School's Out!

The kids finished school on Wednesday (22 Dec) and it was a sad farewell to the fantastic teachers and students for us all. We collected bags of art and school projects, and exchanged cards and gifts. The great thing about it being a small school was that everyone was familiar, and the kids knew a lot of the teachers and other students. A big thank you to Irving Elementary School for having us and welcoming us into their community. They all go back on the 2nd of January, but we are heading away then for our final US adventures so won't be going back.

Luca and Mrs Chacon (1st Grade)

Lily & Mrs Higgins (4th Grade)

Since Lily and Luca have started their winter/summer holiday (Wintner/Sumter?), the first thing we did to celebrate was to finally go and try out some sleds and downhill gradients. Unfortunately it hasn't snowed for a while, and the temperatures have been warming ..... so it was more like snow on Turoa - hard and icy! Minor heart attacks from me when they headed straight for trees - I swear every chance they could. But they had a good time and we will be going to find a different area with no trees as soon as the next snow dumps on us.

Having survived the first drop from the top of the hill -
we relocated to about a third of the way up

No, you have to carry your own sled back up the hill

Snow's down, school's out, sun's up

We also found a more gentle slope with softer snow