Winter activities

Ironically, in the winter I have the most time for posting here but it's also the season when I take the least amount of pictures.  I also haven't been in the mood for writing here lately; I've been enjoying some good books in the evenings instead.  So here are just a few updates for any who are interested.

Clare built a snowman with bird seed in its hat and the chickadees love it.  Well, not anymore... the hat is now buried under a foot of snow (not that our snow is actually that high but no one has bothered to brush off the hat).

Nora received a pack of Hatchimals for Christmas.  Nora and Lena like to play with them and I have to admit the little animals are rather cute.  Here the girls are making Hatchimal houses from tea boxes.  Lena says "Hatch-mul".

Carrots overwinter in our garden and we dig them up as needed.  The girls usually help for awhile until Lena gets too cold.

When our fat cat is in a snuggly mood, she is adored by the girls.  Clare likes to curl up and read with her.  Nora was singing to her in this picture.

Adventure to the pond.  Clare and Karl skied, Nora snowshoed and Lena rode in the ski stroller.  It's been far too cold to get out for long lately.

Karl's favorite indoor activity is Legos.  He spent his birthday money on this police Lego set.

Lena loves to clean.  She also likes to be independent so there have been times when she's gotten her own rag, run it under the sink, and then slopped water all over our kitchen chairs and benches.

Playdough is a fun indoor activity for the girls but I dislike cleaning it up.  There's usually playdough all over the floor and stuck on their clothing.  But it can entertain them for a long time.

Hm, looks like we're digging carrots again.

Clare is also taking snowboarding lessons at Mont Ripley and loves it.  She has only 3 more sessions (she goes once/week).  She's doing well and will be very disappointed when her lessons are over.