Winter is here!

Last Wednesday, we had our first snow day of the school year!  Technically, it was an ice day.  The kids were so excited to get to stay home!  I just wish they had made the decision the night before so I wasn't awoken at 5am for the day by 3 different phone calls from 3 different school districts, but I got it over it pretty quick! 

We spent our day inside for the most part, making slime, watching a movie, playing in the basement, and getting out what seemed like every toy the boys owned.  We managed to get outside once the sleet/rain stopped to play for a little bit since it was relatively mild. 

Prior to Wednesday's ice day, we had our first big snowfall the Saturday before.  We were a little bummed it fell on a Saturday since we wouldn't get a snow day for it, but Scott's basketball games were cancelled and he got to stay home with us to play in the snow!  So, that was a win. 

Sledding, hot cocoa, a fire in the fireplace; it was a nice Saturday home with the family. 

Yesterday, we had our second snow day of the year.  They had been building up this storm on social media and the news for the past few days so we actually got our schools' calls the night before.  The boys had put ice in the toilet Monday night so it was fun to make them think their superstition worked.  It took a while for the snow to start Tuesday morning so we ran out for breakfast at Leo's for pancakes.  Then it was home for more science experiments, Lego challenges, and a movie.

After a late lunch, we all bundled up and went outside to play in the snow.  Jameson came outside next door and joined us to go sledding in the woods.  It was really fun! 

We ended our snow day with some homemade turkey chili, card games at the table, and a chapter of book 2 of Harry Potter.  We're back at school today, but are predicted to be off Wednesday and Thursday because of the record setting cold temps they're saying we'll get.  Windchills as low as -40.  No thank you!  Not sure how we'll keep busy without being able to play outside for a break, but we'll see what we can do!  Maybe a trip to the Cranbrook Science Center (while bundled up, of course) is in order. 

Sean's First Communion

Last Sunday Sean completed his First Communion at our church, St. Kenneth.  We picked to do it during the 9am mass along with his cousin, Adelaide.  We had Scott's parents, my parents, Josh's parents, his brother with his two kids come to mass.  Our church is under construction so the masses are being held in the community hall.  It was slightly disappointing that the renovations weren't finished in time (we were told they would be done by Christmas), but they did a nice job making the community hall look nice. 

Sean was pretty nervous and wasn't a big fan of sitting in the front row.  We brought up the gifts to the altar and Sean carried some of the wine.  He was asked, with Adelaide, to stay up at the altar and help prepare the hosts and wine.  They both got to sit back down while the priest blessed the gifts and before we knew it, it was time to come up for communion.  Sean was the first person to get a host and he was a little flustered because it happened so quick.  He forgot what we practiced about putting his hands up and needed a gentle reminder from me as I stood behind him, but he was a champ!  He ate the host, took a baby sip of the wine and just like that, it was over. 

Crazy to think he can come up every time for communion with us now.  He's growing up so fast! 

After mass and pictures, we stopped back at our house to grab some food to take to Jackie's.  She hosted brunch at her house.  I brought a french toast casserole, the cake, and the paper products.  Sean was excited about all the gifts and loot he got.  The Costco cake did not disappoint!  It was a really nice morning spent with family.  I'm so proud of him! 

God bless Sean and Adelaide!