and then the skating rink was closed for the year

 We knew there wasn't much time left to enjoy the ice, so the kids had a last shot at playing.

 A new game was invented for the occasion.

 Nathan and Melanie showed how it was to be played.

 

 Following this was a lengthy pow-wow where everyone was told the rules.

 They were something like this--you put your hockey stick handle into the snow, and then the next hockey stick you come up to in the snow you pull out, while you skate around the rink in a circle. And no stopping!

 And away they go!

But a few days later we had the "big thaw" and although the ice wasn't thawed through everywhere, I let some water out to get rid of some volume, in hopes of speeding up the thawing.  The sooner the plastic is packed away the less likely it gets wrecked. Theoretically.

But if you jab a board with pointy screws into the carefully rolled up plastic when it is "safely" away in storage--then maybe it'd be better to leave it outside. And subject to the elements instead.
Oops.

Playing in the snow

 Snow hasn't stayed on the ground much, so this winter the kids were always anxious to play in it before it melted again!

 When the snow is gone, they can plot about what to play next. This time a wall of snow

 and paths leading to various houses and far away places.

 Jennifer convinced Evelyn to go skating with her.

 She carefully followed her directions and example as well as he could.

 Bikes can be used in the snow.

The sliding run along the driveway was a fun challenge.

Such a beautiful day!