Adventures

The boy's annual snow-shoe hike was met with mixed emotions. They love getting out; the hike was good for them (4 miles in on snow-shoes); they hiked out a night this year which was a new adventure. They stayed an extra day which also was fun; however, there was VERY little snow this year which was highly disappointing. You can see the lack of snow in the pictures I posted :0{

Normally when they go most of the cabin is covered in snow. I have pictures from their adventures in years past where you can only see the ridge line of the roof and I didn't even KNOW the cabin had a porch. I had never seen it!!! This year there was enough for snow-shoes but not enough for much else. They couldn't sleep in snow caves because there simply was not enough snow to make them and keep them stable. The boys were sorely disappointed about that but they had a great time none-the-less. They taught the new crossover scouts some skills and they love to hike. They made practice snow caves and played games. Overall the outing was still a great success. Zachy went out with the boys this year and had a marvelous time. It was definitely the highlight of his winter activities. Tim said he kept up and did really well which is fairly impressive since he is two years younger than the rest of the boys and they carried in all their own gear AND food. He was proud of his accomplishment (and rightly so!)!

Gabrielle had a girlfriend sleepover. They watched movies and ate popcorn, did some carding and had lots of time visiting. Gabrielle's friend is an ABSOLUTE delight - a nicer girl would be hard to imagine!

We had another unexpected kid arrive of the four-legged variety, during her visit. The doe was another first-timer and did fairly well but with the weather and other issues the little doeling had a hard time getting started. Gabrielle and Margot had to nursemaid it for the entire night. Gabrielle was just glad that it rallied quickly and we were able to return her to her mother after only two days of house care. Gabrielle was VERY tired and not excited about another couple of weeks nurse-maiding a kid through the night :) The doeling is a pretty little thing - weighed in at 7 lbs which is a healthy weight; she is strawberry-red in color so Gabrielle named her Strawberry.

That appears to be the last of the unexpected freshenings for which I am so grateful. We should have a few weeks break before the scheduled deliveries start. Hopefully those will be less complicated. Most of the does bred now are all experienced and have few issues normally.

Last Friday was another ski date -- it looks to be the last for this year. The kids reported poor conditions overall and a disappointing lack of snow. The weather has been SO warm -- strangely so -- in the last weeks. Bekah is rapidly gaining ski skills and Tim said she is a die-hard - she simply refused to quit for breaks, lunch or much anything else. She started riding over the jumps in the terrain park -- she obviously isn't catching air yet but getting the feel of going over the jumps :) She also got to go with skis free of the band that guards her and helps her to manuever. She was completely on her own this time and did great!

By the end of the day she was exhausted and slept for several hours even after she got home!! Judah had a great time as well -- it was his first time with poles so he was especially excited. He is learning to jump -- in the new slide show (top one) you can see a picture of him jumping; he caught a little air! I loved the picture -- all appendages spread eagle :) He also kept looking behind him THROUGH HIS LEGS -- the pictures CRACK ME UP!!! I am surprised he didn't crash more often with all his antics!

The older kids had a great day with friends and enjoy skiing even though some of the runs were closed for lack of snow. Hopefully next year will bring more opportunity for ski days.

The weekend brought the beginning of our annual spring clean-up --- it is amazing how many things require a good cleaning as the snow melts. The younger kids worked to clean out the garden and get it ready for tilling in a few weeks. Tim, I and the older kids moved the chicken coop and resituated things so that Tim could build a small storage shed. Pens and coops need cleaned, so many miscellaneous chores need attention, small repairs, etc. It is hard work but satisfying, muscle stretching work. I enjoyed getting to help some before the regular house chores called for my attention.

The earth is warming. I love the smell of spring. It won't be long and we will see the explosion of green that signals the change in seasons. I can't wait!

This week we have all our regular activities - homeschool, PEARLS, Ladies' Bible study, small group study/True U, and chores. Of course today is St. Pat's -- our church is hosting a corned beef and cabbage supper :) We also have ConfiDance on Saturday and of course Bekah turns FOUR this Friday!!! My little girl is getting so big! I think we are going to have a tea party for her birthday next Monday with some girlfriends. It should be lots of fun.

Gotta scoot - KJ turned six months last week and has his baby well-check this morning. Have a marvelous day!