Easter Egg Hunt

This year we surprised the kids with an early morning Easter egg hunt in our back yard. Jo, who is our early riser, came into our bedroom with her eyes all lit up (way too early). Apparently the Easter bunny (aka daddy late at night) stopped by and dropped a few colorful eggs onto our yard. Jo couldn't wait to get out there. She woke everybody up and dragged us all out of bed to go out.

Jo found the biggest basket she could get her little hands on.

 Most of us were still half asleep but we all got downstairs to see what the big fuss was about (and the thought of chocolate even pulled Sam out of bed).

Sam demonstrating his state of mind.

 

It was cold out there. As you can see we still have a little snow on the ground (but not completely covered in snow and this is a huge step in the right direction and a sign that spring is only around the corner or two).

Last egg of the day to be found. I believe the kids were happy with their loot. Not too much but lots of good chocolate.

Book World

 

My little girls discovered the world of books. It always warms my hear when I see that reading clicked in my kids heads. Somehow after all the hard work the words come alive to them and they are drawn into the world of books. It happened with both of the boys and this year it happened to Emma.

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 She loves reading everywhere and to anyone to who will listen (or pretend to listen at least)

Here the girls are traveling with Mr. Fogg around the world.

Good Skiing season

Sam in the air.

 I believe it is safe to say we had a good skiing season this winter. We didn't get much snow in January but that didn't stop us from heading out. We got tons of snow in March and ended our skiing season on a new mountain (I don't have pictures from there, we were too busy exploring not one but two mountains and having a blast on Fil's birthday).

Enjoying skiing during a snow storm.

 Both girls did great this year and they are officially on their own. That makes me (Lenka) the slowest Steiger on the mountain.

I wouldn't want to get stuck on this chair lift.

It doesn't help I stop once in a while to take few pictures  :) Oh well.

Another Winter Activity

I believe the trees helped a little to stabilize everybody.

 This past week we were invited to our friends house to try good old ice skating on their frozen pond. All I could think of was another way for one of us get injured during winter sports. We went anyway and I know I shouldn't be surprised at my kids but they loved it. They have been asking ever since when are we going again. They love anything sport related and they love being outside no matter how cold or windy it is.

 Even Jo had a great time. She tried on skates with two blades but I believe she is ready for regular skates next time.

Fil and I stayed off skates (to minimize our chances to getting injured) and we helped the kids but mainly we tried to clean the snow off the ice.

Fil getting some of the snow off that got stuck in between the two blades.

Soon she will start doing pirouettes.

Or maybe not yet.

Now the kids want a house with a pond in their back yard as well :)

Blizzard Nemo

 

We survived blizzard "Nemo" (who knew blizzards had names). 

After taking pictures of our house outside on Friday we headed to our favorite ski area and spent a good part of the day skiing as much as possible until we left around 3pm. It snowed lightly most of the day but around 3 it started coming down fast and we knew it was time to head home if we wanted to sleep in our own beds.

 We made it home without any problems (even stopped on the way to pick up fresh haddock for dinner). By the time we pulled into the garage the wind picked up  and we were glad for our warm home. Everyone went to bed wondering how much snow there would be in the morning.

The snow was still coming down hard in the morning and continued almost until noon. That didn't stop the kids who were begging to head out as soon as they got out of bed.

The kids heading out.

 With the winds being strong we had parts yard with no snow and parts with snow as high as the kids.

Jo got stuck.

Smile for the camera.

Poor Jo getting stuck again.

The kids build a little fort to hide while Fil was cleaning the driveway with th snow blower.

Emma getting out to see how much snow landed on them and if dad was turning around for another round.

Almost buried.

Fil trying to get through the snow banks.

Still trying.

They are alive!!!

Sam shoveling our back porch.

By our mailbox. No mail today.

Ski season

 

Our ski season is in full swing. All of us are enjoying the snow on the mountain regularly. We all look forward to our family time out in the cold air (ok maybe some days more than others).

 Jo is not our little ski bunny any more. She is on her own and proud of it. Now only if I could keep up with her we should be in a good shape.

Best friends

Emma is not happy in this picture. There is a story behind it but to make it short let just say that her ski poles have been recovered by chasing a person down hill :)

One of the rare moments (unless it is time to refill their bellies) having all the kids in one spot.

Sam started snowboarding this year and he is doing well.

Just chilling

Sam on his third day of snowboarding. For a minute I was hoping a change in gear would slow him down for a little bit, but that was only in my dreams. He is back in the air.