Snow shoeing at the Nature Center!

I have taken the kids out snow shoeing at the nature center 3 times now.  We really like it.  The kids love the fact that they can make their own paths and wind through trees, climb over logs and under bushes.  We usually make it down to the viewing decks (not very far if you stay on the path, but far when you wind through everything) and then turn around and head back in our own round about way.  They always start out amazingly fast and eager to run.  But by the time we make it to the viewing deck...they are pooped.  That is when the snacks and water are essential.

 

Inevitably, one kid will drop out and find the path and "let me" carry their shoes. 

Other times, another kid drops off and "lets me" carry their shoes also. 

And eventually I am the pack mule carrying all the shoes while still in mine trying to keep up with them on the path...where snow shoes are not very useful...much harder on a hard packed path, but wonderful on fresh powdery snow.  They make me laugh.  But we are getting exercise and experiencing the Alaskan Lifestyle that is now ours. 
                           
Some other things we are enjoying are snowboarding and sledding.  We have the best neighbor ever!  His name is Logan and he is 11.  We love this kid!  Our kids play with him daily and it is wonderful.  He has introduced the kids to hockey and snowboarding and constantly gets them outside to play in the snow.  It has been wonderful.  Sis is getting better at the snowboard.  Next year we will begin the ski season right (Now that we know where to go and how to get there!).  All the kids are looking forward to it.  I am too!

 

Seriously, I am not sure that I am ready for a house full of kids!!! That's right, 7 boys and 1 girl.  Augh!