Experiencing Life

Maybe sometimes experiencing life to its fullest means trying out an unlikely solution... and ending up with cold toes.  And sometimes it means letting go and letting children learn their own way.

no broken bones

It's a miracle that no one broke an arm (or a neck) on today's sledding adventure.  And it's a good thing too, because a trip to the ER would have really ruined the fun we had on some seriously fast and furious slopes today.  First clue that we would have a great time (or die trying) was the sled shrapnel littering the the top and bottom of the long, steep hill.  And since it was a Yale campus hill, the sled shrapnel also included the mangled remains of many make-shift sleds (cafeteria trays, cardboard boxes, Rubbermaid tubs and lids and suitcases).  If I mentioned the scattered smooshed beer cans, would that mean I made a bad parenting choice?  Oh well, now it's out there.

We attacked this beast of a sledding hill for nearly two hours and had a wonderful time.  Races, chains, contests, jumps, penguin dives, wipe-outs and rescues kept us laughing the whole time.  

I've just decided that my new year's resolution is to soak it up.  Sure, there will continue to be bumps on the trail, but I'm resolving today to keep my eyes and heart wide open to the beauty of each fleeting moment.  I ordered a book today that will hopefully help with this "easier said than done" endeavor.  It's called "One Thousand Gifts" and maybe you'll hear some more about it here after it arrives.  

All bundled up and ready to go.

Looks like fun.

 

Thought about turning back, but embraced the danger instead!

Who needs a sled?  My children are penguins.

King of the mountain!

And finally... the aftermath:

big snow!

We sure have had a fun time in the aftermath of a hefty snowfall last week.  We had plenty of help digging out of the 17ish inches of snow that blanketed the city.  We've been shoveling, sledding, mountain-building, snowball throwing and plenty of slip-sliding around.  Snow days are such a treat, and we're enjoying them to the fullest.  

sledding

Dearest Michelle beat us to posting about a fun afternoon of sledding after a big snow storm this past week.  Which actually makes this post very easy.  Check it out.

Toothless Wonder

...and they continue to grow.  In so many ways.  Here's Brayan's first Jack o' Lantern grin after losing his first tooth.  Look out, tooth fairy, you have a new customer!

Happy Birthday Lucas

Dear Lucas,

You turned nine years old today.  We remember the first pictures we saw of you when you were only seven years old, and it amazes us how much has changed in two short years.  You are a clever and special boy and we are proud of all you've learned and who you are becoming before our eyes.  Happy birthday, darling!