Saranac Inn

You will find some of the nicest people in the North Country in the little community of Saranac Inn (my Mom and Chris being first on the list of course). Just down the road from them, on a quaint little pond live "Father" Bob and "Sister" Kit. I put their titles in quotations because they are retired from the church, but for some reason those titles stay with you forever. Every year they deck their house out to the max for Christmas...and I mean the MAX. They should be featured on one of those TV shows about over-the-top Christmas decorators. (My Aunt Donna would call them "Christiclazians" as well because I have noticed that a lot of the decorations are up all year...I love that term!)

Anyway...getting back to our adventure...they live on a little pond and Kit keeps a little ice rink cleared all winter. In her basement she has collected an enviable assortment of ice skates, just for those visitors who might be in need of a little fresh air and adventure. (I am a little embarrassed to report we do not have ice skates, so this came in handy.) On Sunday, Mom called and asked if we wanted to come and skate. Josh had a bunch of homework to do and I needed to get the kids out of the house, this was perfect. The sun was shining, the air was clean and crisp, and the only people there to witness our follies were family, you can't ask for more! The kids did great and had a wonderful time, although the highlight for them might have been plowing the pond with Chris on the four-wheeler. (click on the Picasa link to the right for more pictures)

Hold on tight!

Somehow I caught her just right.

Lennon, Libby and Great-Grandma.

Only Colton would try push-up on the ice, thank you toe-picks!

Colton in charge!

I wouldn't let that face drive! Would you?

Carnival 09'

Monday evening after work, karate and pizza at Mr. Mikes we made our annual excursion to the Ice Palace. This year due to some bitter temperatures ice blocks were plentiful. We have a large palace with tunnel and maze on the back, a Pirate Ship complete with masts (one of which they caught on fire at the lighting ceremony...fireworks!), down near the lake they built a little tower with a wooden door and lounge chairs outside, and at the park by the town hall we have a ice pyriamid. We had a great time, Lennon met a friend from school and disappeared for a minute but other than that it was fun. We might have stayed longer but we were all a bit tired and someone (I won't mention who) forgot the bag with snowpants, hats, gloves, etc and we got cold quick. The plan was to go into town and get some daytime shots this week, I love the color of the ice in the sunshine, however due to the 45 degree weather and rain all afternoon I'm not sure it will look so good (or that we'll be allowed near it). Here are a few of my favorites from that night!

Who knows it might still be pretty...stay tuned!

"I just can't wait!"

This is what happens when you have spent all day waiting for people to come over for the Super Bowl...and it just so happens to be your "Birthday Weekend"...

another picture for the photo album, "Lennon Sleeps"!