Snow

February has been pretty snowy, not big storms, just inches here and there and below freezing temps so it doesn't melt. We are learning how to most efficiently shovel at our new house, building winter routines. The boys have been so helpful. And we've learned we have amazing neighbors with snow blowers who help us keep our sidewalks clear. These first pics are from last weekend's dig out, following our first snow day from school. 

Ryan likes to be horizontal, generally. And he's always willing to be buried in snow and sand. 

Evan's angel

Yesterday was not too cold and/or windy. Fresh, fluffy snow had fallen, but had tapered off for a bit. It was the perfect window of opportunity to head to Sarett, our local nature center, for outdoor winter fun. It was our first time snow-shoeing. We ended up kind of lost on the trails, but wound our way back about 3 miles later. Everyone stayed relatively warm and in good spirits, for the most part, and enjoyed the new experience. 

So peaceful, pretty, and quiet...

Like I said, Ryan likes to be horizontal, and flopped himself down numerous times (accidentally and on purpose). He has a tendency to create mental blocks for himself, regarding his stamina for physical activity. That being said, he persevered with encouragement, and was pretty pumped to reach a lot of FitBit goals for the first time in a while. 

Random old rusty car on the trail. We had questions...

Family Selfie: We know better than to take these happy together moments for granted, and are grateful for this fun winter experience. Winter can actually be so beautiful. ❄❅❆ [That being said, I'm just about ready for warmer temps and some sunshine.]

[Next challenge...Downhill or cross-country skiing?]

 

Grampy's 70th Birthday

At the end of January, my dad celebrated a milestone birthday! We had a small celebration, but it was special nonetheless. It was super awesome that my brother Steve came to (safely) visit for a bit, and was there to celebrate with us. We ordered take out, had a Zoom call with extended family, and ate cake that Steve made from scratch. If you know him well over time, you will understand that we are lucky and thankful for everyday we get to share with dad, a couple times over. Thanks for the support and laughs throughout the years! We love you, Daddy/Grampy!

We cut the cake before candles, so he could blow out candles/spit all over his own piece of cake. Seemed like a prudent plan considering the times. 

Burke set up a Zoom call with extended family. We were happy to share the Zoom space with loved ones, including my brother Joey and his family, my cousin Kate D and her family, aunt Barb/Keith, aunt Carol O/Pete, uncle Joel, and my cousin Jimmy and his family! 

Ever the jokester, Dad thanked the Zoom participants and told them, "I've been waiting 70 years for this moment!" 

Grampy with two of his favorite people. 

Happy 70th Birthday, Dad!!

Before signing off, I want to take a moment to document some fun facts celebrating my dad.

• Before I arrived in 1976, he grew up in Detroit, and went to high school at a Catholic boarding school in Canada.
• He loved listening to records (at high volumes, according to my mom) and he drove a 69 Mustang. 
• He met my mom at Henry Ford Hospital, where she was a student nurse, and he was working in the OR. They were each other's first serious relationship, and married in 1973. 
• I grew up listening to them use medical jargon and feel comfortable with medical vocabulary, likely as a result. Perhaps that where my love of words, in general, come from.
• We went on two-week summer vacations when we were young. Dad did the driving. Mom navigated, and vigilantly kept him awake. We drove in station wagons with wood paneling. I remember the music we listened to (Michael Jackson, Miami Sound Machine, Billy Joel, and more). He like to take pictures with an actual camera. He took 8MM movies before that. 
• I remember him helping me get my 45 record collection going. He set me up the way his little green case of 45s was set up.
• He would dutifully reread chapters to study with me before science and social studies tests. 
• Both of my parents sat dutifully through countless dance recitals.
• He would lay in the sun, and work in the garden. 
• He would yell at me about getting off the phone. 
• He and my mom (and his sister Sue) took care of Uncle Joe and my dad's mom for years when they lived in long-term care facilities. 
• I better stop. I could go on and on, I think. My parents BOTH provided us with stability, support, opportunities for independence, and love to help us grow and thrive. I will take a risk at speaking for my brothers, when I say we are forever grateful to have this set of parents. 💙🎂㉎