The day after Christmas (where we celebrate the holiday with my parents and close family friends) was warm and laid back. A smaller crowd than in years past...but a treat compared to last year! The weather was gorgeous and mom and dads yard seemed to be showing off. Later in the week we deposited our children back to their grandparents, where they continued the tradition of ringing in the new year with their cousin Ellie. Scott and I used the time to complete our first snowy winter mountain accent. We stuck with familiar ground and returned to Burnt Meadow Mountain. It was at times easier than in warmer weather. For one thing we could shed layers to maintain a comfortable body temp...and it was nice not tripping over roots (common complaint when hiking in and around the White Mountains) because they were covered in snow. Some parts were slippery, but at least if you fell you were cushioned by snow. The last month or so has brought a few storms. Some mostly ice, others did not disappoint with heavy snow. Kids have had their 3 snow days and are dreading another storm. If they can't get to school they will have to remote learn. Ethan has been lucky. He dodged all that last year due to still being a homeschooler. Fiona knows how crappy the remote learning experience is... I have enjoyed breaking in my new cross country skis. Scott trots ahead on his snow shoes, and is there to help me up when I take a digger. (Which I manage to do without fail every time.)
Fiona has had a good run the past few weeks. She found out she won a gold and silver key award in the Scholastic Art competition. This marks the third year in a row winning at least two awards. The gold is for a mixed media sculpture and the silver is for a photo. She has also managed to get her driver's permit. Now all we have to do is log 70 hours of practice driving before she goes for her license test.
Ethan continues to attend three evenings of baseball clinics each week in preparation for spring. He works at the after school program the other two days a week when he gets home from his school day. Fiona also works at the same place...but 3 days a week. I am so proud of the kids. Managing excellent grades, jobs, sports and friends.
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| My sister brought the hounds. |
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| Oh, Olive... |
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| The ice on trees in my parents yard. Stunning. |
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| Mountain hike in snow. |
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| I swear we are waaaay up high. |
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| Green in the dead of winter. Amazing. |
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| Leading the way. |
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| Our front yard during storm. |
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| I think I ski slower than I walk... |
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| Sun spot nap! |
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| My amazing down hill run. I think I hit 2 miles/hour. Intense. |
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| Sun splat. |
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| Out our front window. Second storm... |
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| Zainab and I made the yummiest rice empanadas? |
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| Stuffed with veggies and imitation (vegetarian) beef. |
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| This is the before..... |
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| And her after! Nose piercing! |
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| Same day. Got her permit! |
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| Something is roaming around our back yard. |
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| Mom thinks it's a coyote. I'm thinking fox. |
