Snow Day Fun

The first "big" snowfall of the season is always a hit.  The kids loved it,  Daddy loved it,  Mommy tolerated it, and Scarlet couldn't get enough of it.

Roger couldn't wait to try out the new sledding tubes he purchased for this type of occasion. 

Snow Day and Spritz

Well we had a substantial amount of snow fall today. So naturally we pulled out the snow clothes, bundled all up and headed out to play with our friends.

Jocelyn and Tyler came over and for the next 2 1/2 hours the fun didn't stop.

The boys enjoyed building structures and then destroying them. The girls explored every part of the yard and surrounding areas.

The kids endurance for the cold is amazing. I would never last that long but it didn't seem to faze them. Only the upcoming darkness and dinner approach caused them to call it quits.

When I asked Brianna what she was doing she said "brooming". I guess that is more fun and easy than actually shoveling.

The girls stayed inside from the cold and made the traditional Spritz cookies. They are one of daddy's favorite Christmas treats and traditions. I inherited the recipe from his mom our first Christmas as a married couple. We make them every year without fail. It was the perfect day for baking.

Another week . .

It is has been another crazy week in the Pickering household. I notice that it is during these crazy times that I most often get behind on my blogging. I realize that since someday I will look back and wonder what I did day to day as I was raising my children that I might want to document it.

So since it is snowing outside (the first snow of the season) and I don't feel like doing much of anything, then this is the perfect time.

The snow today was perfect for building snowmen. And even though I was frustrated by having to dig out the snow boots, gloves, coats, etc., the kids did have a great time doing what kids do.

You just got to love Ryan in his shorts and the snow. Typical. Actually he just got back from a basketball clinic that is being sponsored by Westlake High School. He loved it and it goes for 5 more weeks.

Speaking of Ryan, he had another big project due in class this week. He had to build a diorama of and Indian dwelling. He chose the Navajo Indians and built a Hogan. He also demonstrated their types of food, clothing and skills. He really got excited about this project and practically did the whole thing himself from the concept of the design to the actual construction of it. He even finished it a day early and was proud to show it off to the rest of the class. This ALL class for him had been quite interesting. I think that they have an insane amount of homework for 4th grade. And yet Ryan has stepped up and done it with little complaint and actually still enjoys it. It have been surprised. I greatly underestimated my son and I know now that is where he should be.

Alyssa also had a successful week at school. She got her first report card from Jr. High and got a 4.0 GPA. She was quite proud of herself and so was I. I worried that with the advanced classes that she would be stressed out a lot and struggle with her grades. Not at all. She loves her accelerated classes and had adapted quite well to Jr. High in general. She is definitely a strong person and doesn't allow the influences around her get to her. She stands up for her convictions no matter the cost. I admire her.

Anyway, she was able to attend a cupcake party, got to enjoy a lunch from Subway, and had another party honoring her as a Super Student. She has enjoyed it and I am glad that stepping up and doing her best is being rewarded.



Brianna is just my happy little camper. She is such a sweetheart to have around. She loves everything and is so helpful to me. She has enjoyed kindergarten and her teacher. She is just taking off in reading and is so proud. Plus she is just a little socialite. She loves her friends and can play hours of pretend and create things. I love her zest for life.

As for me and Roger, we we are on the go constantly. He has been very busy with being the Bishop but somehow manages to still spend time with his family and keep up on everything. I don't know how he does it but he is amazing.

My week was the usual. I have been frantically trying to tie up all loose ends for my trip to Peru. I went to my primary meeting, volunteered in Ryan's class, did the carpool, attended my SENG meeting (Supporting the Needs of the Gifted), went to the hospital to visit my Grandma, worked on Roger's birthday present, hosted play dates and even fed the family when needed. I think it was a productive week.