It's been a cold season thus far. We've repeatedly had daily highs below zero, with overnight lows approaching -20°, not counting the often significant wind chill we experience in the Matanuska-Susitna area. Before winter began, we'd read that a La Niña system would be altering our weather, bringing us generally colder temperatures and less precipitation, and that's been dead accurate so far. We don't mind the cold, but we love the snow, and winter isn't nearly as fun without mounds of the white stuff to play in. Also, we suffered through a major windstorm, along with an extended melting period, which wreaks havoc beyond description. Still, we're enjoying ourselves, as ever.
Halloween was a blast, and Stephanie particularly nailed it this year with Calvin's fabulous garden gnome costume. Chloe began horse care and riding lessons recently at a nearby family ranch, and it was an immediate success. She's been loving it ever since, though we do have to skip days that dip lower than 10°. Malcolm's and Brandon's birthdays were great, and Malcolm's party was pirate-themed, complete with a traditional Alaskan piñata ceremony out in the snow. Christmas was also wonderful this year, especially now that Calvin has finally grasped the notion of an old fat guy sneaking into our house and leaving mysterious presents.
We've been up to our usual cavalcade of family activities, like swimming, ice skating, New Year's fireworks (they're legal in these parts) and even a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing day today at Hatcher Pass. In fact, Malcolm enjoyed it so much, we're thinking of joining the local ski club and taking up yet another hobby.
Brandon just bottled what he hopes is a most excellent double IPA, and Stephanie recently cashed in her day spa Christmas gift certificate, so we're doing well, too. :) Now if it would only start snowing a bit more....
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