Frozen

Walking to the big pond to visit the geese.  The large pond in the distance will soon be frozen so solid that you could drive a car across it.

Trying to feed the geese that were completely uninterested in anything to eat

Since the geese wouldn't eat the bread, Luke did.  

Liam was persistent and finally got a few to eat his bread

Finding ways to burn energy indoors is a challenge, but this is one of our favorites in the basement!  It works great after a meal when they are running around like crazy cakes!!



Liam the Monster

Luke wanted me to take his picture too

Many times when I look back at previous posts, it is interesting to see what the boys were doing or saying at that particular time, what we were wearing (that maybe Aiden is wearing now or has outgrown), what the weather was like at that time of year, and how things have changed so much in a seemingly short period of time.  There are good times, ordinary days where things flow well, fun vacations and holiday trips, and periods where I want to freeze time and just enjoy it.   

When I looked back at previous Halloween pictures, it became a reminder that winter is coming.  Typically, we only have a few weeks after Halloween before it really really feels like winter is here to stay.  The temps get colder, the days get shorter, and the snow arrives.  Once we get a good snow, it typically doesn't melt until spring so I am always hopeful that we can postpone that first snowfall as long as possible.  The large pond in our neighborhood (see pictures above) will soon be frozen enough for a car to drive over it!  I never would have imagined this before I moved to Minnesota.  Where I grew up, we were lucky to have 6 inches of snow during our 1-2 months of "winter" and really lucky if it stuck for more than 24 hours! 

We have begun to find good ways to burn energy indoors.  We have our favorite open gyms and indoor play areas that certainly help.  Don't get me wrong, the boys love the snow and I have learned to enjoy as well.  We will still go outside even in the coldest months of winter, but its just a little more complicated when you have to put on snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, etc...I am always hopeful that no one has to use the bathroom 5 minutes after we get outside and that we will play longer than the time it takes me to get everyone dressed and out the door.

So, we are ready to enjoy these seasons of life and the frozen season of winter in Minnesota.  Ready or not, here it comes.