1. I took four kids skiing at Elk Mountain today. It was the third time my three skied at that resort. It's 2 hours away from our home whereas Ski Sawmill, where they've gone skiing more often, is only 1 hour from our house. However, WVIA (PBS station) hasn't offered free tickets to Ski Sawmill in 2021 or 2022 due to COVID. The only year the kids ever went skiing twice in one year was in 2020, as they skied once in January and February before everything ground to a halt in March. Maybe they will be able to ski twice next year? It depends on what happens with COVID between now and then. It was Jill's first-time skiing; Nadia had her skiing on both the bunny slope and also a slope that came down from the top of the mountain! The last time I skied was in February 2020, and that might end up being the last time in my life because of my ankle surgery. Oliver's skiing ability has greatly improved over the last few years. He is now as confident as Nadia. Ian still prefers the bunny slope. All the times I've been with the kids when they've skied, I've brought my good camera. I didn't today, but I did get a few pictures and videos with my phone. Last year, Paul took the kids to Elk Mountain, and he didn't take a single picture. So, I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do when we go skiing, but I took more than Paul did last year.
2. Ian went a full year without going to a doctor, which thankfully has been normal for him since he turned three. He saw MANY doctors (psychologist, urologists, gastroenterologists, allergists, etc.) during the first three years of life. Thankfully he didn't need any vaccinations this year, so it only cost $50 to have his annual physical thanks to the self-pay discount the local clinic offers. It was Ian's first time being seen at that clinic. Aside from it being a lot cheaper, it's closer to our house, and we did a lot less waiting than we have always done at the pediatrician's office where we used to go. Ian is 4 foot 9.25 inches tall, which puts him at the 30th percentile for height, and he weighs 77 pounds, which puts him at the 20th percentile for weight. He gained seven pounds and grew two inches over the last year. He's 3/4 of an inch taller than Nadia was when she turned twelve, and he weighs 14 pounds less than she did.
3. Ian and Oliver enjoyed the cookies and popcorn balls activity at the library on December 18.
4. The kids and Jill enjoyed ice skating on December 19, which was Nadia's half-birthday date, and they enjoyed skating with Wendy and her kids on December 26. We paid for the kids to skate on the 19th, but admission and rentals were free on the 26th - even hot chocolate, hot dogs, popcorn, cookies, fruit, and door prizes were free that day.
5. Paul's dad turned eighty on December 20. He wasn't feeling well on his birthday, so he didn't come up to our house as planned. He's the first of our parents to make it to 80. Since both of our moms passed away in their 70's, we don't take this for granted.
6. Milo had his vet appointment and got his immunizations. Next year the appointment will be cheaper as two of the three immunizations he got this time he won't need to get again for three years. He got a third vaccine this year which means he can stay at a kennel, and we put that to use today. The longest he's stayed in his crate by himself has been a little over 9 hours. I called two kennels and found one that only charges $15 for daycare, which can be up to 11 hours long. This meant the kids weren't able to go to their first ice skating lesson today as we would have been gone longer than 11 hours, but at least they were able to ski. Part of the reason I took him to the kennel today was to test that option out in preparation for our vacation in May. Emotionally I'd rather leave him at someone's house rather than the kennel, but it's nice to have another option when necessary.
7. My dentist appointment went smoothly on December 29. Although we no longer have health insurance, I'm grateful we still have dental insurance through Paul's business.
8. Last night the kids and I attended a Pizzapalooza event at church. I have joined a ladies Bible study on Hagar that will begin next Wednesday night.
10. We're thankful for the gifts we received! The kids finished writing the thank you notes on January 2.
11. Paul turned 52! Considering Maurice passed away at the age of 35, I don't take any birthday for granted.
12. Margie was able to get a monoclonal antibody infusion. We're thankful that neither my dad nor Margie have needed to be hospitalized due to the fact that they have COVID.
13. Paul had a safe trip to Baltimore on Tuesday. We're praying that the snow that is forecasted won't cause any problems with the drive back home tomorrow. He thinks that the show will result in some new customers.
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