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One of the universal truths about life it that sometimes the most difficult situations are the ones that create the best and most long-lasting memories. These are the times when everyone in a family has to set aside his or her agenda and expectations and work together as a team. They have to think strategically…
This is our third year to build an ice skating rink in the back yard. We took last year off because we had such a mild winter that we didn’t think it would be worth the effort. This year, in contrast, we were already getting some super cold days in November, so we decided it…
Back in the fall, the weather reports predicted that this winter in Chicago would be one of the worst in memory. We were supposed to have more snow and more freezing temps in December than ever before. We were excited. Last year, our entire family was converted from winter haters to — dare I say…
Well, our skating rink has changed to a swimming pool. Or maybe a fishing pond. The kids have been fishing in it anyway. Here are a few of their catches, which they proudly displayed in a SHADY spot: They found a guitar: And an ice garden: Louisiana: And the United States: (oops!…
This is a double post from my daily photo blog. I’m starting to really get in the hang of posting a photo every day over there, and I’m enjoying it more than I thought I would! But for those of you who read in a reader or via e-mail and you don’t check the link…
16/365 Our ice skating rink is finally complete. It turned out far better than I ever anticipated! Because we started so late building it, we couldn’t even consider trying to level the yard first. It’s funny that even in a yard that seems fairly flat, a few inches of decline can make a huge difference…
We have been debating the idea of building an ice-skating rink in our back yard. We have several friends who have done it. We talked ourselves into it. Then we talked ourselves out of it. (Notice a pattern with us?) Then our kids started ice-skating lessons. And after the first lesson, they kept begging to…
