Both houses are filling up as the TX family, groceries, gifts and luggage arrive. Air travel went smoother than anticipated for Brian, Johnna and Brianna as did their drive from the airport (fortunately snow that was forecast did not materialize). We have all claimed our territory at the house and the kids are settling in. Kent and I sneak off to Hazel-sit and observe as Mike, Tracy and Willa give ice skating a try. It is kids’ afterschool session at a seasonal outdoor rink by Rondout Creek. There is a fair amount of trepidation early on and practicing how to fall and how to get up are integral to the experience; but everyone ultimately agrees it was a fun afternoon and worthy of another try. Hot chocolate helps solidify that sentiment. We head home to warm up.