Closer and closer

This year Bo began ski lessons. They ask that kids be 4 years old before they begin, but we figured he could handle it. We were half right. The same way we were half right about Bo and skating. Physically, he could do just about anything. However, he still has some growing to do when it comes to converting complex instructions into action. Give him 4 things to do in succession and it's simply not going to happen. If the instructor said 'Bo, go to the bottom of the hill' things would move along much faster. Still, he is having fun and he improves with each class. He should be doing his pizzas down the hill by winter's end.

William on the other hand is rocking his ski lessons. He can, and has, skied hills that are more challenging but I suppose for teaching purposes the green hills are the way to go. Next year Josh will be on the boards. Provided they make helmets that fit fire hydrants with hair. Jill and I are almost at the point where we can begin to dream of skiing ourselves......

William on the move

Touching the knees

Reach for the sky

Bo and his dedicated, teenage-girl instructor

Bo enjoying having a dedicated, teenage-girl instructor

And then it was done

As we have for the past 5+ years, Jill and I rang in the New Year before it arrived. A movie with the boys, a movie for us, a little wine, a little Baileys and a kiss goodnight. It was a nice Christmas holiday and despite the chaos it is my favourite time of the year.

I have not made any resolutions for 2014 beyond continuing to do the best I can, and to remain focused on the good in my life. Too many of the good things are fleeting, so it is important for me to acknowledge them while I can.

Some snapshots from the holiday. Apologies for the photo quality. Despite having a $700 camera I seem to default to using the one on my phone.

Happy New Year:)

Josh freezing his butt off while siblings sled

The siblings

His new belly-whopper sled

Uncle Matt and Aunt Karen brave the cold

Impervious to the elements

Raz sledding sandwich

William talking smack after the race

Matt becoming a pose pro

Took Josh 1.5 seconds to figure this out

Loot distribution

Another noise maker to fight over

Before his brothers trashed it