Sledding at Sweetened Water

This morning was an absolutely glorious day for sledding here on the Vineyard. We woke up to sunny skies, no wind, and a sledding hill all to ourselves! 

We picked up our good friend "Bubble Joel", and hit the slopes! I hadn't been sledding at Sweetened Water Farm since I was a little girl, it certainly brought back the very best memories for me. The snow was absolutely perfect, light and fluffy, but easily packed down, not slushy at all,  the air was cool, but not freezing, and without any wind, I think I could have stayed there all day long. 

At one point, we took a break from the slopes, to visit with the lonely horse in the barn for a little while, and by the time we came back out, Isaac's friend Harley was there! That was a fabulous surprise! The two of them had an absolute blast sliding down the hills together, laughing and giggling the whole way down. 

They'd get to the bottom of the hill, roll over and each say "Just one more?" 

I think Harley's mom and I had just as much fun sledding down with them, even when I wiped out trying to walk back up the hill. 

So fun! I'd say it was probably one of the best days ever! 

The first snow

I woke up on Saturday morning to Isaac yelling, "Mama, mama! Come quick!" By the time I managed to shuffle my way out to the kitchen, he and Alexander were perched on the window seat, noses pressed against the window. It was hard to tell who was more excited! This was after all, Alex's very first snow. 


We waited until Michael came home from work, then we got all bundled up, and headed outside! It hadn't snowed very much at that point, but it was only 8 o'clock in the morning. We had so much fun running up and down the driveway, and pulling Isaac behind us in his "snow sleigh" (as he calls it). He had such a blast making snow angels and sliding down his snow covered slide. He even got to taste the snow! 


It kept snowing and snowing and snowing through yesterday, which means more snowy fun for Isaac! We have been reading so many books about snow, he had lots of fun things he wanted to try. He even built his very first snow man at my parents house! I'll post pictures when she emails them to me : ) 


Today promises yet another fun day in the snow! I'm greatfull that we have three pairs of snow pants for him, and three jackets, I only wish I had aother pair of snow boots! 

The first snow!

Crafty Kids

My amazing friend Claire, has set up these really fun art classes for our tots. Once a week, we rent out a great space in the next town, she always has some really fun craft for them to do, sometimes, like today, I have more fun with it then Isaac does. 
Today, we made decorations for Chinese New Year, paper lanterns, and a dragon fan, plus we read a book about silly dragons, and the kids all flew around the room like they were dragons. All except Isaac, it was "just too scary" for him. 

I can't wait for the crafts to continue! 

Ian turns 11

On the eleventh, Ian turned 11! It's hard to believe it, he's only a few short years away from being a teenager. Whew. . . 
Baba and Gigi (Michael's parents) came to visit, and stayed the whole week, which was a great birthday gift in itself!! 
Ian had a birthday donut for breakfast that morning, I had made cupcakes for his class at school, and then that night, we had a family party here at our house. He got a new hockey stick, a bunch of art supplies, and some new books, his fave! 
Yesterday, we packed up a bunch of his friends and headed to the Mansion House. We took over their pool area, and the kids all had a blast! Then, we all schlepped down to a pizza joint, and we took that over as well! 

What's better than a week-long birthday celebration?! Happy, Happy Birthday Ian!! 

First Trip to the Dentist

Isaac had his very first visit to the dentist, Dr. Golden. We had talked about what to expect for about a week or so, so that he would be prepared, I have always liked going to the dentist, I really didn't want him to be afraid at all. 
He did GREAT! The dentist specialized in toddlers, so he was really able to put Isaac at ease right away. Dr. Golden started the visit by letting Isaac walk all around the room, and ask any questions he wanted, then he showed him the tools and equipment that they'd be using, then he let Isaac play dentist with some puppets, well that was it. When Isaac saw the puppets, he was hooked : ) 

He was a fantastic dental patient! 

More Furry Animal Shelter Friends

It's hard to stay away from our local animal shelter. Ever since we adopted our loved Alexander from there, I feel a bit more of a bond with those fluffy friends. 


Isaac and I took advantage of a very cold day, and decided to go for a visit. Aun' Woo Woo (my sister) met up with us there, it's hard to not join in the fun. We met a few really nice cats, one of them is dubbed the Grandfather cat of the place. He's this very old guy, who loves to lounge in his rocking chair in the center of the room, and check in on everybody once in a while with a rattly old mmmeoow. 
There is a super affectionate orange cat (Henry?) who practically did somersaults for Isaac to pet him. There was a young, maybe 6 month old, black kitten in the caged off section. Isaac and Aun' Woo Woo were in there with him for a while. He climbed all over them, purring and wanting his adorable belly rubbed! 
My favorite new furry friend is a very personable guy named Deacon. He looks part Siamese, he's very tall and lean, he's khaki with lighter markings, and has a very distinguished nose. He is very lovey indeed, and gives great kisses! I turned to walk away and he jumped down, and practically climbed me like a palm tree! 
There was the softest cat I've ever felt, named Butter, who is a dark calico cat. Soo pretty. 

I think I'm destined to become a crazy cat lady!