Winter catch-up

Well, we're playing catch-up again with pictures from January and February in Hanover. 

I took all three kids ice skating only once this winter. Within a few minutes, only Nicholas remained on skates. Donovan and Lily quickly changed back into boots - and were far, far happier. Nicholas spent a second day on skates (when ski practice was cancelled due to no snow), and is starting to get the hang of skating. 

Lily, Nicholas, and Donovan

I also took the kids (candle pin) bowling. This was far more successful than ice skating. The balls are light enough that even Lily can hold them, and there is a great ramp that the kids can use to send the ball down the lane. Lily actually won the game...

Nicholas and Lily

We had high hopes that we would get at least one good winter storm (and school was cancelled twice), but we've only had about 3-6 inches of snow for much of the winter. 

Doug and Lily 

Lily in the snow.

Nicholas - making some alterations to the snow gauge.

Donovan LOVES to eat snow...

In mid-February, Hanover puts on a Pond Party on Occom Pond. Much of the party targets young children - with ice slides, sledding, fishing games, etc. The kids loved it.

Donovan and Nicholas - this is the back side of the ice house below. 

Donovan on the slide, with Nicholas ready to go.

Lily - attempting to catch a magnetic fish. 

Donovan and Nicholas in some oversized snowshoes.

 For the past two months, Nicholas has had skiing lessons once a week. I think it has given him some confidence and skills in going up and down hills - and Lily, Donovan, and I have had a lot of fun skiing together. 

Lily is always cheerful when it comes to skiing. She has great balance and just keeps plodding away. I've never heard her complain while skiing. 

Donovan is always a joker. He really loves to go downhills - and also loves to try to catch Nicholas or Lily and topple them over.

Nicholas - serious as usual - but getting pretty fast, and very proud of his ability to ski down some pretty big hills.  

Our outside fun came to a sudden halt after returning from Wisconsin. In an unfortunate accident, Lily broke her right leg. She is in a cast for 3 weeks (we're halfway through). The cast slowed her down for a day as she learned to crawl, then walk holding on to furniture, and then walk by herself, run, climb, and be crazy... 

Lily loves the hot pink cast. 

She attached the balloon strings around her waist saying "Lily put on Lily seatbelt."She then stood up and ran around the house yelling "Lily go BLASTOFF".

The broken leg has not slowed her down...

For more pictures, see the slideshow below: