Peacock Lane

Tonight we braved the roads and drove into Portland and took the girls to Peacock lane to see the lights. We took some hot chocolate, snacks, and the camera. It was so pretty in the snow. The kids had a great time walking in the snow and pointing out all the little details. It looks like we really are going to have a white Christmas after all!

Update on our crazy NW weather

Since my last post on Wednesday they released the kids from VSD 2 hours early that day because it kept snowing and I think they were worried it would get worse. It really didn't, it kinda melted by the afternoon. We did wake up to more snow on Thursday though and they did close the schools for Thursday and Friday so the girls started their Christmas break 2 days early. We enjoyed sledding on the little hill at the park by our house throwing snowballs, and just being out in the unusual weather. Since Friday it has continued to DUMP snow on us and as of this morning we have about 6-7" of powdery snow covered in a 1" thick layer of ice as a result of the freezing rain from overnight. It really is a beautiful sight. I went to check my mail the morning and the sound (the only sound outside) of my boots breaking through the ice into the snow was deafening! They expect to get more freezing rain today and tomorrow so we will be staying inside, baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, and wrapping presents! I have to say I am really thankful for close friends/neighbors so when we start to get a little cabin fever we can always crash the Curry's house! I did finally get brave enough to get outside for some pictures and some are from Amber's camera.

Thursday

Ski Day

We were able to take the girls skiing last week. My mom kept Addy all day while Justin and I and the girls, and one of our highschoolers, Whittannie, headed up to Mt. Hood for a day of skiing. None of us really knew what to expect with the kids. It was a new experience for all of us. We were happily surprised with how well the girls did though and it ended up being a really fun day for everyone. Not to say there weren't any moments of frustration and tears. We spent the first half of the day on the beginner chair (Yup, they had to ride a chair). Then took them on a long beginner run that was the longest run of my life! It was probably the hardest work I have ever done while skiing and I know Justin felt the same. Thank God he is such a patient and good teacher because if it weren't for him it would have been a disaster! I am a horrible teacher but once he got them started in the right direction I could handle them from there so we really did make a good team. Emma was ready to go home at the end but Katrina did not want to stop. Emma was really a natural at it and has the form and confidence for it. Katrina did well but was a little less grounded and controlled. I am sure they will some day both be better skiers than me!