Chance of flurries

We've had some pretty nutty weather lately...snowy, gray and cold, then sunny and warmer, then flurries that ended up being a few inches of pretty white stuff. That all translates to me feeling extremely ready for spring (no comment on yesterday's groundhog😠)!

Later the same week...

January is typically boring for us, if not quiet, but ours ended up being unexpectedly fun! The school district gave the kids a 6-day weekend for MLK, so teachers could rest up (and, coincidentally, to keep Omicron at bay), so we tried to make the most of it! Sebastian's teacher had a whole host of suggested activities, including trying something new and cooking/baking together...you don't have to ask us twice! 

For years, we've thought about going tubing at Perfect North and we finally did it! We picked a weekday with mild weather and practically had it to ourselves. They let you go down in groups, which was a wonderful surprise. I had no idea how fast we would go--incredibly fast! It was a huge thrill for all of us.

And then we got actual snow! We learned that Blossom LOVES snow. She wanted to romp in it and sniff it and eat it up!

We also squeaked in a little bit of sledding. It was fun even without much to ride down on.

And fashioned a snowman or two.

We also tried Blossim Donuts in Montgomery: yum!! 

And the new Asian food market that opened during the pandemic. Brie and I had so much fun hunting for fun finds, like strawberry marshmallows...

And boba tea popsicles!!

The kids were eager to do at least one MLK event, so we tuned into some online kids programming. The winners of a nearby school district's art and poetry contest shared their works and writing. The theme was "Beloved Community." They were amazing! 

We also whipped up some good eats together! 

Turkey soup! 

Muddy buddies!

Ramen!

Poinsettia cookies (a month late)!

And more...

More...

More!

Other highlights? Samuel was the first Student of Week for 2022 at the junior high! He has really hit his academic stride this year and, much to our surprise, fallen in love with art. His art teacher was the one who nominated him! 

Brie's Lego Robotics League team wrapped up all of their prep work and competed (virtually) in the annual competition! They did great! This year's theme was "Transportation" and they got their assignment of tasks for the robot they were to build in the fall...they've been working hard for months! Here's a brief video of their robot--which they programmed--fulfilling its first task--> go straight, turn left and then push an airplane forward. 👏

Then they competed online! Such a positive experience for Brie...go, Greene Brick Engineers! 

And...Brie starred in High School Musical 2 at our local kids theater! 

She was a pool boy...or maybe you can tell? 

Several of Brie's buddies came for opening night!

It had been three years since she was in their production of Aristocats. Even during COVID, Brie had a blast.

We also painted...

Grabbed ice cream...

And sorted Pokémon cards! 😬

And...spent an incalculable amount of time spoiling Blossom. It's worth it!

So...January was great, but to sum it all up, we're more than ready for springtime. Pretty please! 

P.S. Also accomplished during our long MLK break? Tony taught the kids how to play Blackjack. Y'know, life skills.

P.P.S. We love our local barbershop. Here's one reason why.

P.P.P.S. Forget a chance of flurries! We have sleet and the roads are slick, so everyone is home today. Can't you tell?