Sunshine, snow and skiier's smiles

This week I've been treated to views like this one:

 ... and this one too.

 And, this one! 

 It's been a lovely, busy week of family and fun and we've been embracing all of it.

 Becca was in town Tuesday- Friday to celebrate a late Christmas and early birthday with all of us.  It was great to have her home.  We made family time a priority and kept the celebrations going all week.  Birthday dinner on Tuesday..

 ... out for ice cream on Wednesday....

 We all enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of this group of young women.

 And-- a stolen afternoon on Thursday for Bec and I to share one of our favorite pastimes.

 We conquered Boston Mills!  Put some hurt on those hills... and those large beers at the bar.

It was a great day.  I forget until I'm doing it, every time-- just how much I love to ski.  The rush of turning to point those skis straight down the steep, the feeling of defeating fear, the wind pushing laughter back into your mouth as you speed downwards.    Nothing like it.  Especially on a sunny day, with my sister, after a large beer. 
I could get used to this.

 This weekend found us spending time with friends.  We had the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat-- and eat delicious rice bowls-- on Friday....

 Dinner with Melinda and Will on Saturday and then on Sunday a much-anticipated playdate with one of Ivy's new friends at school... which turned into a slime-making party.   Look at those dutiful little stirrers....

 We capped off the weekend with a visit to Edgewater.  Doggy playtime in the field...

 ... and some magic by the water on this 55 degree January day.

 This little girl, 14 week old, dipped her toes in the water and took a drink.  She knows a friendly lake when she sees one.

Ice in the sunshine....

Happy New Week, everyone!

Weekends in Review

A look back at the last few weekends, which have been packed to the gills with great weather, meaningful activities, and time with friends.  Just the sort of weekend that I run out of time to blog about...well, better late than never, right?

Last Saturday was the one-year anniversary of the Women's March.  Stayed close to home this year and marched with my family, a little troupe of Hiram friends, and 7,000 others in public square... 

 Even the dog got in on the activism (have to start them young!)

 It was a great day to be out, celebrating the fact that there are so many others who care.  We are not alone in this struggle.

 We headed straight from downtown Cleveland to the Cuyahoga Valley, for the annual Hiram tubing event.

 Polar Blast was a "blast," as always  (that joke never gets old!).  The afternoon was so balmy that the sled runs were rather slow at first, and the place was packed.  But by the time we went back out after the group picture and snacks, everything was iced up and slick and FUN.

 After party at Melinda's house... some SERIOUS Mario-Kart going on.

Back in time one more week:

 Typical Cleveland style, we've had two full "thaws" in the intervening weeks since this photo was taken.  But here's a look back to January 15th or so, when the lake was nearly frozen...

 We had a fun, albeit frigid, time wandering on the ice in the bitter wind.  Invigorating.

 This little dog was unfazed.

 A little warmer on Sunday... we visited Lake Farmpark for the first time in a while.  We hear baby animals are on the way soon...

 A playdate with our great neighbors...