January Weekends - Take 2

We have had a whole week of real winter! 

Lots of snow.

Lots of sledding.

We took the kids skiing.

We went on hikes through winter forests.

I love, love, love the winter: how everything is covered by the blanket of snow, how you can see animal and bird footprints, how the snow muffles sounds and makes everything so peaceful, the feel of cold air, the need to keep moving (because otherwise I loose all sensation in my fingers and toes). I love sledding, too - I went a few times with the kids and it feels so much like flying.

Other exciting things to mention:

• We saw 2 bald eagles in our neighbor's tree!
• Our cat caught a bird inside the house (a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, I think) - but we managed to rescue the poor thing and it was fine (but traumatized, for sure) (the cat was furious).
• I read (and then fell asleep) in front of the fireplace a few times.
• Husband and I went on date-hikes without the kids, stomping through the snowed-in trails (and soaking in the quiet beauty of it all).

Note to self #1: get new boots for the cross-country skis! (and maybe take lessons...)

Note to self #2: look into winter places to travel to next winter.