Winter, sort of

Winter has been odd this year. We've had lots a grey days, lots of rain, and cool weather, but very little snow. We've had a dusting about 3 times - that's it. It's hard to play outside in the winter when it's just wet, muddy, and cold but there's no fun snow to play in. We're all getting a little stir crazy and ready for spring. Still we've had lots of fun. 

Orson started Sunbeams this year! He loves going to Primary and carrying his little scripture bag. Normally when you ask him what he learned he replies, "Um, Jesus!" But today he ran up waving his picture and telling me, "The girl was sick and then Jesus made her bedder." 

Cute boys ready for church! 

Orson has reached the dress up stage, so we've had lots of fun dressing up! I love that all of my kids love to dress up and imagine. Orson's current favorites are pirates, builder guys, and Batman. One day we made Knight shields because Orson wanted to be like Mike the Knight. Even Haley gets roped in to the dress up fun sometimes.

That face says it all!

I made his knight shield from cardboard the the helmet from a milk carton. It turned out pretty amazing I think!

When we can't get out to exercise, the kids like to do a kid's yoga on YouTube. Orson sometimes joins me too!

We have had quite a few nice days mixed in here and there. The older girls have been having me design obstacle course for them at the playground. They like me to time them and try and beat their own times.

We've had some general silliness...

Completely off topic, but these boys are SO cute in overalls...

The girls and I have kept our monthly hiking tradition going for the most part. We caught a beautiful day for a hike in January. There was SO much mud though.

That day the boys stayed home with Michael and he got this adorable shot of them in the backyard. I can't handle how cute they are sometimes! When they're not terrorizing the house that is.

Around Valentine's Day the girls made this heart themed fun house in the basement. It was cute and the "photo booth" part was a big hit. 

Somehow I'm the only one that wore the silly clothes for the picture. 

We finished up our Astronomy unit for science so we went to the Planetarium. We also started a hydroponic garden for Hazel's science fair project. Sadly shortly after this picture they all died so we had to scrap that idea and try something else.

One cold day Conrad wanted to go outside. He brought me his coat and then rushed to the door. He was mad I wouldn't let him go out like this...

We've had a few bumps and bruises. Poor Lenora was all wound up one night when the missionaries came for dinner. She was running full speed down the hall and jumping on to a bean bag. One time she got too close to the wall though and smacked her face on the wall. She had a huge bruise for a few weeks. Shortly after that Conrad fell on our driveway and scraped up his face.

One day for school we made salt water taffy which actually turned out pretty good. The kids loved pulling it. The faces Lenora made while she was pulling it were priceless!

Of course, we've spent a lot of time at the library and reading. Even Conrad is learning to love books! On one of our trips, Orson was adamant about wearing shin guards and these science goggles. Whatever floats your boat kid.

Friday night our ward had a fun activity where people were supposed to share a hobby or talent. Michael made an instructional video about smoking pork and brought some samples. Eliza decided she needed to bring her chicken! Who knew chickens went to church?

Just a few more random pictures. Orson may look exactly like Michael, but he did inherit my dimple! 

 

Since we've given up hoping for a real snow we're just ready for spring. And I think it's close. Already we've seen some daffodils blooming and the grass is starting to green up (though let's be honest, Kentucky has pretty green grass all year round. That's something we love here.) I guess our snow dreams will have to wait until next year...