snowy Sturbridge Village

I took the kids to Sturbridge Village today to see what it was like in the winter. We had a great time! I was surprised that all the buildings were heated, even the ones without working fires.

Malcolm rested on top of a big pig.

The kids loved pretending to use the fake outhouse.

They also loved the covered bridge.

This is a big kiln.

We got to ride in a wagon led by horses with sleigh bells. It was fun!

This barn taught us all about farming.

We warmed up with a hot drink.

The kids sang and danced in the gazebo.

Jane played teacher in the schoolhouse.

Christmas in Maine

Jane and Malcolm must've been hungry because they sat down to eat quite a while before lunch was ready.

We had fun doing crackers. We all got a little prize and a crown!

One of the gifts Reagan got was a doctor kit. She loved it so much she didn't want to open any of her other presents. I joked that it was the only present she needed but I think it was true!

Aunt Amy got this great shot!

fun ornaments

We had fun making some new ornaments this year! Malcolm made this gingerbread man in preschool.

Jane made this sheep.

I finally made this yarn and needle ornament my friend Angie told me about years ago!

Felt mouse candy cane decoration:

Malcolm and I spent one afternoon finding small things around the house and turning them into ornaments, like this chicken from our knitted farmyard.

Hot Wheels SUV:

Iron Man also made it on to the tree!

library

The kids wore their Santa hats at the library.

sledding just in time

We recently had two 8-inch storms within a few days, so there was plenty of snow for the kids to play in. Every day after school Jane went outside to play and Malcolm joined her. A couple years ago Nate took down a fence separating part of the yard, so now there's a little slope they can sled on. I usually watch them from the window so I don't have any pictures. However, we went to the golf course the other day so they could sled on a big hill. Someone had built a little jump and they absolutely loved it! We had some warm weather, then a rainstorm, so the snow is melting fast.

It was about 55 out so they got pretty hot.

Nate had fun building a snowman while they were sledding.

Here's a short video that shows Jane going down that jump.

Malcolm skating

Yesterday was Malcolm's last skating lesson. The session started out fine but once he realized Jane wasn't there and there were different kids from last year, he didn't really want to go anymore. Luckily they always gave him a lolipop at the end, so that kept him motivated.

He got an extra special treat on the last day!

hangin' out

Malcolm and Westie on the stairs

Holiday cookies for teachers

Malcolm and Colin having fun

The kids playing Memory before school - it was holiday hat day!

gingerbread house

This year we decided to do a homemade gingerbread house. It was actually pretty easy. Daddy made an 8 x 8" gingerbread and cut it and stuck it together in the shape of a house. Then we frosted it and decorated it.

It looks small but it's very filling!

We were all happy to be able to eat this year's version!

Later, the house served as Susie's birthday cake. It was a relief not to have more sugary treats in the house!

natural history museum

We hadn't been to the natural history museum in a while so I suggested going on Sunday. The kids were adamant about not going - they wanted to play outside instead. I told them that I was going by myself and that was fine. They went out to play, then came in five minutes later and said they wanted to go to the museum. I guess it was too cold to play outside!

The kids usually don't do to well at this museum for some reason but this time went better. Jane did a scavenger hunt and I think that helped!