Tess has wanted so badly to go ice skating and we had every intention of taking them this weekend until we caught sight of the temperatures forecasted.  Not only was it cold by the weekend but we still had opened decorations boxes at the edges of the family room. One tree sported strings of lights knotted tightly around the branches after a boy helper noticed the tree could spin on it's base and thought he landed on a speedier method. The card was finished but not ordered.  Secret Santas needed to go shopping. 

We talked about maybe going skating later in the week when it might warm up, and we maybe would have our  Christmas ducks in a row.  While we talked about all these practical things I noticed a hint of tears pooling in one girl's eyes.  We immediately changed course.  This, after all, is the whole point of Christmas anyway. (besides the larger spiritual focus, of course)  It is about us.  Them.  Together. It's about making memories. All the rest of the holiday cheer is there to serve that bigger purpose. 

So we kicked the boxes aside, piled on extra layers, and headed to the little outdoor rink. 

Dad hung in quite well all things considered.  Abbie Rose spent a fair amount of time hugging the railing or picking herself up off the ice.  No complaints from either though.  

He's a darn good sport. 

Tess put in a lot of laps trying to remember how to push off and stop.  

It was as cold as predicted, but not so cold that they didn't still order Italian cream sodas afterwards. And then, with their emotional tanks and ours full once more,  we did go brave the toy store to pick out the gifts for the children they chose from the Giving Tree this year. A teen rescued the tree from the light string lasso.  The boxes are still there.  Tomorrow is another day.  It reminds me that there is always time.  Always time.  We just have to order our priorities and get those big rocks in first.