants and hats on! They also went down the slide, played in their playhouse and threw a few snowballs (Jack was throwing at me!). I got the sled out and pulled them and they loved that. Finally, we attempted to make a snowman. He was a small one because the snow wasn't the best and they kids started to get cold.

This hawk lives in the trees behind our neighbor's house. We see it from time to time and have even seen it eating a mouse! Jack spotted it today and called it an owl!

Since it was New Year's Eve, we let the kids stay up (or attempt to) to see the ball drop. Kate and Elizabeth made it to 10 PM, Anna fell asleep at 10:30 and Jack made it to 11:00. I tried to wake up Jack at 11:55, but he would not open his eyes! We had some friends over earlier in the evening for chili and snacks and had a great time with them. Jack loved playing with his buddy, Sean, but he was upset the next morning when he woke up that he did not see the ball drop. We had taped it, so we let him watch it. I am not sure he was that impressed! Maybe next year the kids will make it to midnight.