Snow days to the fullest

I can't remember if this was Thanksgiving break or the two days we were off for snow days the week before. Enjoying our 4th grader and his free access to all National Parks. Lucky this one is so close and so fun to explore.

This wasn't the log but Boyd was about a millimeter from falling into the river while walking a different trunk over the water. It was like slow motion when at the last second he leapt to the shore and magically found it. A total leap of faith which could have ended in a wet cold day or injured.

We still treasure our hot chocolate dates when we can sneak them in every once in a blue moon.

Made him take a short walk with me on our cold Thanksgiving day.

Day after Thanksgiving the tree goes up. He doesn't need direction any more.

First year putting the angel on top without help. 

Drive through light and music show with the family.

Gingerbread houses

Thinking of you in heaven Grandma. 

Annual tradition with Noah and Stephanie. Homemade ornaments. This one is from the Nightmare Before Christmas I have no idea how the knows this character or thought of the idea.

Painting, food and friends. 

Before the modge lodge added the glow that was missing.

Trip up to Olney Maryland for some holiday theater. It was a late night but we enjoyed ourselves and my favorite part was after Buddy said "First we'll make snow angels for two hours, then we'll go ice skating, then we'll eat a whole roll of toll house cookie dough as fast as we can. Then we'll snuggle". Boyd leaned over to me and replied, "That sounds like a really good day".  

Happiness is hiking at Great Falls with Boyd and friends. The perfect way to spend the day off. Yes, the exposure and drops are extreme as they look if not more. Boyd had half the kids at the park asking, can we do that? Can we go there? Boyd was the envy of the park. I had to explain he spends the summer in Colorado.