Weeeeee!

Shane, Logan, and I went sledding this afternoon. I sledded a little last year in Colorado, but I had never (that I remember) sledded on Cico hill here in Manhattan. Since this is "the best" sled hill in Manhattan we decided to try it out. The boys had gone there last year with my sister Betsy and loved it.

This hill must have been built for sledding because it's a big hill in the middle of a park. It's always looked out of place to me. It didn't even seem that big until I was at the top of it. All sides of the hill have great places to sled down. At the bottom, in at least three places, the city has strategically placed pads, the type that you'd use for gymnastic mats. They are definately needed! The height and slope of the hill are pretty good and you really gain speed. I'm wondering if anyone has ever been severly hurt. It wouldn't surprise me. We decided to stay on a smaller part of the hill that landed you into the parking lot. They have this part of the large parking lot blocked off and it has not been cleared of the snow and ice.

Oh yeah, the best thing about Kansas winters is that the snow either falls and doesn't stick, sticks and then melts a day or two later, or sticks and stays. Nothing different than other places right? Well, a few days ago we had a few inches (3-5) of snow fall in Manhattan. Not only was it cold enough to stick, but it's lasted and will probably last until our next snow fall early this week. The best part is that the sun warms it just enough to melt a little on the top and firm the snow. This has created a thin ice layer on the snow that's still here. The sled hill was full of this! Just enough snow with just enough ice. No fluffy stuff to trudge though, and no pathways to dig.

That was our problem last year in Colorado. The snow was fluffy and at least two feet deep when we got there. It continued to snow while we were there and the snow dump next to our house was piled high. Normally in Kansas it would have been a great hill but there was just too much fluffy snow. Eventually the boys and some neighbors were able to pack down enough snow to make a great sled pathway with a big ramp and path through the snow dump. It was successful. We look forward to doing it again this year. This time Shaun and I will be able to enjoy it more because we won't have to clean the house for a full day. The rental management company will take care of that!

That bring me to our Colorado plans. Yes, we are going. It's official now. Shaun, Shane, Logan, and I are going. Shaun's parents are staying in Manhattan and will look after our dogs and house and gather the mail and such. It's nice that they live across the street and we don't need to find house/pet sitters. If it weren't the holidays that would be easy to do though. I've had lots of volunteers.

Since John and Marlene are staying home, John invited our neighbors to join us. Our friends- Chad, Pam, Morgan, Austin, and Darlene (Pam's mom) will be coming with us. Normally anyone besides us would have to pay the rental costs but since we'll be there John's waiving the fees this time. They are excited to go as they've heard a lot about the house and the area from us. I don't know what we'll do while were there but we'll probably be there from December 26th to January 3rd or 4th. I like that we'll be there so long as it will feel like a real vacation this time.

Travel safely!