A Sunday Snow Day

"If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow."

If you can't beat it, join it.  When plans to host our friends from Minnesota fell through thanks to yet another snowstorm last weekend, we decided to make the most of it.  I had chili and zuppa already prepped, far too much prepared for just the four of us, and the big snowflakes and warmer temperatures called us outside for some fun with the Gabels.  My mountain man of a husband made us a fire, we stirred our whiskey with icicles, and let the big snowflakes fall on our cheeks until our butts nearly froze to our seats.  Then we made a mountain of snow gear, watched some UNI basketball, and ate bowl after bowl of soup.  

My heart will always chase after these kinds of experiences - the ones that cheat the expected and show the beauty of the seasons.  And although this winter is proving to be a long one, I'll take it for all its worth.

The Most Snowy of Winters || Part 2

We played in the snow one beautiful sunshine morning.  There is enough snow that the kids can jump off our back retaining wall and fall into a pillow cloud of cold goodness.  And with nowhere to push the snow in a cul de sac, they have ample snow hills to climb.  It's just a big frozen playground out there!

New puzzles and lots of cocoa.

One day of low-grade fevers, an excuse to pile on the blankets and watch lots of cartoons.

Putting crafty Christmas gifts from Aunt Kate to good use.

And more napping.

Touches of spring - leftover flowers from Mila's party and tangerine in the diffuser.  

One big collaborative Lego project that took about an entire day to build.  

Pre-bedtime hangs by the fire.  

Play-doh creations.  

Reading nook hangs.  

Cooking adventures with Mila and Beau.  They're both interested in helping in the kitchen more and I love that.  I taught Cruz to peel potatoes and chop them up for a pot of soup the other night and he thought he was so cool.