Baby, It's Cold Outside

We are still in Arkansas, right?

This winter has been quite a shock to those of us not accustomed to seeing snow very often. I'm not sure I have seen this much snow in my entire life.

My conclusions:

It is very lovely.

It is very cold.

And I am ready for it to go.

The January snowfall was much loved and appreciated, in spite of the fact that we were all a little under the weather when it occurred. Though we are all healthy, the snow that fell this week was not welcomed quite as enthusiastically because we are now well acquainted with cabin fever. Three or more days stuck inside with two small children does not a happy mommy make. An ambivalent attitude toward snow is surely an official milestone of adulthood. I have felt very old this week.

But I do still get a little excited about the snow (in spite of myself) and I try to make snow days special for the girls. We bake cookies, cinnamon rolls, and muffins and of course, drink hot cocoa. We discovered snow ice cream last month, and perfected our recipe this week. We watch cartoons and movies with snowy themes, and I like to get fun, crafty indoor activities to keep Rylie busy while Sophie naps. Last month we made little snowmen with marshmallows and this week we made our Valentines. (Look for yours in the mail soon, friends and family!)

This week Greg actually stayed home with us one day (gasp!) instead of driving into work. He did have to take a vacation day to do it, but we feel it was worth it. How often do we get to tromp through the snow with our little girls? We were really happy just to be together to enjoy it. Plus, it is a lot of work bundling and layering those two little people, taking them outside to play, and then bringing them in to shed the layers and warm up the cold wet noses and little red cheeks. I was really glad he was home to help me.

It is supposed to be pretty warm next week. Sophie's birthday is on Easter this year and so I have used this time inside to browse Easter dresses online and plan her 2nd birthday party. We are so ready for Spring!

February Snow Pics

Waiting on Mommy and Daddy to take them outside.

Daddy and his snow bunnies.

The snow came to Rylie's knees.
Not bad for our neck of the woods.

We couldn't find sleds. All of Arkansas sold out, we heard. So we settled for a snowy wagon ride.
This was a workout to pull through the snow, by the way.

Our impromptu snow gear station. We do actually have a mudroom,
but we used the back door for some reason.

January Snow Pics

Sophie stomping around.

She has eaten a lot of snow in the last two months.

It had melted quite a bit in this pic, but watching them trying to walk
through the snow (and fail) has been quite entertaining.

Our house. I love this.

This was the within the first hours of the snowfall. They were thrilled.

When it is time to go inside, she will make a desperate plea to bring her snowball with her.
Every. Single. Time.