Our First Snow In Our New Home

We have had 3 separate snow storms blast into Western Washington since Saturday which means for our relatively temperate climate we have gotten a pretty decent amount of snow, probably at least 7-8 inches worth.  Needless to say we have made our requisite run to Home Depot and we are now the proud owners of a snow shovel and salt.

Sunday afternoon we had huge, fluffy snowflakes falling down from the sky.  It was beautiful and such a sight to see. Of course the kids were begging to go outside to frolic in the snow so Randy obliged and took them out in the backyard to play.  For the most part they enjoyed themselves, but they soon realized how cold it was.  [We don't have the best snow clothes in our house, but the next time they went out to play they dressed in more layers and stayed much warmer.]

While outside they decided to build a snowman.  They quickly learned how difficult it can be to make a large snowball – though I suppose I don’t know that from personal experience since I don’t think I have ever made a snowman.  [That would be a good thing to use next time I play the clean version of the game "Never have I ever."Another good thing for that game would be the fact that "Never have I ever eaten a McDonald's hamburger."  I had a bite or two of one when I was 7 or 8. I thought it was quite horrid so I have never tried one again.  I doubt I am missing much .]

Anyway, Eli quickly got the hang of what it takes to roll balls of snow.

Here is our snowman, complete with a funky carrot nose.  Yes, Cory is giving it a kiss.

Here is Cory’s perfect snow angel.

Naturally the kids had school off over the weekend.  They also had a day off on Monday for Martin Luther King Day.  However, yesterday and today they have had snow days.  And one is now set for tomorrow.  Egads?!

Randy worked from home today (the worst of the storms blew through last night and this morning), and for his lunch break he took the kids out to play in the freshly fallen snow, probably another 3-4 inches worth.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed that break.  It was rejuvenating to my soul to sit on the couch and nurse a sleepy Ari in a silent house while looking out our huge living room windows.

The windows on the upper left are where I was sitting.

The snow/freezing rain was gently falling and the three older kids were delightfully playing in the snow while Randy shoveled the driveway.  I truly enjoyed and lived in the moment … and the silence was heavenly.

I also got some good laughs in when I discovered that my kids had pulled out their scooters and tricycles from the garage to ride … in the snow … and on the icy driveway.  I bet only my kids did that kind of outdoor activity today in our area .

When everyone finally came in soaked and frozen, I had warm Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies ready for them.  Yum!

And just in case you think everything has been all fun and games and happy smiles in our house these last five days, then you are sorely mistaken .   We have had plenty of three year old tantrums (even epic public ones on Monday while we were at the doctor and the pharmacy – Cory has a sinus infection and apparently he suffers from year long allergies?!), plenty of bickering between Cory and Eli (I swear the two of them are either always laughing or crying), and plenty of episodes from one tired mama who has lost her patience on multiple occasions.

And to top all that off, for the last few days Ari has been refusing to take an afternoon nap.

At least Keri has been a huge help to have around. She makes the most excellent mother’s helper.

And one other life saving distraction I discovered today was this website that offers free map printables.  Cory is obsessed with geography and countries and flags so this was perfect!

Now I need to go make some hot cocoa to warm myself up.  My hands are freezing.

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