Braving the Cold

Here is Ian's view of the world in January. In Michigan.
A big sledding hill, with him on the top with his blue saucer sled.
A big snowman. Bare trees.
Snowflakes falling.

The view out my window doesn't look much different!
Even the gray background.
Despite the cold, I love winter. I love cozy nights spent at home and I love
any excuse to whip up some hot chocolate.

Besides organizing and recouperating from "Christmas 2010",
the kids have started some new activites to help us make it to spring.

The boys are playing on indoor flag football teams.
The great thing about this league is that there are no practices,
just Saturday games for 7 weeks...YES!

There are also only 8 boys on each team, which means LOTS
of playing time. Alec's team won their first game on Saturday -
which was so exciting for him since his Broncos team had such a losing-streak last fall.

Ian and Adam's team won their game on Saturday, too. Not sure
how much they contributed to the win, but it was a hoot watching
them try to get ANYONE'S flag who got near them, even if they
didn't have the football.

Riley's rehearsals for Willy Wonka are in full-swing now.
If you haven't heard, she got the part of Grandpa George.


Grandpa George is the one who stays in the bed. All through ACT I.
Grandpa Joe, the other grandpa, is the one who goes to the chocolate factory with Charlie.

Riley was disappointed at first because she was cast as a man.
She was also bummed because she doesn't really get to sing or dance,
both things that she loves.
She pretty much just sits in a bed with 3 other people.

But after we looked over her lines, which are a lot,
we realized that her part is FUNNY. Really funny.

Grandpa George is hard of hearing. And his wife is always hitting him.
So, Riley has embraced her part as a grandpa and will learn a lot from this role.
She's had a great attitude and has turned her feelings of disappointment around.

The performances will be March 11, 12 and 13.

{Hannah at Grandma's house...playing the "Open-the-Present-with-Mittens-on-Game."}

Hannah has been busy with babysitting jobs,
YW activities, and choir concerts.

She has become my partner in the kitchen,
whether I'm making dinner or baking.

She also enjoys being my apprentice with
sewing & crafting projects.

And when I need help with a primary sharing time,
she is ready - scissors, crayons, stapler - in hand.
I don't know what I'd do without her!

Here's our latest creation in the kitchen...
Chocolate Covered Cake Balls. Dee-lish!