Snow Shoes

This past weekend we had an unexpected opportunity to try out snowshoes! We were tooling around on a sunny Sunday afternoon without much of a destination in mind when Owen and I decided to show Troy the Maplewood Nature Center. When we got there the lady working asked if we were there for the snowshoe rental. Snowshoes? Really? Let's go home, get our gear on, and zoom right back for a walk around the lake!

To be honest, the path was so well worn that plain ol' boots would have been fine, but we there for the new experience after all, so we trudged our way around the 7/8 mile path and convinced ourselves that this was what people do for fun in Saint Paul on a 30 degree Sunday afternoon.

Little Chief made it the whole way around, but about halfway through we began to hear the rumblings of " I can't go anymore." So we did a few races, looked for more animal tracks and did what we could to make it the other half way round. It worked and we arrived in one piece : )

While I knew the lake was frozen, and only a few feet deep, I still couldn't bring myself to walk on it. I am not that Minneostan. Owen kept trying to convince me that "it's really OK, Mom, " but it just wasn't for me. I stuck to the path and took the pictures.

All in all it was a great time. I would totally be up for doing this again. Another lake, a little less well defined path...yeah, I would do it. I'm at least that Minnesotan.

Tubing

Wheeeee!!!!!!

Last night our friends, The Knights, called to see if we wanted to try a little snow tubing. We said yes! and headed over to the Wirth Winter Rec Area in Minneapolis for a little winter fun. Being that I am in the "family way" we decided it might not be the best idea for me try this, but I had the job of photographer and had a great time doing it. Dawn did not participate in the event either, so we snapped pictures and when we got too cold went into the "Chalet" to warm up, drink hot chocolate, and gossip. Such fun!

Troy had to show off his skills a little : )

I was worried that it might be too scary for Owen. I was wrong. Absolutely wrong. He LOVED it. Apparently my little guy is growing up. Who knew a new fearlessness would show up on the brink of 5?

Gettting ready for the big run!

Happy, happy child!

We have been trying to make the most out of our long winters. Since the only native Minnesotan in our family is Owen, we have decided we should embrace these winter activites the best we can. He is our snow baby for sure. The amount of snow or length of winter never phases him- he loves being outside. So, we are trying new things and getting out as often as we can. We have tried our hands at sledding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and now tubing. Owen wants to try snow boarding and downhill. So, I'm sure we will be trying those as well. As far as this activity goes it is one we will definately repeat!