Winter Wetlands

With a wintery but wet forecast and temps in the low forties we packed up the family truckster and headed north to the cabin.  It was the kind of winter wet that soaked your boots and gloves but didn't really make you cold or even uncomfortable.  More late March than mid-January.  We were fortunate to be invited back and have no major mishaps to report this year.  There was plenty of wonderful conversation around the fire and always plenty of food.  Filling both the mind and belly.  Sophia did have a puker, but it seems her belly can't handle a weekend of sugary foods and no limits.  Fortunately she rebounds quickly.  The kids spent some crazy amount of hours with the monopoly board to dry out after an afternoon in the snow.  We headed into the woods aways to build snowmen, but that quickly turned into a snowball fight.  The snow men did not last long.  The plan was to put a 2 pound tannerite explosive into the largest snow man, but sadly after several rounds it did not explode as planned.  It still gave everyone plenty of shooting opportunities.

Charged for Dinner

Basketball season is in full swing and and Grace's first tournament was plenty exciting.  They dominated their second game and easily won, but the first game went into 3 overtimes before ending in a tie.  That same day Sophia played her first indoor soccer of the season and they too won although they were down by one with under two minutes to play.  They scored a goal from behind the midfield line, which apparently counts as 2 points, to win the game.  Fast paced games for both of them and a great way to spend a Saturday when the weather outside is more sloppy spring than it is snow covered winter.  The weeks are busy but we do our best to have sit down family meals every night.  At least once a week and if we are lucky enough to have the a clear schedule the meals turn into postprandial conversations with a variety of topics.  At one point this week the topic of batteries came up and it became apparent that only Merrick and I had licked batteries, maybe it is testosterone poisoning caused by the Y chromosome but by the end of the meal is was still only Merrick and I that put terminals to tongue.  Ella retorted, "that is why women live longer than men."

And That's a Wrap

The holiday season has come to an end and the kids went out with a bang.  They all had friends sleep over on the new year and I think it was eleven kids in all.  Eleven kids and no incidents to report, is a great way to start the new year!  The Christmas season came and went the Ella and Grace were up early and searching for the pickle.  We had a big breakfast and awaited the other twos arrival.  With the gift wrapping cleaned up we pilled into the truck and headed to TR to gather with the family.  Good cheer was had by all.  The Winter break was heavy on relaxation and recharging, just as it should be.