Zoe and I were craving something chocolate and sweet so we attempted microwave brownies in a mug. Not bad. Not fabulous but definitely curbed the chocolate craving.
For the last few months, our running group has been meeting downtown at 6:15 on Sunday mornings to run the semi-plowed, but lit, streets of town rather than brave the dark sidewalks on the north side. Most days, at that time of the day, we have the roads to ourselves. As the routes have become progressively longer, the need for a "cheat sheet" has grown. It usually ends of up wadded mess of paper but until we are in the home stretch, it's invaluable!
With the kids going through a serious phase of playing "slug bug" every time they see a VW Beetle or Bug driving down the road, it was almost fate that while the my car is in the shop, we are driving a loaner blue Beetle. I thought Beckett was going to explode when he realized we were going to be driving around in an actual slug bug!
With one last day of Winter Break to go, Z and I headed to a place we never visit: the mall. She had a list of "must go" places; I had a glimpse into the high school years of my not-yet-double-digit daughter. We must have spent an hour in Claire's alone! I suspect my mom had the same experience with me.
We all went into Traverse City today for lunch at The Dish and then spent some time walking around town. After the adults had their fun, it was time to take the kids for their first tubing experience. Timberlee Acres is about 15 minutes outside TC. The hill was long and gradual and the tow rope to the top was as much fun for my two as the ride back down turned out to be. After a few runs in a double tube with the dude, I went solo and the kids took off on their own double tube. What an awesome end to the day! I cannot wait to take them again.
I took the kids to the library today to pick up a few books before Winter Break starts for Z. After a potty break, I turned around and found B cackling hysterically and shaking his head back and forth under the hand dryer. What a great reminder that anything can be funny if you let it.
More snow today and it all came in a giant white wash of weather that coated everything with a thick layer of the cold stuff while making streets a white out.
I made the kids one of their favorite dinners tonight - cheeseburgers - and topped it off with a BIG plate of chocolate covered strawberries. I think I ate one! They had more fun blowing bubbles in their milk and I, for once, looked the other way rather than scolding.
The kids finished their Valentines tonight, completed with goodies. Zoe made her own tic-tac-toe game and filled small attached bags with pink and white m&ms. Beckett loved his "hey smartie" Valentines. There will come a day when class parties aren't as exciting as they are now so, for now, I will revel in the excitement of being a kid!
Zoe was hard at work tonight on the Valentines for her classmates. She had made up an idea of exactly what she wanted to create, put together a shopping list of materials she needed and planned her work. I was both proud and, I admit, a little surprised. I can't wait to see how they turn out!
After more than 15 years of living in this Dutch community, the "Dutch Only Parking" sign at DeBoer Bakery still cracks me up. The kids still get excited at the prospect that this plain white box may hold lekkerbekjes - one of their favorite pastries.
Today we were invited out the sled the dunes at the end of Riley Street by super family friends of ours, known to us as the "Chapinators". Miles and Beckett had a blast tearing it up on the chute that ran from the top of the dune down through the beach grass and onto the flat. Rodger and Zoe found a quiet moment exploring the ice on the lake.
Another sunny blue sky day - what a treat! Normally, we have grey skies throughout the entire winter so having a day of blue is a real change. The trees were still full of snow and Beckett was full of energy. With all the snowfall lately, the height of the hill has exceeded the 5 foot aluminum ladder. Still, the dude is quite adept at making the climb to the top with ladder in hand.
More snow, more snow blowing, more shaping of the snow hill and the snow cave below. Rodger conquered the hill tonight and added a light in the snow cave. The kids love having their own private sledding run and the big "kid" would surely admit to loving to build it!
With the sun coming out and warming up the ice on the roof, I decided to try to knock some of the bigger icicles off the areas over which the kids like to play. Hmmm, I did not anticipate my weapon of choice getting stuck. After some fancy finagling with paint roller extensions and an extra piece of trim left over from our kitchen remodel, the ball was "removed". I bet the neighbors got a good laugh over it!
We are SO spoiled! A Valentine's box of goodies arrived today from my mom. The kids are getting good at recognizing her handwriting :) I wish a photo could reflect all the oohs and aahs of opening the box and discovering a treasure trove of sweetness. Thank you Mom!
Beckett had his 5 year well visit appointment today and if growing like a weed! In fact, after getting a clean bill of health and having shot up to 45" tall, I realized it was time to let out the grow cuffs built into his winter coat. I suspect I was postponing the inevitable!
With the wind whipping and the snow flying, Rodger headed our for the blustery run in full cold weather gear, including some typically reserved for the ski hill!
