Fulfilling the Christmas Present Promises

For the most part, we have more than enough 'stuff' at our house. We don't do much for Christmas presents for the kids anymore. We've been trying to do experiences instead.  Two years ago was a trampoline, last year was new bedrooms for everyone, and this year was winter fun: Cross Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding, and Downhill skiing.

Cross Country skiing happened in North Muskegon at the Winter Sports Complex. It took some figuring out, but everyone got there - well with the exception of Maria. If you know her, you don't need to ask anymore.  Anika actually got a bloody nose out in the middle of the woods. We used Oak leaves for tissue and got it stopped. It didn't look good in the snow!  Later, we thought of the fact we should have just put a snowball on her nose!  I guess we're ready for the next time it happens.

The Sports Complex also has Luge and ice skating, and snow shoeing. We only participated in the ice skating. They actually ice a small trail through the woods, so off we went!

Sledding happened more than once, just down the road. The fluffy snow is always a good time. We generally last around an hour, but the fresh air is always good!

The following week we headed north of Grand Rapids to go down hill skiing, Michigan style. The hills aren't big, but it gave them all the experience again. We haven't been downhill skiing since we left MN.  Everyone did a great job. Anika and Matt had been skiing with the 8th grade class the week before, and Maria had gone skiing for a weekend with a classmate, so Jessica and Brandon were the only two 'new' to it again. It was cold but it was a good time.  Brandon went again the next weekend with a friend. Some day we'll head to Colorado and experience real mountains!