We spent the weekend in Pinecrest playing in the snow and checking out the area. We went sledding and build snow forts, had snowball fights, and the girls even did some snow wrestling. When we weren't outdoors, we were snuggled up in the cabin we rented, playing board games, card games, and massive hide and seek in the dark games, watching movies, drinking hot chocolate, and making yummy food. Everyone was excited for a break from routine.
The kids have been creating and filming a Little Mermaid Covid parody. They shut themselves in the playroom for hours. Jack has been very insistent on keeping the project a secret, so I have resisted the temptation to watch their clips on my phone, but I do know that Hazel is Ursula, Gemma in Ariel, and Jack is both Eric and King Triton, and that Ursula does in fact want Ariel and Eric to kiss, in order to spread Covid. There has been lots of laughter, and I did see part of a scene they filmed in the backyard with Eric and Ariel sitting in the kayak. I can't wait to enjoy the finished product!
We went for a gorgeous family hike above Del Valle. The views were terrific from the get-go. I must say, we didn't log as many steps as I had anticipated we would, but that is because the kids found a grove of trees just calling for them, and they played the most epic game of hide and seek tag while Todd and I sat and talked and basked in the sunshine.
The library reopened for indoor appointments and we filled our roller cart to overflowing, along with a couple more armfuls of books. We decided it was time for an upgrade. Todd and Hazel jumped on Amazon and ordered each kid a color-coded cart and a stretchy lanyard they could put their personal library cards inside. We went back a week later, and every kid filled their cart. We library LIKE A BOSS!
Another Saturday, another hike. Only this time we decided to be really cool and bring our bikes to Morgan Territory. Everyone absolutely loved it. There was lots of stopping to check out cool trees or rocks, and to play hide and seek or to search for fairies. There were also lots and lots of hills, which meant hard work up and a party going down. Gemma was massively worn out by the tail end, so we were especially proud of her and the grit she showcased.
Although the downhill rides were all the kids' highlight, it did have a stiff competitor: Poop Lake. We found a tiny pond that cows obviously must come to for a drink, with cow pies galore all around. The kids started with a little stick prodding, but give them ten minutes and they were using their sticks to pick up and launch the pies into the pond. There was much laughter and thankfully no casualties.
