Winter Wonderland

Ten days later, I'm finally posting about the snow. The big snow dump last weekend made for some great playing. It wasn't nearly as cold last weekend as it was for this one. The snow was wet and deep, so it was perfect for building stuff.

Like forts.

On the second day, the tracks had been laid for a nice sledding experience. Sophia made her first successful ramp. She has made other attempts at ramp building, but she never caught air before that day. She was very excited!

It's my opinion that if the temp insists on dipping, I'd just as soon have some snow along with it.

Post Up

It's that time of year again. Basketball has landed in our midst. Sophia prefers soccer, but she is probably a more naturally gifted basketball player. She likes the rough and tumble aspect of being one of the bigger kids on the floor, down by the basket.

Even though these girls are in 5th grade now, it's still so fun to watch them play. Each time they get on the court, they learn something. And they are so lucky to have one another. The team is made up of fantastic and fun girls. They also like to be competitive. The coaches have their hands full during practice with all the secret handshakes and silliness, but they do get serious when it counts.

It's a good way to spend a cold, dreary weekend afternoon.

My Loves

I think I post a version of this picture every winter. I just love how cute these two are when they've been battling it out in the snow.

I love sledding, but Erick will occasionally allow Sophia to "sneak up" on him and smash snow in his face or down his shirt. So, he'll always be a little bit more fun to be outside with than I am. I'm okay with that.

Admittedly, I'm hoping that was our last snow. I can smell spring in the air today, and I'm hoping that's where we're headed.

First snow of the Winter!!

Sophia has been incredibly upset that we had yet to get a single snow that would withstand a sled. It was a constant source of disappointment.

To be honest, I have been disappointed myself. So we were both thrilled to get our first real snow last week. While I don't think it was worthy of the snow day that she got from the school district, we certainly used it up!

This was her face after her first roll down the hill. Very, very pleased.

This was on our second sledding trip of the day. Toward the end when she doesn't need the hat any more, and her cheeks get nice and rosy.

On the third time we went sledding on Sophia's snow day, she stayed out for an extra hour with friends. That was the best of both worlds for both of us. 

This picture was taken the next day when we went sledding one more time before the snow was all gone. Like I said, we've only had the one snow, but we made good use of it! On thehat was the best of both worlds for both of us.

Can't wait for the next time that we get to get all bundled out and run up the hill over and over again. Seriously. I still love going sledding.

Winter Break Vacation

     Hi this is Sophia. Yesterday I got home from my winter vacation! We went to New Orleans, and Orange beach. New Orleans is always an amazing time. It is a ten hour drive to New Orleans, so that is never super fun. But the experiences you get there are 100% worth it.We stayed at a regular hotel with one room, one bathroom, and one tv. We went to a place  called Preservation Hall. At Preservation Hall they get jazz bands to  come. Sense I am a  kid I got to sit right up front. The main performance area is the size of a large dinning room! The whole thing looked like a old house. The paint on the outside was chipping, so it looked brown. Or maybe it was painted brown, I wasn't really sure. There was no snacks, or water inside. But the music made up for it all. It was amazing. It is a 4 hour drive to get to Orange beach. Orange beach is really close to Gulf Shores. I absolutely loved it. Although me and Daddy were sick. Both of us got sick. So our vacation did not turn out exactly how we imagined. But we were only sick for 1 day, so we got to play on the beach a lot. The gulf water is more warmer than other beaches. The sand is defiantly whiter. The sand isn't ruff or super inconsistent. But Gulf Shores and Orange beach, are a mostly beachside condo town. There are some turn offs you can go to, to get to the towns. But you are not by the beach any more. Sense there are so many condos you can't see the water anyway. My room in our condo/hotel was very nice. I had 2 full sized beds, and a tv in my room. But my rooms only view was the parking lot. Then next door to my bed room was a bathroom, ( for me only, un like this apartment with only 1bathroom to share between the 3 of us ) and another bed room ( that was not my mom and dad's) It was were we put Leo's crate so he basically had his own room. witch had twin sized beds ( we did not tell him mine were bigger.) He had the same "amazing" view as me. Plus he had 2 beds , and a tv. Again mine was bigger. down the hall, was the kitchen, witch I am not going to tell about, except it was a average kitchen. If you make a left turn n you are in the living room. Beside the living room is a set of sliding doors. To reveal a balcony over looking the pool and ocean. It has a amazing view. If you go back inside. Go a little past the couch and you will turn left to go into my mom and dad's room. they have a king sized bad, I think. A bigger tv than me. Plus a set of sliding doors to get to the balcony.
    

