Walking on water

My parents came to White City to visit us for the Chinese New Year. We were determined to play outdoors and in the snow, but their arrival also brought rain! How fun would it be to be cold and wet?

We decided to try our luck anyhow. We drove out to Fish Lake in the rain. As we neared the lake, rain became sleet, and in the parking lot, sleet became snow! Pretty soon, the snow became the big fat snowflakes, the ones where there are a bunch stuck together. It was absolutely beautiful. Adele had been aching to see the snow fall from the sky ever since she saw snow! Even Aaron and I hadn't seen the snow fall since our Utah days, 5 years ago.

Fish Lake in the background, covered in snow.
Me wearing a snowbib my parents found. Doesn't fit.

Getting ready to go sledding.
The snowflakes are fattening up.

The lake looked frozen but would it break through if we walked on it? We didn't dare try. Then a guy showed up ready to go ice fishing. He invited us. It was a neat experience to be able to walk out there. He let us drill through the ice and fish with him.

My Dad drilling his hole.

The lake had a slushy layer on top. It was about 7 or 8 inches thick of ice. The drill was very light. Too bad lake fishing is a bit boring when you aren't catching fish. And cold, when you aren't moving. I mean, it could be a time of quiet reflection, but it was cold. Nice experience, but I would prefer fly fishing. Maybe my father in law will take me fly fishing when the weather warms up. I still have not caught anything on the fly. Sigh. Anyhow, we were walking on the water!

Then we drove to Lithia park in Ashland and saw a screech owl in a tree. (I always have to mention my bird sightings).

On Sunday afternoon we brought my parents to our White City church ward. The ward is extremely friendly and my parents felt so warm and welcome and felt like they all knew who I was. Even though I don't really know who anyone else is! It was only our 3rd or 4th Sunday.

In the afternoon, after a Chinese new year dinner, we visited the Medford temple in Central Point. It's 20 minutes away.

Adele was excited to bring her Angel Moroni with her to see this temple.

The first time we saw this temple she exclaimed "I thought Angel Moroni was just a toy!"
(There is no angel Moroni on the Oakland temple or Portland Temple).
Adele's excitement prompted Cheryl to have the angel sent up to us (we'd left it in Fremont).
When Adele got her angel, she said "can I bring it with me the next time we see the temple?!"

In the background, Adele is running around in circles, in the circle.