The girls have a week off in February as part of their "year-round school." I love this schedule, it is perfect, especially for kids that need routine. Another reason I love it is getting out all year round and trying new things, like cross county skiing! It was the perfect winter day, there was enough snow on the ground to play in and warm enough to enjoy being out in it. In the morning we met a group of kids from school to go sledding at VanRaalte Farms, it was so beautiful we grabbed some lunch at Subway and spent our afternoon at Pigeon Creek on the trails. It was the first time for all of us and we all loved it, especially Karinda.
The girls had so much fun they didn't want to leave once we turned in our ski's so we got the sleds back out for a half an hour.
We spent the second half of the week doing some snowmobiling at the cabin and we have had some Cross Country Ski's at the cabin for years. Karinda and I tried them out but quickly figured out that blazing your own trail and skiing on groomed trails is very different.
The girls loved skiing on the trails so much they couldn't wait to go again, so the following Monday we called "The Cousins" to see if they could join us. Gage was gone for a birthday party so we took Sheldon, Jaden, and Bryce. When we got there the lodge was not open. Apparently the week before had been a Winter Holiday, so they had been open. So, what to do now??? We were all excited to go skiing so we drove to Kirk Park to check out the ice burgs. It was beautiful!!! The kids loved running around in the snow covered dunes and playing "Hunger Games." I loved that there was no one there and I could just let them run and play while I soaked up a little sun.
I would have loved to go out on the ice bergs but there was a little water right on the shore and did not want any trouble, so we stayed where it was safe.
We stopped at a gas station for a snack and headed back to Pigeon Creek to get some ski's. The kids loved it, it wasn't long before the older ones were gone. I could usually hear them and they would wait at the corners, but they got fast and confident.
Bryce was such a trooper, he is only in Kindergarden so he was getting tired after playing in the dunes and his little legs were shorter than the others, but he tried his best to keep up in between falls.
We all made it back to the lodge safe and sound, minus a few coats. After that we met Bryan and Amy at Applebee's to celebrate Sheldon's birthday!!!
Silly Skiers
It turned out to be a little to far for them yet, they were sick of it before we got there. They did like checking out the fish hatchery, but I think I was more impressed than they were. We went a little bit further and took this picture, but it is a good thing they have helmets on because I am sure those are scowls from all three of them.
