snow day

Saturday morning we woke up and it was snowing. We opened the blinds in our room and looked out. It wasn't much but it was exciting to see. Neland had to run outside immediately. Chris and I opened the window and stayed under the covers while we watched the boys in the yard. It wasn't a lot of snow, but seeing it snowing is a big deal in itself so no one was disappointed.

Chris and Neland ran errands that morning while Teague and I made breakfast. It seemed as if the day would brighten up and there were even a few breaks in the clouds during the afternoon.

Then while preparing dinner and talking to Granny, Chris said, "Look"! And he wasn't kidding, it was snowing in sheets! You could see the wind pushing the snow around. We yelled to the boys (who were in their room reading books after driving us crazy downstairs arguing - they love each other but they definitely get on each others nerves sometimes and I find the best remedy is to put them in their room until I hear laughter, so far it's always worked).

Dinner was taken off the stove so we could enjoy the weather. In about five minutes it looked like this.

In ten more minutes it looked like this.

And it really started accumulating

The sled was in use as soon as possible.

A snow angel, both Neland and the shape he made.

It started getting dark, but the boys were determined to enjoy every last ounce of light. A snowman was built.

Dinner, a hot shower, and bedtime quickly followed the snow adventures, we were excited to know the snow would be around in the morning (although it did keep us from teaching Sunday school).

As soon as the boys were up, they were outside.

pure joy

rolly polly's down the hill

"Look I'm Santa"

I love this picture - the boys look so excited and Chris doesn't. The sled went really fast - to the point where they'd hit the house and I was sure a window would break. They perfected their technique by heading into the bushes, which made a slightly softer landing.

Since it rarely snows here, we never have gear unless it's a hand-me-down. Teague had a snowsuit we'd been given (two actually - Neland had used them in the past as well) but as for boots or gloves, we had to improvise. Neland had boots (hand-me-downs from the same friends) but for gloves, we used socks. Teague wanted his changed when they became wet. At one point we went inside to change them and he saw his horse. He asked if horse could come out in the snow, and I told him horse had to stay inside. So then he said, "Can I just give him a hug right now?" For being such a trouble maker, he is really a sensitive little guy.

Then came the snowballs

He's crying because Neland kept running from him. Chris and I both said, "Neland, will you stay still so he can hit you with a snowball?" Poor Neland.

When we were finally ready to come in for hot chocolate, this is the pile of clothes and boots that was left behind.

It hasn't snowed here since Teague was about 8 months old and Neland was 3. It was a very welcome event and as far as I'm concerned, it's one of the few things to look forward to in the winter. 

Valentine's Day

This year for Valentine's day we decided to work with what we had and created little love monsters. I made the yarn balls and the boys added feet, eyes and antennae. It was quite a mess but they were proud. 

We also made "I love you" hands for their teachers.

We were all very loved this Valentine's Day. Neland was so excited to bring the mail in, and didn't realize he had dropped two on the way! Chris found them when he pulled in the driveway after work (they were bills though, not valentines)

Grandpa and Grandma sent a very special treat (and Target gift cards). I couldn't get a picture before one was eaten! 

I took the boys to Target to spend their gift cards. The opportunity to pick out a toy does not come often and it was a big decision that was not entered into lightly.

Ten years ago, Chris and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day together at Second Empire. Six years ago we had our ultrasound of Neland and PF Changs in the audit room. This year, I spent three hours at the dentist to be referred for more work to a specialist and then made dinner - but added zucchini hearts for a special touch. Things have definitely changed.

After school on Friday, and after an hour on the playground in 60 degree weather, we headed to our annual Valentine's playdate. Neland had his first experience on bumper cars - he was hestitate but laughed the whole time.

There was bowling and games and pizza in addition to exchanging Valentine's.

After such fun end of the week festivities (and 60 degree weather), who would have predicted an exciting and fast accumulating snowfall on Saturday.

a few fun days

I've often said that it's easy to wake up and say "this is my life" and have it mean two completely different things. Some mornings, there's pee in a bed, no clean pants for school, or shoes that have mysteriously disappeared. Some mornings, there's a sweet little face smiling at me when I wake, laughter in the playroom and last nights dishwasher run is put away. Even on a day when it means things aren't quite so pleasant, I know how blessed I am (and that honestly have absolutely nothing to complain about). And on the days when things are so very pleasant, I relish every single second.

Sunday was filled with church, raking leaves, and washing the car. 

A slight change in angle of the hose, causing Neland and Chris to take cover

Monday was a rainy day, perfect for a library trip after school. Leaving the library there wasn't even a drizzle so we made a quick trip to the greenways.

There is a squirrel sticking his head out of a tree trunk hole in this picture. Neland would make a "squirrel" noise and he'd pop his head out. It probably as close to peek a boo with a squirrel as one could get.

Rather suprisingly we saw FIVE deer! 

Teague decided to travel as a frog for a bit.

Neland was obsessed with the map.

And we made it to the car just in time!

With a snack at home, the boys quietly and nicely looked at a new library book together.

And to continue the trend of amazing days, this morning I walked in the playroom to the boys playing Zingo by themselves, even taking turns!