First skate on our lake......

We've been skiing and running down this road for years, right past this little lake of ours.  But we've never tried skiing on it before.  However, with this crazy winter we've had, there's been very little snow so far and then there was a big freeze - so we decided to tromp down with all our gear.  (side note, I decided to bring a lense I haven't used in ages and it turns out it is TOTALLY broken and I was so frustrated - it wouldn't focus, and would slide out then get stuck, often wouldn't take the shot when I wanted it.  Gah!!!!  But I did get a few shots I really like, before I chucked it across the ice!)

We first tried to access the ice from the end of the road, but quickly realized this was too much of a slog, so we retraced our steps and climbed down the hill at the beginning of the road.  Spirits were low and moods were grumpy, but we kept on keeping on, and in the end had a fabulous time:-)

I'm so impressed with Tiegan's hockey skating these days, she's improving so much - 

And Ryland can practice hockey skills over and over again, love seeing his determination.....

This is Jamie in his element - 

Tiegan set up a few obstacle courses for them all, where they practiced skating quickly, stopping quickly and jumping over many hockey sticks in a row.  I gave it a try too, but I'm definitely not nearly as sturdy on my skates as the kids are:-)

They were also trying to teach me how to skate backwards better - I can move, but far too slowly then they'd like AND I'm sure with an odd hip tango shake that they found HILARIOUS!!!!

I love that everyone tends to be happiest when we're all outside.  It might take a lot of energy to get us all out the door, but once we get there, we come alive!