On the Last Day of 2015
^^Exploring the beaver dam! Mother Nature knows how to pull out all the stops, even in the freezing dead of winter. I keep looking at that little puff around Levi's mouth, a testament to how cold it really was that day!^^
^^Goofing off inside one of the old 19th Century cellars made of stone and covered in wood and earth. I feel so lucky that my boys get to experience this kind of history first-hand!^^
^^Warming his hands over a pretend fire.^^
On the last day of 2015, the sun was shining and the high was a whopping 7 degrees outside, though my weather app said it felt like -10*.
On the last day of 2015, Jed and Levi NEEDED to get outside. They were full of energy, wrestling on the floor and causing trouble. After all, they'd been cooped up in the house for two days straight.
On the last day of 2015, I bundled up my boys in layer upon layer: long sleeved shirt, sweatshirt, coat, pants, snow pants, gloves, hat, socks, and boots. Then we hopped in the car and drove over to the historic Stricker Station to explore the old 19th century log cabins and cellars there.
On the last day of 2015, we were at our destination a total of ten minutes when Jed whined that he suddenly and urgently needed to go poop. So I helped strip him down to his poor bare bum in the freezing cold to use an outhouse toilet.
On the last day of 2015, we wound up having the most fun we've ever had exploring and playing on the historic property. First, we threw sticks back into the frozen beaver dam under the trees. Then the boys asked me to recount stories of the cowboys that used to live there and what might have happened when the Indians came around. We hid in the cellars as Jed and Levi made up stories about "bad guys" and how they captured them. The boys squealed when they opened the creaky wooden doors and poked their heads out because they saw Indians running past! That's when a legendary gun and bow and arrow battle broke out. All the while, I played along and swooned over the light streaming in through the cracks! It was absolutely breath-taking to my artistic self. I couldn't get enough and was so glad I brought my camera along. I think it's safe to say all three of us were in heaven for an hour.
On the last day of 2015, I hired a babysitter and Bron and I partied on New Year's Eve for the first time since having children! It was pretty fantastic. We met some of Bron's co-workers at a pizza joint called The Slice downtown where there was a pair of dueling pianos and a drum set all ready to bring in the new year. The dueling piano performance didn't disappoint! The group was so animated and talented. We sang along til we were hoarse and I'm pretty sure I lost some hearing in my right ear. But Bron and I shared a kiss at midnight and brought in 2016 just right, I think.
The last day of 2015 was a good one. I'm now looking forward to many good days in 2016!
Such fun pictures. I love the light!
ReplyDeletebeautiful photographs.. look at all that snow!
ReplyDeleteglad you got a chance to party without the kids.
Your pictures make me want to take the family to Idaho one winter to visit you. I think it is definitely something we are going to have to do. Maybe 2017? I grew up in places where there were traditional winters, but being in California for so long, I've wimped out. I would love though to take the kids one day soon.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect way to end the year and start a new one! Beautiful photos!!
ReplyDelete