Lovely Girl

We recently had our family pictures taken by a lovely photographer, Jessica. She captured some really great shots of our family, and some that I really love of Sophia.

We needed another good family photo this year, but I probably wouldn't have done it if she hadn't been running a charitable special. Donate to Doctors Without Borders or a similar charity that directly assists refugees and receive a photo shoot and images without paying her directly. I love being able to reward selfless action like that. 

And sometimes it results in something beautiful like this.

First Sledding on Art Hill

Now that we've been, it's hard to believe that it took us until our fifth winter here to sled down Art Hill. We used all the usual excuses of crowds and cold, not to mention the fact that we have a more than passable sledding hill at the bottom of our street.

It's true that it was crowded. More than a little crowded. It was packed. Heaving with kids, teens and adults at some stage of getting up the courage either to push off down the hill or make the long trek back. That's the thing about a long hill. It's a lot of fun until you're walking up.

As soon as we arrived, Sophia hopped on and took off down the hill. We shouted after her the reminders of "Roll off if you're about to hit someone!" She made it just fine.

Then we took turns joining her on the sled. I loved going down that hill so much! It really is a test of skill and courage to weave between the crowds and the sleds, dodging and twisting. It's even more fun if you can still have some speed built up when you hit the hay bales at the bottom.

I still love our neighborhood hill. We will definitely spend most of our sledding time there, where we are free to stop in the middle and throw snowballs or wrestle. But I don't plan on letting another winter pass by without taking part in this exhilarating St. Louis tradition. 

Ice skating adventure - by Sophia Creach

About a week ago I went ice skating for the first time with one of my best friends. I know my mom only talked about me falling on my butt but some parts weren't as pleasant... I took a big header into the ice. It hurt but not for that long. I'm not saying it wasn't painful, but every good ice skater needs a hard fall every now and then,right? My dad says I usually take the biggest fall on my first time. I'm a first time faller I say. My friends dad gave me a dollar coin. I got chili cheese fritos. One time when I fell. This time on my butt. My mom tried to help me up... I still couldn't get up! It was so, so, so funny. It took me at least two minutes to get up. I finally just scooted to wall so I could pull myself up.  

By Sophia Creach

Winter Sport

Yesterday was a drizzly, chilly day. Not the ideal day for one's (or three's) first time ice skating. Still, we had postponed ice skating with friends at least three other times for various reasons. We weren't going to let a little drizzle get in our way this time.

Erick, Sophia and I were all complete newbies on the ice. Overall, I'd say our first time was a huge success.

The grownups managed not to fall down even once. And Sophia's falls were almost entirely on her butt, so that's a win. I was very proud of her. New things are definitely not her favorite things, especially when pain is a potential outcome. She kept at it in spite of being soaked and exhausted and improved quite a bit!

Having some friends with us didn't hurt at all. We discovered that standing close together is not necessarily a good idea for stability.

This was a common look on Sophia's face.

Erick opted to be photographed alone and avoid his flailing companions. Wise, wise man that he is. 

Turns out, I'm a fan of ice skating, as I am of most outdoor activities. I look forward to a time when I can stray more than a few feet away from Sophia and try a little speed. I have a feeling that when that happens, I won't be able to claim a completely upright victory. But a little fall now and then can be a good thing. It happens often enough to me that I know how to tuck and roll.

