First Snow

Snow Day!

So what do you do when school is cancelled for a "snow day" when you don't actually have any snow to enjoy? You make fake mustaches, of course!

Is it any wonder that the "State Trooper 'Stache" was Amelia's choice?

Why are snow days such a big deal anyway? They're not really any different than a Saturday or Sunday, yet for some reason they feel special. It's almost like you must do something of consequence lest you disparage the almighty Snow Day. Well, great Snow Day, you've done your damnedest and in return we offer you fake mustaches.

Sketch #3

This sketch is a self portrait. This is me from a few nights ago, working on my father-in-law's driveway, shoveling snow under a full moon in almost complete silence. I like shoveling snow at night, especially if the snow is still falling. It seems so quiet and peaceful. The only sound is the repetitive scrape of the shovel against the frozen concrete of the driveway. Even the sound of the shovel is dampened by the thick layer of snow that blankets my surroundings. I also like the sense of accomplishment that comes from slowly revealing the driveway beneath snow. It's a relaxing chore if ever there was one.

Oh yeah, and the pack of hungry wolves ready to take me down? I dunno. It felt like a wolf-like environment. And out there in all that silence, being dragged into the darkness by some stealthy carnivores seemed like the most likely end to my evening.

Yes, my mind wanders.

Thanks, Grabby and Paco!

Well, we didn't have to wait very long for snow this year. I hate waiting for snow. The whole point of living somewhere that gets cold is to enjoy the frozen white stuff. We didn't get "dumped on" yet (though I'm sure we will), but we got enough accumulation to get the kids (and dad) all fired up. It also helps that Grabby and Paco (my parents) (it's a long story) were kind enough to go out this summer and buy a house with a yard that's perfect for romping around during the winter. A good couple of acres of open property with a nice rolling hill ideally graded for toddler sledding.

Before the snow had finished falling last weekend, we had loaded up the minivan and invited ourselves over to take advantage of the wintry weather. Jameson got to work on his snow ball packing skills, Truman learned about snow angels, Amelia ate ample amounts of frozen precipitation and I got a nice workout tugging passengers down the bunny slopes. Even Darwin got some action despite the frozen FAIL of Julie and I. In the hustle to get out of the house in the morning we forgot to bring gloves and even shoes for little Darwin. Parents of the year right there. That didn't stop him though. He ventured outside with three pairs of socks on his hands and some borrowed mittens on his feet. You gotta do what you gotta do when the powder is fresh.

Just try not to smile while sledding.

Socks on the hands and mittens on the feet. My parents rock.

Enter villain stage right.

MUSH!

Hey Truman, see that flagpole over there?

Oh, the irony.

No two are alike.

Someone's still mad about the mitten feet...

Where's a good tauntaun when you need one?

We want more snow!

We Finally Gots Da Snow

Oh yes. It's a winter freakin' wonderland here.

I one day hope to own a chair with a cushion that thick.


I don't think this "Arctic Cat" is going anywhere.

Who Wants Hot Chocolate!

I know there are parts of the country that are getting pounded by snowstorms. Regions that aren't even used to snow. But here in Ohio, where we expect it, the snow fall has been a letdown. We've really only had one snow to speak of and it was only a few inches. Unfortunately, that one decent snow also came with temperatures in the teens, so it wasn't really conducive to outdoor play for toddlers. Luckily, the cold snap ended giving us a couple of days of thirty degree weather with the snow still around. We took advantage and bundled up for some winter recreation. The kids loved it, but it wasn't long before hats and gloves were falling off, snot was flowing, and frostbite was beckoning. Despite their protests, it was time to return the little ones to the warmth of the house. Truman and Amelia were NOT happy. Amelia would barely speak to me and Truman had a hard time letting go of the "snowman." (Truman calls all snow, "snowman.")











They're predicting more snow tonight and the groundhog said we have six more weeks of winter, so maybe there's still hope.