Princesses and Snowboards

A montage of the past couple weekends finds us in the woods, fairyland and even the slopes. Seems like we haven't spent much time outside this winter, be it horsing around in the backyard after supper or just getting out for a walk. The weather has been pretty good, but the kids have gotten so involved in skating lessons, floor hockey, gymnastics and girl scouts that by the time you toss in the occasional play date or sleep over there is little time or motivation to create outdoor experiences. Two weeks ago Sophia and I had much anticipated night out, while Merrick and Lisa went to a movie and dinner, we had a meal at nice restaurant and then went to the father daughter dance at a local high school. Sophia spent about two weeks planning what I would wear after getting her ensemble put together in about a month and a half. She was even able to ask me before we left, "Is that how you are going to comb your hair?" We had a wonderful time and Sophia quickly got used to me opening every door for her and generally leading me where ever she wanted to go. She had a couple of her friends at the dance, but she still generally chose me to dance with, a choice that still warms me greatly as I recognize the fleeting moment that the choice represents. We danced to every song but one, when Sophia had to stop for an ice cream break. Some of the high school girls were there dressed in massive 'princess' prom type dresses. Sophia wanted, and received, her picture taken with the princesses, at great risk to my own career of having high school girls pictures on my phone. My princess, Sophia, was certainly worth the risk.

We have been able to get some outdoor time by hiking near the house and watching the rabbit tracks weave in and out of the dried bamboo canes. Last weekend Sophia had a friend over and we headed north to the Oconto to take a hike. On the way up the friend said she had never been in the woods, so it was nice to introduce a 'new kid' to all of the tracks that we came across in the woods. With a fresh bit of snow we ended the weekend with a trip to the sledding hill armed with new snowboards. The kids did great. Turns out Sophia is a goofy foot and rides as a lefty, Merrick with no real surprise seems to excel at this athletic event. He rode all the way to the bottom of the hill several times and then just stepped out of the board when it stopped. Sophia did much better once we switched her bindings around. We rounded off the weekend with a solid spaghetti and meatball supper. Oh, but lest I forget about the restaurant of Friday night, I will sum it up with only that when we left the host asked Lisa "Are you sure you got all of your kids?" not a pleasant outing.