Chuck D & Mr. T

When we were on a country road driving back from skiing the other
Night the kids asked when wolves come out (there is understandable fear of the Big Bad Wolf*) and what they eat. We assured them that wolves would not eat them but look on farms for chickens, mice, rabbits to which Charlie said “When you are walking on farm grass at night and a wearing a bunny costume you should be careful.” Yes, for all those times.
* when I was little I was terrified of the Big Bad Wolf. My father would play the Three Little Pigs record for me and it would terrify me and I would cry and ask him to stop. I fully understand the fear of wolves.

Here is what I love about MJ: Huck just jumped onto our bed all snowy while
Charlie was playing a game on my phone that made kitten sounds. Huck started looking around for the kitchen and MJ got close to her and told her a story about how little kittens come into the house and take all the dogs food. It was so funny. He does this stuff all the time.

Teddy is snuggling next to me watching a cartoon as I watch the snow fall. He is so snuggly. And we tell
Each other how much we love each other continually.

Earlier I was laying here with Charlie looking at Oscar red carpet pictures and he asked me the names of the subjects and is tell him. I’m so excited to be able to do Oscar recap with MJ and Charlie.

Each night the girls have asked me as they go to bed “what horse you ride?” And I say “Garcia.” And they say “Love Garcia. I ride Garcia. I ride Doozy. I love Comet.”

The also loooove playing “baby horse”
And for a few days there Scottie ran around saying “I baby whale! I baby whale!”

Scottie has such enthusiasm for everything. I think maybe she inherited a little from me. She freely uses “love” like I do. “I love horses!! I love croissant!!! I love this hanger!!”

(I will never tire of this picture)

Snow day! There is nothing I like more than a snow day! And now we are a 5 minute walk to Battery Kemble. Just need to get everyone into layers of clothing without too much crying or drama…

Skiing allows you to focus on the moment, clear your head and really se that with attention you can do it. I used to worry that I wouldn’t be a good enough skier and that it was for others who were better. But that was just silly nervousness. It is for anyone who wants to do it no matter ability. You just have to enjoy and not be worried and let yourself go. For so long growing up it was suggested to me that I wasn’t capable athletically because I wasn’t good at and didn’t love team sports (despite loving the camaraderie) of teams. I wasn’t good at catching balls at recess games even. I wish I had realized when I was young that single sports without balls- riding, biking, swimming, kayaking, skiing were athletic pursuits and that I could do them and be athletic. At least I know now and can teach the children that using your body and having fun with an activity is athleticism. And that is so good for the heart, body and mind. It adds so much to life.

Nelly Jelly loves skiing to my great delight. She keeps asking “again? Again!” I couldn’t believe she was going on her own without holding my pole or hand by yesterday which was only her second time skiing. She begged to ride the chair lift over and over and when she got tired she said “nap?” And I said “want to go inside to rest?” And she said “no, nap on seat [lift].”
She was desperate to ski backwards like Charlie was doing. I was in heaven skiing with Charlie and Nelly at my side. Nelly’s laughter and delight going down and asking for pushes to go faster made my heart full and the hour spent dressing them all in snow pants, mittens and skis worth it.

Lady Miss Lambchop après ski. So cute I’m at a loss for words.

Is he not the cutest guy ever?