Sledding With the Cousins

What does one do when responsible for seven children from ages twelve to newborn for several hours on a cold winter's day?  Keep them well fed and very, very busy--preferably outdoors--was the answer that my grandmother and I came up with today.  While she cleaned up from the not inconsiderable mess generated by feeding everyone lunch, I sorted out all of the paraphanelia necessary for outfitting four of the younger ones for snow play. 

Here are the sledders, starting with my handsome nephew, followed by my beautiful niece. 

The girls were quite happy to pose for the camera, but the boys had to be coaxed.  A reminder that their respective dads would appreciate the pictures did the trick.

 

Watching James and his cousin work and play togethether to accomplish the fun of sledding proved to be quite entertaining.  He didn't seem capable of getting back up the hill without her encouragement and help.

Laughing on the way down:

Starting back up:

Come on James, keep walking!

Actually, I'm not sure this is worth all the effort required.

Back at the top, the crinkly eyes and goofy smiles are what you get when you request four-year-olds to smile for the camera.  I really should know better by now (but they are cute).

Earlier in the day, we gave Cameron the task of entertaining the younger ones.  He appointed himself leader of an expedition that traveled through the jungle and up over mountain tops.

He was rewarded later with the opportunity to explore the ravine all by himself.  The next oldest two were quite jealous, and I had to watch them like a hawk to make sure they didn't follow him down.  They may possibly have made it to the bottom without injury, but I am amost certain they wouldn't have been able to make their way back to the top.

Meanwhile, indoors, 102 gingersnap cookies were stirred together, shaped, dipped in sugar, baked, and later dipped in white chocolate under the supervision of my mother. Katie had plans of her own for the leftover chocolate (consuming it by herself in the closet I think), but it was used to coat pretzels.

The baby performed beautifully for us, waking only to enjoy her Oma for a few minutes before drinking her bottle.

I am loving my new camera, which may explain why I am so behind getting ready for Christmas this year. The weather has been less than ideal for outdoor photography the past few days, so we have set the dial to portrait mode and contented ourselves with indoor shots.  Here are some of my favorites, including several taken by Katie.  She is far more successful at getting smiles from James and her cousins than I am.

This next one I include especially for the enjoyment of my Aunt Janet.

 

Comments

[Suzanne Pannelle]

Beautiful pictures Christie. I am so glad you are having a nice visit with your parents and family. Looks like everyone is enjoying the snow but more importantly enjoying visiting with each other. Lots of good memories I am sure.

[janetjames]

Thanks Christie for all the darling pictures, including the one of my little brother! It looks like the kids are having a ball. I'm glad they have had the "snow" experience while they are in Ohio. Your camera takes great pictures. Lots of fun using it I'm sure. Bob said another thing that works great for sliding down snowy hills are those plastic discs - at least they work the best for our kids. Have fun, and have a wonderful Christmas.