Don't worry, Mom, I'll be careful.

Perfect Combination

This weekend brought lovely weather to Missouri. It's especially welcome since it's right on the back end of some very cold temperatures. Not only did they keep us inside and away from Forest Park, they froze all the creeks and little waterways completely solid.

The ice comes up in layers, much to the delight of an explorer and the dog who loves to eat ice.

Making for very chilly kisses.

I have to admit that it's lots of fun to walk on ice, stroll on ice, even skate (scoot) on ice. We spent a very long time at the park on Saturday and ended up very muddy.

Completely worth it. Except, I did fall down the hill right in front of the Skinker stoplight. Fortunately, grace is not an attribute that I thought I possessed.

I hate the cold weather so much. I really do. The fact remains that I couldn't possibly appreciate mid-40's temperatures the way I do if it didn't sometimes get ridiculously cold. Not to mention, ice is fun.

These Days

Winter is long and cold. It's here in all its glory without a flake of snow to make it worthwhile. Still, we manage to eek the fun out of its darkness and goosebumps.

A record playing in the background, hot cocoa cooling down and the puppy squeaking his toy. Not a bad way to while away the hours. 

Into the Woods

As badly as I'd love to see the movie Into the Woods, that's not what this post is about. This is about Forest Park. And Leo.

As you know, since we've moved to St. Louis, we have lived across the street from Forest Park. It takes less than five minutes for us to walk to one of the most picturesque locations in the city. And we have. In the last four years, we have used that park a lot. A very lot. Playgrounds, museums, picnics, lakes and the whole thing. We've used most of what the park has to offer.  

However, since Leo has been added to our family, we have discovered its wilder side. In the past, we have only used the woods as a cut-through to the zoo. That is no longer the case. In the past, we had sometimes hopped into the car to get to what we thought were the more useable parts of the park. Or we'd walk to one of the buildings. Having a dog who needs walks has led us to be more creative, and that has opened up a world we didn't realize existed. 

At least once a week since we've gotten Leo, we have followed the much less-beaten paths through the woods. We have been when it's cold, when it's muddy, when it's hot. 

No matter when we go, it's beautiful. Sometimes we have to drag Sophia off the couch to get her there. That's a fact. Another fact is that once we're there, we usually have to drag her back home. Point out growling stomachs or fingers and noses changing color from exposure. She has discovered that she loves fallen trees. She already knew that she loved mud holes and creeks.

There are many things that I love about having a dog, but this may be the very best thing so far. The woods.

Flu

We have yet to have a normal week in 2014. Between holidays and snow, combined with the last week's worth of flu, Sophia hasn't been to school more than four days. This week, she'll be lucky to get two.

Anyway, it wears us both out. I love spending time with my girl. Especially when we can get outside for a little walk or play. But this weather keeps us inside. Playing Monopoly, Life, dominoes, American Girls, Legos, Wii, watching TV, reading.

Here she is writing a story.

She was pretty mad to learn that today was a snow day because I think she was ready to head back. Really, though, I think another day of rest couldn't be a bad idea.

Here's hoping for some health and normalcy. 

Sick of the Snow

I like snow. I do. It's something I always say. "If it's going to be this cold, at least we could have snow." I will more or less stand by that statement. I just think I'd rather not have it go to such extremes. In temperature or snowfall...

Anyhow, it wasn't all bad. Even though the wind chills got to 35 below or something. Before the biggest chill hit, we went outside to play. Because the snow was just taunting us. Looking so perfect and untouched.

Bundled to the max

We didn't make it very long outside that day. Sophia could have kept going, but her cheeks took a while to return to their normal color. While she thawed, she blogged. And here's what she looked like. With her cup of snow beside her.

