Braving the Storm

It was just the beginning of the storm when he suited up in his winter armour. His plastic, sled-shield was positioned for protection as he stepped out and surveyed the immensity of the white world before him. I could tell his hesitation was only to take it all in before he dove full force into that blast of wind and snow. He faced the elements with pleasure for he is self-proclaimed, "Skinny Superhero" (who can fit through anything, and can brave any storm, I might add). I gazed upon my tiny hero with adoration. I love winter simply for this reason--my children are elated that the earth has changed and they're determined to enjoy every minute of it.

Tobogganing, African Style

It was Valerie's first time tobogganing and she bravely plodded up the snowy hill in Annie's backyard to attempt what these kids were calling her to do. It took a mere four times down--complete with tumbles--before she began challenging her fellow-sledders to a contest.  She had some "trick" moves that cracked me up and her quiet, "Whee!" (which she had learned is a must on the way down) was too funny. At the end of the day, I'd say that tobogganing, African style, looked pretty exciting.

 

Luge Run

It's a fine day for a run down our very own luge. From the top of our back porch to the bottom of our walkway leading to the nursery, our children slide with exhilarating joy. My husband is still tweaking the construction of it but the kids don't care; they just want to go somewhere fast, laughing and screaming all the way.

Beginning with the stairs... bump, bump, bump!

And off they go!

Down the "ramp"

Weeee!

Crash landing

Look, Mom, no hands!
Not dealing well with turn-taking

Sliding right up to the camera.

Hiking back

Stunt Sledding

Oops!

A little curve to make things more interesting

Packing it down :)

My heat registers are covered in soggy mittens and my laundry room is strewn with snowy boots, stiff coats and dripping snow pants. When much of the winter gear is mismatched, you know the children have played outside a few times in one day. Wet stuff gets dried out, new hats and mitts are slid on and later, it's all recycled again--evidence of a good day.

Grandma and Grandpa's Hill

The only hill you can drag your sled to on a Sunday afternoon and the cousins start showing up.

Oh yeah, AND it's the only hill you can slide right out onto a pond at the bottom and after you've trudged back up one hundred times, Grandma makes you hot chocolate in her cozy kitchen.

Love these winter days.

The Toboggan of Life

I'll ride the toboggan of life with you

Whether it be smooth or rough

We'll steer the course by the Master's voice

And that will be enough...

To make the ride worthwhile.

Heather Vanderkruk

(Now, let's get off the top of this hill! :)