Fun in the Snow and Ice!

The day after Thanksgiving we had an impromptu ice skating party at our local elementary school (they all have outdoor rinks). But it had snowed all weekend, so James and Eric had to work hard to shovel away a loop to skate on! The kids had a great time - they are so much more confident on their skates than they were last year, especially Parker. It is so fun to see them learning new things!

Sadly, the fun ended with all three of our kids like this. It was about 10 degrees and COLD, and we stayed just a little too long, culminating in lots of tears as we loaded into the car.

This is what the front yard looked like on Friday... so beautiful.

And this was our sunset. The sky was so pink and gorgeous, with a strip of blue at the bottom. It was amazing, I wish the pictures could do it justice!

That night, we were out of energy for making dinner, so we decided on a party buffet. Leftover Thanksgiving appetizers and rolls, sliced apples and pears, Chex Mix, and popcorn. Can't eat gourmet every night, even when you've got a chef in the kitchen. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we enjoyed Thanksgiving with my Aunt Gail and her family, and my Grandma Teddy. It was a relaxing and enjoyable day, with delicious food of course! We love being up here with so much family around!

Claire loves Grandma Teddy!

Claire made Dave do countless rounds of "This Little Piggy" on her fingers and toes.

Visiting with Wyatt

With a little superhero awesomeness to end the night

Sledding Saturday

We have gotten a TON of snow lately! On Saturday we headed out back and made some sledding paths in the very deep snow!

 I love this picture because you can tell how deep the snow is on Claire and Lucy.

Sure, we'll trick-or-treat in a snow storm

It snowed the day before Halloween this year. Dang it! Each kid wore two pairs of pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a fleece, and two pairs of socks. Then we put on costumes. Then on went coats, hats, and gloves. The time we slaved away on Kenley's Rapunzel wig did NOT take into account her wearing a bright rainbow colored beanie underneath it. *sigh* Oh well. Our fellow Alaskans would understand.

Very puffy children.

 Traipsing to the car for Trunk-or-Treat.

The night started off well enough, though I was reminded of my days as a pseudo-single parent as I took the three kids around by myself while James helped hand out much-needed hot chocolate.

 Midway through the Trunk-or-Treat, the weather deteriorated to this. Wind and snow. Oddly enough, the kids didn't complain at all, or even really mention it. They're getting to be old pros at this Alaska thing.

 While James finished up with the hot chocolate, the kids ate candy and watched a movie in the van. Note all the snow on our windows accumulated in the hour or so that we were at Trunk-or-Treat.

 

It was definitely a memory-maker!

Pumpkin Carving

It didn't happen until the night before Halloween, but at least it happened!

 Parker was NOT enjoying the smell of the pumpkin. Help! It's a healthy food!

Cutie Claire

I just love taking pictures of this sassy little girl. And she loves to have her picture taken. So that works out well.

Oh, I love this face. She is so sassy and bossy, but I just adore her.

Treats with Troxells

Of course October = treats and sweets! Sugar cookies and caramel apples make everyone happy!

 

 (Kenley styled Marci's hair in ^^that^^ pic)