Will Is Six!

Will turned six on February 24, 2011!! We had a 24-hour stomach bug making its way through the family the week of his birthday. Will was a good sport and didn't mind postponing his birthday dinner and cake for a couple days until everyone was better. (Of course, he didn't delay opening his presents!!) Fortunately, he stayed healthy on his birthday and didn't take his turn with the bug until the next day.

Here's Will tackling his pile of birthday presents:

Will is a great present opener. His facial expressions are awesome.

The hockey stick from his siblings was a HUGE hit! Street hockey has become a favorite after school/after work activity! (Yes, his dad managed to get a new stick too...)

Some things haven't changed in the last year--Will still loves Legos, Star Wars and baseball. He still loves his brother and his sisters. He still loves to laugh and play and be silly. But now he's taller, faster on his scooter, and learning to read!
Happy 6th Birthday, Will!

Conquering the Mountain!

Our first family ski trip was a success! We loaded the minivan with all our winter gear and with enough food for a long weekend and headed to Snowshoe, WV. Here are Ellen and Will trying out their skis before the start of ski school the first morning:

We stayed in a condo in the Village overlooking the beginner slopes! Perfect for watching while staying warm! The second day was VERY foggy. That afternoon, the fog cleared, the sun appeared, and Annie started yelling, "MOM! COME! I see Will, I see Will!" And Ellen! And Dad! Do you spy them too?

A couple more pictures from our window:

What did Annie and Sam do with their mom while the other three skied? We took walks, we took naps, we read books, we played, and we built a zoo! Annie received a fun art kit for Christmas from her aunt, uncle and cousin. We took it along and had a grand time painting and decorating the zoo animals!

After the fog cleared and the sun appeared that second day, along came the snow and wind. Ellen and I went for a walk in the Village to go shopping that evening...we didn't really walk, it was more like we were blown around by the crazy strong wind. Here's a tiny Ellen in front of our hotel that snowy evening:

Ellen and Will did really well! They loved it!
There was MUCH sadness when it was time to head home.


Check out the video of the kids on skies:

http://rowefamilyvideos.blogspot.com/2011/02/skiing.html