Anyway, now the snow is all gucky and brown. (I find it very interesting that spell check did not underline "gucky.") The charm is gone. And now the rain will even make it impossible to play in. So I'm ready to bid this one adieu.

The next time it gets very cold, I'm pretty sure I'll still say, "At least let's have a little snow."

Holiday Heydays - by LJ

The night of Christmas is always bizarre. Is it just for me? It's just like the any other time that something you've waited and watched for comes to pass. It's a strange adjustment back to normal life. Not waiting. Just living. 

Christmas Eve, on the other hand, is my favorite night of the year. All that built up energy and excitement. Just ready to boil over. Santa to think of. Presents to wrap and present. 

Sophia put out Santa's snack in her cute little Christmas jammies. So excited to see what the morning might bring.

None of us were disappointed. I'm just posting this picture because he's so cute. The only thing Christmas brought him in this picture is the sweater. I love it. So cozy. It's going to be tempting to to commandeer it, but I won't.

We got Sophia this pogo stick. She said it was her favorite present, besides the doll bed that Santa brought her. I was happy that we had a reason to get outside on Christmas. After our nap, of course.

Another of her presents was a gift card to the American Girl store here in St. Louis. She has one American Girl doll and one Target version, but she has never been to the store. Her doll got a new hairdo. They have a salon. For the dolls.

That's just a smattering of what we have done so far this break. The majority of the rest of the time has been divided between seeing family and lying around in pjs. Happy holidays for us!!

The Snowboarding Adventure

It was fun to snowboard all day long.This

is me going down the hill. 

When you go down a hill  in order to go down a hill you have to keep a strong center of gravity.

It is hard to be cruising down a hill. But anybody can do it.

This is the ready position and sometime you get scared.

BY Sophia monroe creach

Fun in Sun and Snow

Perfect combination of remaining snow and spring sunshine!

Cure for Cabin Fever

It looks like we may get some spring temperatures next weekend, but we couldn't wait till then to get out of the apartment.

Yesterday, Grandmary was with us for our trip to the Botanical Gardens. The outdoor areas were not yet in bloom, but we enjoyed the Climatron. I also enjoy saying Climatron. Sophia spent most of our time in the Climatron complaining about the heat. She's really a cold weather girl.

The Temperate House was -- well, it was more temperate. And it's by far my favorite. It feels English and Mediterranean at the same time.

In order to get our fix today, we headed to the zoo. We were bundled up, but Erick and I were not quite as stylishly bundled as Sophia.

In other news, Sophia has started to read. Apparently, when one begins to read, one wants to read everywhere. For example, one might want to read in the Sea Lion Tunnel. And a sea lion might just want to read with you!

Since Sophia had spent most of our zoo time either reading or climbing on rocks, we decided to add a trip to Turtle Park, where she could get her climb on.


P.S. Creaches look great in layers.

Ridiculously cute.

Long Weekend Flies By

"Long Weekend Flies By" would be the headline if this were a newspaper.

Sophia had both Friday and Monday off, but it hardly felt like we had more time than two days. On Friday, she and I spent a little time at the Science Center. There is a temporary exhibit about saving endangered animals and their habitats. Sophia had on this turtle shell at the exhibit for about half a second. The above face is how she responded when I said, "Look turtley."

The rest of our weekend flew by because my parents were up for a visit. We found just the right balance between seeing and doing fun stuff and laying around the house.

Even though it was too cold to do any of the fun outdoor activities that St. Louis has to offer, we soaked up the sun in our living room, while Mom crocheted and Sophia sewed. Craftiness apparently skipped a generation.

Sledding Adventures

Sophia and Erick went sledding three days of our break. I went twice. All were big adventures. The first day, we barely had enough snow. Second day was perfect snow for building, so we didn't sled as much as work... Last day was mostly ice. So very fast down the hill, but Sophia has become a confident and independent sledder - a relief for all of us.

All three were followed by hot chocolate, of course. What's the point of sledding and teapots if not for hot cocoa?