The Ice Pond.

A few weeks ago, when we still had snow, we had the most AMAZING opportunity to go ice skating.  A sweet little old man who is a stake patriarch invited my little family of 5 over to his homemade ice pond in Fielding. He had every size of skate you could imagine for us to borrow and little antique chairs for the boys to push around so they could skate.  His whole side yard was one giant ice pond and there were fields all around.  (I felt like I had been transported to Prince Edward Island on Avonlea's ice pond.)

And out there that night, in the middle of nothing, I felt like I was really in the middle of everything that really matters to me...my family; homemade, old-fashioned traditions; clear, crisp, country air; and heaven.  This is what my life is all about.  And I'm thrilled and humbled all at the same time that we had this experience, and the invitation to come back again any time we want.  It's a little tradition I've wanted to start all winter long, but just didn't know where to look.  And the Lord, in His infinite mercy, placed this perfect gift, right in my lap.

I videoed tons, but forgot to snap pictures. So I'm sad. :( But next year, I will be taking pictures like crazy of this perfect little pristine place!