Ross Reflections. . .

Ping Pong was a huge hit for the boys, mainly Noah and Bailey who logged hours playing each other. The big boys got in on the competition, surprise, surprise. Lego Land was the choice of fun for the girls. They had so much fun creating their pretend world and figuring out ways to keep the little boys away. Dearest Michigan weekend, Thank you for the constant snowfall all weekend long, the single digit temps were harsh but made us that more thankful for the roaring fire and warm drinks. Thank you for a beautiful "winter" weekend full of family, friends and fun. I will miss you this year but look forward to next year when we will do it all again. love, the rosses

This is the great sledding hill right outside the house. It is quite a long hill which equals quite a long hike back up, and rather steep. Poor Gar had the job of carrying Isaiah up each time. Daddy of the year!! Amy watching from inside. She had every intention of getting out in the snow but the little ones got cold and wanted back inside before she could bundle herself up. She was able to see all the action from the bathroom window. Bosom buddies, it's a bit scary. A little side note, during the weekend Maggie mistook Gary for Jim when he was leaning over tying his shoe and all she could see was his bald head. Noah also made the same mistake cuddling with Jim during our Settler's game thinking it was Gary. Very funny. There was so much snow, 2-3 feet and it was so light. Gary went down on his sled once and the snow blew up over him and this was the end result.

More Michigan memories joined by the Spiegel family. We headed to Avalanche Bay, an indoor water park for the day. We did break for naps back at the house but managed to PLAY for 6 hours. Gary, Jim, Noah and Bailey spent a lot of time on the surfing wall and improved/learned a variety of tricks. The younger kids had a great time on the smaller slides and I could hardly tear Isaiah away from the basketball hoops in the kiddie pool. A favorite for everyone were the hot tubs. Soccer on the mind hot tub buddies surfs up dude

Our winter tradition has continued to year 2. This year brought no disappointment and we made many memories. We headed to "The View" (named for just that) which feels just like home away from home to all of us. The kids call it the "caribou house" because of the huge mounted head in the great room. We arrived to have NO heat and it was 55 degrees inside. Noah and Logan slept hugging all night and Gary and I have NEVER slept that close ALL NIGHT long. I felt like little house on the prairie, surviving on each other's body heat. NO complaints , just more memories to be made. Thursday was filled with family games in front of the fire (just inches away for warmth), waiting for the furnace guy to arrive and then bowling. We hadn't bowled as a family since last winter we were up North, the pictures say it all. Have you ever bowled with these ramps? They make it so fun for little ones. Loggy always covered her ears when Gary bowled. Isaiah LOVED his first time ...

Today Isaiah took a high speed dive into the wood plank frame on his bunk bed. I was right there but immediately called Gary to rush home because I thought he broke his nose. When the bleeding stopped I realized he hit just below is nose, more his upper lip. Logan was there to comfort, very sweet. Loggy could even get him to smile after a while. He is bruised but is fine.

I found the snow setting on my camera so I had to try it out when the boys were outside. My camera obviously picked up each and every snowflake on Noah's nose. I often feel like I don't blog about Noah as often as Logan or Isaiah because he has grown out of that cute stage and is now a big boy. Noah is a great kid and I am a huge fan. I am so hard on him and have to apologize to him often, but his sweet spirit remains and I love to see him care for and protect his sister and brother. Hayden, Noah and Conner enjoying the "warmer" weather. All 3 of my kids eat SO MUCH snow the entire time they are outside.

I love her pink fingernail showing as she writes. This was a terrible day of school according to Logan because she had to "take a test" (do a worksheet). Logan cuts, pastes and colors at the beginning of each day. She does this very well and is extremely independent about it. I thought this was a sweet picture. I am playing with my new camera, if you can't tell. To summarize Logan and home school, it wouldn't be a stretch to say she doesn't like it, although she never throws a fit. If anyone asks her if she likes school, she always says Mrs. Amstutz is a great teacher. Logan goes to King's Academy for 3 hours a week and it is the highlight of her week. (Kindergarten co-op is also tons of fun for Logan) She is my social butterfly and I knew before we started that she wouldn't be like Noah. So this is expected. She is a good student and has learned a lot. She has developed a love of listening to Chapter books, especially American Girl books and ...

Upward Cheerleading is Logan's newest activity. Today I found out she is an Upwards Angel. We said goodbye to ballet and started cheerleading, this mom can only do one thing at a time. I have never attended any of the practices because my sweet friend Dez, takes Logan each week. Today was her big day, uniform, pom poms and matching hair ribbon. Logan was so excited, she cried when I put her to bed lastnight because she was afraid I wouldn't get her there on time at 9 am. (I did with Starbucks in hand and time to spare) All I can really say is Logan is a natural. I was not a cheerleader and honestly don't have dreams of Logan becoming a cheerleader when she is older. But it was so sweet to hear her little voice carry across the court and see how much fun she was having. The way she kicked with her toes pointed after each cheer just cracked me up. The boys did wonderful supporting Logan, watching her cheer and complimenting her when she finished. The tunnel. Logan has been ta...

So proud of his new shirt, all boy. So pround of his pink fingernails. He even spent time blowing on them, just like Loggy. Gary won't be happy, but he is out of town golfing in the artic cold.

Logan put on a little recital using Isaiah's violin/guitar.