Since Christmas

Thank goodness Alaska schools give the kids a bit over 2 weeks off for Christmas, regardless of when the holiday falls.   Even though Amelia said she didn't want to do much except stay at home in in pjs and play with her toys, we squeezed in quite a bit of extra fun. 

Including a day at Westchester Lagoon, skating with one of her pals. 

They had a skate up hot cocoa stand too.

After their feet reached the cold level, we headed to a nearby playground.

We did a lot of skating it seemed during our break.  Always bringing a pal to join us.

Did a lot of sledding when the rain didn't make it an ice skating rink outside.  We are actually opposite of anything that happens on the East Coast...they get sub zero...we get 40's.  I would take the sub zero any day...as 40's in an Alaskan winter means ice.  The snow melts on the roads that are covered in hard packed snow.  Rob had to turn around and take our studded tire Tahoe twice during our break. 

 We did manage to take advantage of a few days of new snow....

and made candy sushi.

Although super fun to make...the taste was "too sugary" per Amelia.   And on a all day of play, we ended it with cleaning out our purses.  Amelia LOVES purses and crams as much as she can in them.

She "packs" if we go out to dinner with friends.  Note the book and reading light if adult conversation gets too boring.   And if that isn't enough she occupies her time by digging in her purse and eventually ends with her iPhone that she has for games. 

Mine's a bit different.  I used to be (still am) obsessed about cleaning purses...not just mine but anyones.  As a kid I would beg to go thru my sister's purses.  It is my organizational obsession that is responsible I am sure.  

Lastly, I forgot to post on her holiday dance observations.  She takes 2 classes at different studios.  One is a pure ballet class and the other is Ballet / Jazz and a bit of acro, but from these photos you really can't tell which is which as she insisted on wearing the same outfit for both.  Glad she loves dance.

Lots coming up it seems...Valentine's Day and our Science Fair in February!  Of course early March will bring Amelia's 8th birthday...all that forthcoming!