Happy Birthday Rick!

 Rick has really wanted to teach our kids to ski.  Once he found out there was a snow dome close by where he could take Matthew and Chrissie skiing anytime, he had one gift in mind for his birthday: skis.  Three sets of skis can be quite costly. so he purchased used skis off ebay-deutsche ebay to be exact.  Being that we are still not fluent in german, we weren't exactly confident in our purchases.  However, luck was ours and we did in fact purchase skis and they all fit.  
Matthew and Chrissie also got to pick out gifts for Rick.  However, I reminded them that we must keep it a secret until Dad's birthday.  The moment Rick came home Matthew ran to Rick and said, "Daddy I got you a pirate puzzle for your birthday.  There is a dragon on it.  But don't tell dad."  Then I would look at him and saying, "Matthew, shhh it's a surprise." So then he would just whisper it to Rick.  If you ever want a secret kept, I would recommend you not tell Matthew.

That evening we went to the Laternenfest at the local fire station where hotdogs, beer, and fries were served yet again.  We followed a local band around the fields while kids sang various lantern themed songs.

 I like the homemade lanterns best.  I thought this pear was adorable and I've also seen a squirrel shaped lantern, which has been my favorite thus far.  

(Matthew and Chrissie with their lanterns)

I wanted to capture a photo of lanterns parading through dark.  It was quite beautiful. The lanterns were guiding us through the fields all the while a band was playing songs.  

Snow Dome

The day following Rick's birthday we went to the snow dome, which is an indoor ski hill.  It's perfect for teaching children to ski.  Chrissie and Matthew did great.  Chrissie could go down the hill without help.  Matthew started out being attached to a harness but then asked Rick to take it off.  He preferred to fall his way down the hill.