Round These Here Parts

Well, as you may know, it is winter time here in the Northern Hemisphere, and the weather has actually decided to act like it is supposed to here in Wisconsin. So we have had lots of snow, ice and below zero temperatures. It is super fun! I remember when we lived here before I had a toddler so if it was snowing outside or super cold we could just stay at home. But now I have an almost eight year old and we actually have to leave the house, like, everyday!!!! One day I had to clean snow off my car EIGHT times! Oh it was a good day. Good thing I invested in some snow boots. Side note: Here are the winter weather guidelines for Trum's school district...
~ Schools are closed when actual air temperatures are 25 degrees below zero, or windchill factors of 35 degrees below zero.
~When the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and/or the wind child factor is -10 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, all students shall be permitted to enter the building upon arrival to school, and will be kept indoors during recess periods in grades K-8.
So if we want a day off all we need to do is pray for the temperature to drop below -25. Love it!
Anyway, here are some pictures of stuff that has been happening round these here parts.

 Well this is from a looooong time ago. We had our annual Christmas sing along/gingerbread house party this year and this is Trum's excellent house.

(By the way, how do you like that mat burn on his face from Judo class? He looks pretty tough.)

 The Olbrich Botanical Gardens are one of our favorite places to go here in Madison. It is great in all seasons. At Christmas time they have a beautiful poinsettia and toy train display.

 And it is fun to visit the toasty warm Conservatory on a snowy day! 

 Here is our first REAL snow. Trum isn't dead in that picture below, he is just burrowing into his snow fort.

 So Jack and I are both working with the Cub Scouts at church. And since he has to be there with us, Truman has been participating. Even though he isn't 8 until next month. This was his first "real" pinewood derby. Jack and he actually put the wheels on straight and put some effort into making it fast.

 Trum's car is the yellow #6.

 Here he is with his best buddy Coel. I think the PVC pipe fence around the track is GENIUS!

His car ended up getting second place. We had discussed how to lose gracefully but we had to have a quick discussion on winning gracefully when he started to win most of his races. He was feeling pretty triumphant.

 This picture has nothing to do with anything. I took it a long time ago. 

But doesn't it make you think that we are...

A.Super Religious

B. Super Servicy

C. Super Lucky to Live in Wisconsin

&

D. Super Cool cause we own leather gloves

???

I thought so.