Polar Bear Plunge 2012

It is Tradition! Why people do this I have NO idea. I think men sometimes bring pain upon themselves because they do not have babies and subconsciously they feel they need to experience pain. That is just my opinion. With that being said here is the report of the annual Polar Bear Plunge held at the beginning of every new year. This year a day later because of Sunday but it still was held. Aaron and Scott participated this year. Let me clarify that the only reason Scott agrees to do this is that at the end of the swim there is a hot tub waiting. (he loves! hot tubs) When we arrived the hot tub was not yet warm enough so we visited, and kids played as we waited for the temperature to rise. Our hosts even brought pitcher after pitcher of hot boiling water from their house to help the temperature increase.

Fischer wanted in the water so badly. It was a beautiful sunny day, but the pool temp was still 38 degrees.OUCH!
Emma would not stay out of the hot tub! She was soaked way before it was warm and time for the crazies to jump into the pool.
The cold rarely phases her.
It has to be a freezing day for her to wear socks!

Here are a few of the audience members who came to cheer the crazies on.

Waiting for the hot tub to get...Hot.

The Crazies.

My Favorite Crazies

Aaron and Tony enjoying the hot tub after their chilly plunge. When Aaron emerged from the water he was gasping for air and saying, "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." He was so scared and it took him a bit to be able to catch his breath. I want to brag a bit about Aaron. He is not some strapping young man. He is quite skinny actually. He is not a sports guy. Not a show off my muscles guy, but his is tough. He has endurance. When Scott and the kids go to get wood, he uses the smaller chain saw and helps Scott cut. He takes on hard physical things. Not always willingly but he completes them. This summer he had a grueling, to say the least, Scout Camp where they hiked with heavy packs for miles and miles up and down mountains in the scorching heat. His pack almost as tall and heavy as him. But he did not complain and he did it. I am proud of this crazy who would jump into a freezing pool.

Scott with his batch of crazies.

After the hot tub there is hot cocoa and a heater.

These are our amazing hosts and dear, dear friends the Nelsons. They are so fun and kind to share their pool with us all year round. Their daughter Emilee and Brinlie are best friends.

Until Next Year!