All of a sudden….it’s wintertime.

It was just a few days ago that everyone was talking about how “nice” the weather was.  We were happily wearing just sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts when it was in the 50’s and 60’s just last week.  This morning we woke up to a winter wonder land. 

Since it wasn’t too cold out (only about 33 degrees), it was a great day for playing in the snow.

 
The snow also apparently made a tasty treat.

 
Rocky the Snowman

The snow was wet and perfect for building a snowman.  Little Mama and I had a great time building this guy.  K helped a little and was bribed with some Halloween candy to stand nicely for the picture.

What a great Saturday to spend at home!

Could it be?

The sun is shining.

My windows are open.

The snow is melting.

It's 40 degrees!

Spring is just around the corner!

And for all the Californian's (or other warm weather readers) - Yes, 40 degrees is warm enough to have the windows open.  After 3 months of single digit or sub zero temps, 40 degrees is a very welcome relief!

I hope it's not long before I'm seeing these again.

More! Again!

Saturday while the girls were playing out in the neighborhood with their friends, my friend A whipped out the snowmobile and took it for a spin around the yard.  It wasn't long before this little one was begging for a ride.

and then we couldn't get her to stop.

Her vocabulary dwindled to only 2 small words...More! and Again!

She had a blast!

Snow Much Fun

After playing outside the other day, K wanted to stay out while M and I were ready to be in. I let K out in the back yard where I could keep an eye on her through the window while I fixed dinner.

Soon, I found her knocking on the door with a sneaky (but cute!) look on her face.

and then....

SPLAT!

She's lucky the door was closed. 

When the mercury hits 30...

you gotta get out and enjoy it!

We went out a little late in the afternoon and managed to stay out until early evening when it was getting dark.

Snow!

One of the biggest reasons why I love living here in the snowy frozen tundra is because of the seasons.  Back in California it's pretty much summer all year around.  Today, where I grew up, it's expected to reach 77 degrees.  So it's not exactly summer for them...but now that I've been gone for more than 10 years, if I were there I'd most definately wish I was in shorts and flip flops. 

Here, it's supposed to be 32 degrees today.  The sun is out and I think we'll head out to play this afternoon.

I love the snow, I do.  Let me show you why.

Still there are things I could do without.

Like, clearing snow from the driveway and sidewalks, slipping on the ice and, dirty snow.



But without enduring all of that I'd never get to see this right off my own front porch.

Icicles

Check out the progression of our icicle on our garage.  Sadly, yesterday it disappeared but it was still cool while it lasted.

Friday Flashback

Feb 5, 2009

Still snowy with smaller girls.

Frozen Fun

When I ventured away from my California home, 10 years ago, I had all the intentions in the world of returning and setting up my home on the beach somewhere.

Days filled with snow and bitter cold were foreign to me and the words "wind chill" didn't exist as one term in my vocabulary.

I figured I'd be away at school for a few years, then back home at the sandy shores of sunny Southern California.  I pictured spending afternoons at the beach all year round with my kids.  Something that looked a little like this:

Little did I know that there was a bigger plan in store for me.  I was unaware at the time of all the fun I would have playing with my kids in the snow.

Sure, there are some not so fun aspects of having snow right out your front door.  But, it's beautiful and when you are in your own front yard the warmth of your house is just a few foot steps away!  Plus beach toys double as snow toys sometimes too!

Snow Fun

We've been having a heatwave.  And by heatwave I mean that it's been in the upper 20's to low 30's outside! 

Wednesday was the perfect day for playing outside.  25 degrees, no wind and sunny.  The girls and I played out there for at least 90 minutes.  We had a lot of fun!

Snow Fun

After Christmas we certainly came home to a wonderful winter wonderland.  There was easily 15 inches or more on the ground.  The girls couldn't wait to get outside and play!

The snow is still there and they've gone out a couple of times.  Unfortunately, we are mostly in the house because the temps are just too cold to be outside for more than a minute!

October Snow

I'm still working on catching up with posting.  Over a month ago, we got some early snow.  It was unusual for October 12th, but Kaylee really loved getting out to play in it.  She thought it was great to wear all her snow gear just to ride her bike. Only in Minnesota, I suppose.