We had a serious bit of snow the first Friday in January, I happened to be out running errands when it started.
Snowy parking lot
Our front porch even more decorated
Little did I know the next week would bring an even bigger snow storm with two days off from school for the kids.
9 a.m. photo
We took that time to put away the Christmas tree and indoor decorations. The outdoor lights were already partially buried in snow so I decided to leave them up.
Vacuuming up fake needles that fell off our fake tree!
We had a family video game night for which the kids were especially enthusiastic...
Are we having fun yet?
The next day we played in the snow, or at least the youngest did...
Sledmaster!
I forgot to post this video with last month's post (or even the Christmas post), so here is the rocket launch from our cul de sac. What an awesome Christmas present!
Our youngest was the top speller in his classroom in December, which meant he moved on to the school-wide spelling bee in January. The school sent two tickets home for parents or other adults to come watch on a Friday afternoon. He was eliminated in the fifth round when he stumbled on "committee." Too many double letters! He confided in me afterwards that he did not want to go on to the county-wide spelling bee and would have deliberately misspelled a word if it was down to three students.
Some chairs emptied by round three
On the spot
We went to a concert for our eldest held at his school. It was a fun time!
High school band
We did our first rollerskating of the year at the nearby rink. I swear my youngest has other t-shirts!
Wearing a chess shirt to a roller rink?!?
I was amazed to see a certain chocolate bar in a local convenience store. Our family is convinced that Mr. Goodbar only comes in the Halloween multi-packs, but there it was.
No more need to go looking for Mr. Goodbar
We went ice skating at Color Burst Park, which was a lot harder than the roller rink.
We went to Savage Fest this year (see our visit on a previous year) and only stayed a little while. The kids are too big for the bouncy castle and too young for all the arts and crafts booths. We did a little of the feeding animals area and saw some jump rope routines.
Feeding a calf
A bunch of goats
Black sheep
Kangaroo Jumpers
More of the same
Big bubble guy
That night, we went to Pepper Jacks for dessert and I got the butter pecan milkshake. There was a little too much crust for my taste, otherwise delightful!
Butter Pecan Milkshake
My youngest completed his Webelos requirements and has bridged over to work on his Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting.
Literally on the bridge
Being silly
We went to the neighboring county library for a program on chemistry, electricity, and batteries. It was a lot of fun, though the kids complained about learning outside of school, especially during the summertime. We parents liked it a lot.
Modeling atoms is not glamorous?
Building one atom of copper
Proper scientists have eye protection
Vinegar-based multi-cell battery
Oxidizing epsom salt water
My daughter has starting making fabulous chocolates as a summertime activity. We encourage her in this endeavor.
The mold and the gold
While running errands, I spotted a suspicious pair of stickers on a car. I hope they are not directly related!
Hmmm
With nice weather, we went on a walk around Lake Kittamaqundi in Columbia.
Not quite sunset
Enjoying a swing
My youngest made a new milestone--going around the roller rink without holding on to anything! He has become a much better skater, though the effort took a lot.
More photos that did not make their own blog post...
While my son was having his scoutmaster meeting for his Eagle Project, I had to hang out at the restaurant (The Corner Stable). I ordered the shrimp special and a pumpkin ale aged in bourbon barrels. Both were delicious. The meeting went well too.
Not a cute kid pic, sorry!
My younger son started working on his pinewood derby car for Scouts. Here he is smoothing down the axles.
Finally using power tools!?!
We went to the roller rink for the first time in a long time. Our youngest still isn't sure on his feet but he is working on it.
Rare (and lucky) shot of all three children
Getting help from mom
While geocaching, I ran across a random statue that seemed really random--like a random face and number of feet, random materials, random proportions, etc. How many people want their arms attached to their knees?
Unnamed work in Columbia, MD
We had a substantial snow day, leading to lots of sledding but only one picture.
Using the neighbor's hill
During one of the snow days, we went mini-golfing, indoors of course!
Putting into the corner hole
A bunch of posers
The final hole!
Before the AFC Championship, I went to a Baltimore Ravens rally at a local shopping center. The marching band and some of the cheerleaders were there, along with some uber-fans.
Side view of the band
Front view from back of the crowd
What a car!
I saw a hawk sitting on our backyard fence. I got a picture through the kitchen window. I tried to open the sliding door to the back but it flew away.
Usually squirrels are in that spot
My eldest participated in one of his fellow Scout's Eagle Court of Honor and did a great job. It will be his turn soon!
Our toddler is getting bigger, smarter, and more coordinated every day. The rate of change is impressive and worrying. Luckily, we have two older siblings to help keep up with him!
He is getting better at singing and dancing, which isn't so much of a problem. His taste in music is mostly based on YouTube videos, with Pentatonix and Sandra Boynton being the current favorites.
He's even shown interest in playing baseball like his big brother, trying on a helmet at the sporting goods store. We were shopping for big brother. Maybe the equipment will still be in good enough shape to be hand-me-downs in six or seven years?
Ready for a snowy world series!
For Christmas, our toddler received some roller skates (thanks Uncle Nate and Auntie Helen!). He had his first experience on a Tuesday night during the family skate at Laurel Skating Center.
Working on his skating skills
A happy skater moving at blurring speeds
He has also figured out how to undo the strap of his highchair, which makes meal and snack times a little more hazardous exciting.
What will you give me not to get down!
Life is a joy, especially because it brings so many new, wonderful, and surprising things!
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