One of the childhood experiences that most kids share is the delight of a "snow day."  The moment when we realize that school is canceled may be the first time many of us feel euphoria.  This is yet one more thing my kids don't really get to experience as homeschoolers...yet, like most other benefits of home education and family unity, we get something that may be even better. 

When we were in Rhinelander, WI, this Christmas, we got 8 inches of snow.  So after lunch on Christmas day, we headed over to the golf-course and had a snow day that was more about family than freedom.  Grandpa Baker was the Grand Marshall for the afternoon.

The Pusher, 2007

Not all the cousins were sure they wanted to join in--the hill at the golf course is a little steep; but eight years with our own hesitant one has given Pamela plenty of experience in convincing.  After an "aunt-pulled sleigh" and a few successful trips down the hill, everyone was glad they came.   

"was that so bad?", 2007

Sleds were a little hard to come by, so Grandpa's ice-fishing sledge was brought along and it proved it could hold precious cargo just as well as fishing supplies!

All Smiles, 2007

One of our favorite comic strips as newlyweds was Calvin and Hobbes...15 years later, the faces say it all.

Where's Hobbes?, 2007

I know the galant thing would have been to sit in the front... 

Mouthful, 2007

Some of my favorite pictures of Pamela over the years have been taken in Rhinelander...I've got one more.

A Moment, 2007

From Psalm 51:

Make me hear joy and gladness,
         That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

 

 
(All but the last photo are courtesy of Ken Smoll, my brother-in-law...Ken, thanks so much for capturing the day for us all!)