The "Blizzard"

285.
Gotta keep that rink shoveled, even if it is blizzarding.
On second thought, make that: Especially if it is blizzarding...

Merry Christmas

284.
This Christmas totally rocked.

And I'm not talking about the loot, or the cookies, or the decorations, either. I'm talking about having family and friends all around, counting our blessings, enjoying every moment of this peaceful, snowy holiday together... and feeling wistful when the day is over because it was so lovely.

I hope your Christmas rocked, too!

The Big Night

283.
Waiting for the Man in Red to arrive is easier with a small preview of coming attractions...

Santa

282.
He's watching... are you being good?

Christmas Cookies, Part 2

281.
One of our family favorites. Every year, I wonder: Why do I only make these at the holidays...?

Christmas Cookies

280.
You may be surprised to know that Mr. CM has a mean cookie-baking mojo. Toll House and Molasses (pictured) are his specialties...

Decked Out

279.
Our street is somewhat notorious for the abundant displays of tasteful white lights that adorn every house window, shrub, and evergreen swag. Every year, I resist. Window candles are a hassle, and we never seem to have enough extension cords to accomplish the mission. Besides, what I really want to do is get a ginormous neon Santa and eight tiny reindeer and install them on the roof...

Well, when I finally got around to hanging my wreath & propping up the old sleds by the door, I got inspired when I noticed that my crazy arborvitae still had lights on them from last year... It was nothing short of a Christmas Miracle when I plugged them in to find they still worked!!! Casting about for the finishing touch, we found the bike, and another string of lights... voila!

Tree Time

278.
Our Christmas tree, on "warp speed"...

Snow Tires

277.
He put it off until the last possible moment. But with snowfall in the forecast, he knew he better not wait any longer...

Open Skate

276.
The rink is back in business for the season! Bring your skates...

Shinny Hockey

275.
Hockey stick? Check.
Skates? Check.
Helmet? Check.
Flip-flops? Check!

Once a week, the girls' team practices by playing shinny hockey -- which is basically like regular ice hockey, only a whole lot less formal. The kids wear minimal equipment & just scrimmage for an hour. They have a blast -- and really embrace the opportunity to "go casual."

Zing!

274.
Just what I wanted! How did you know...???

Thanks, ladies!

The Freeze

273.
Fall has definitely turned to winter. But we don't mind... this is the ice in our backyard rink..!

Homework, Old School

272.
I can't decide if teaching kids how to use the telephone directory is clever (How do you find a phone number without the internet, kids?), or hopelessly dated (Why call when you can text?)...