The perks of having a pond in your backyard in the winter months...skating and hockey! Bonus if you have lights installed so you can play late into the night, too. Brita Haapala’s kids don’t have to go far to play a game of hockey, they just strap on their skates, grab their hockey sticks and head out to the pond. Of course if there’s fresh snow on the ice, they have to clear that off first, so it’s not all fun and games, there’s also a little work involved at times. Brita did say for the heavy snowfalls, though, they use a snowblower to clear the ice when the snow is deep, then just scrape the remainder off. That night time shot is my favorite, with the light shining so bright, almost like a star and then the long shadows on the ice. What a great shot! (no pun intended)
Check out more of Brita’s photographs over at: Brita Caroline Photography.

When the kids tire of skating and hockey, they also have a sledding hill that comes out onto the ice. From the joyous squeals in the video, I think they enjoy the thrill of the ride!

Great pics & video!! what fun!! Thanks for bringing
out the memories Brita!! Your kids are very
fortunate and making life time memories! Sure beats
playing a video game!! :=))

Amen, Uncle Chuck.
As a child, I skated on natural lake ice; I wasn't
great, but I managed. The first time I tried on an
indoor rink, I found it far too slippery. After a
few falls, I gave it up.

I used to be the zamboni! lol

Happy New Year.