no shadow...

that's for sure. So, we're home for a snow day due to the inclement weather. That's an understatement. I think it's an epic storm, and we're in for snow until 5 a.m. tomorrow morning! If any groundhogs popped up for a look, they would be hard-pressed to see even the slightest ray of sunshine. The hopeful news, a shortened winter (if you can believe that).

So, as promised, some pics (since we're snowbound).

First, Binbin's storm trooper mini-figures taking the Rolls for a spin at Yeye and Nainai's basement.



Next up, one of many rounds of Memoir '44. Even Mama (who is war-history-averse) learned this game and rather enjoys it.



Binbin bundled up and ready for snow action. I can't remember if it was sledding or skiing.



Here he is, just off the chairlift at Lost Valley with his teacher Johnny.



And, wearing the peels of one of Mama's favorite fruits (the pommelo).



We've spent a good part of this morning cleaning the house, getting ready for the new year. As I said to Binbin, we take care of our house together, and our house will take care of us. We're grateful especially on days like today!

slip sliding away

Every now and then, Binbin gets a chance to watch network television. Most recently, that opportunity has come with NFL playoff games, and he is quick to tune into his favorite commercials. One of them features clips of automobiles slipping and sliding down snowy roads. That image springs to mind as we brace ourselves for another blizzard and school closure tomorrow. The phrase, "slip sliding away," also serves well for our losing track of time.

Since Binbin's birthday party, so much has happened and he has grown so much. Some of the changes are physical—his first wiggly tooth. Other changes are of the mind—he reads and writes with increased proficiency. Yet other changes are of the whim—favorite activities now include practicing math on the abacus, playing chess and checkers, lunch-time protein strike. He is, as ever, interested in watching Avatar and reading Harry Potter and playing with legos. Since Christmas and Santa Claus' favor, he may now also indulge in games of Memoir '44 and Pocket Frogs (the latter on iPad). He went downhill skiing for the first time last Sunday, at our local Lost Valley resort. It was physically challenging, but he liked it enough to ask for another lesson.

We've got loads of snapshots just waiting to be downloaded, then uploaded. The perfect activity for a snowday. We'll squeeze it in between house-cleaning and cooking for Chinese New Year.