Skate World

As if sledding weren't enough, we decided to go roller skating, too! Everybody got on skates, except for Haley and Dad. They were big chickens. I haven't been roller skating since college, and that was actually roller blading, but still.  The last time we went as a family, I was super pregnant, so I couldn't participate. But I'm not now, so I did!

Andrew and Joey were whizzing around the place with no problem.  After awhile, I helped Grace get her balance, and pulled her along right beside me.  The hardest was trying to keep Matt upright between my legs and skate at the same time.  After one lap, I was sweating like a pig. But he had a great old time, so around and around we went.

Lindsey brought her family, and she and I took turns taking our kids around the rink.  We looked just like we did in elementary school!  Although I didn't try going backwards this time, but boy were we good, back in the day -- skating to Bon Jovi!

Some things that are EXACTLY the same at the skating rink since I was in 5th grade:

The rink

The carpet

The skates

The disco balls

The bathrooms

The male workers (long, greasy hair - with nowhere else to go)

Wow.

Snowstorm #2

Last Saturday we woke up to a little more snow.  We got a call from the Shimamotos to go sledding, so off we went! The hill was half snow and half mud, but who knew that mud slides just as fast?  We were filthy, and it was only 5 degrees, but we had a blast and were out there for an hour.

Ben took Matthew down that hill I don't know how many times, but they always ended up like this for several minutes before Ben could get up:

But they kept going!

Ben and Grace taking the hill:

Ben and Joey:

Even I was convinced to go down the hill at the end.  It really warmed me up, although my butt hurt -- it was NOT a smooth ride.

Bertha's Birthday Party

A few weeks ago, we enjoyed cake and ice cream for Grandma Bertha's birthday party.  It was fun to see all the family.  Bertha turned 88 this year.

Matt and I playing:

 Gracie and Allison keeping each other company:

 Singing to the birthday girl:

***

So far, this winter has been great.  We've had warm weather, and just two snow storms, both of which have actually melted! But before it did, we spent some time outside.  Since there was such little snow, we were only able to make little snowmen, but Joey was still very proud.