Muddy Puddles

Our measurable amount of snow has been melting over the last week with climbing temperatures (yes, 40 degrees feels like a warm front... haha). It's left us with mud and puddles. I usually complain about it because it gets tracked around the house and I dislike cleaning up the mess on a regular basis. But, to a two year old it means an expanded playground! So, we put on Willow's rain boots and off went to find the largest muddy puddles around the yard. My kids are good at reminding me of the simple, meaningful joys in life.....

This makes me smile :)

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful" 

 ~ e.e. cummings

"Everyone loves muddy puddles!"

~ Peppa Pig

Epic Snow Day

January 31st it snowed all day. It was really pretty watching the large flakes swirl around the sky. I asked Willow if she wanted to be pulled to the post office to get the mail. Of course she happily agreed.
She was even more agreeable about allowing me take pictures of her. Yes, two year olds will most likely refuse. lol

Tasting winter....... Yum!

Little frosted flakes cover her hands and tongue :)

"When I look at a snowflake,

You come to mind,

Because like the snowflake,

You are one of a kind"

On the way back she insisted on getting off the sled to run. I don't blame her, I felt like dancing around in the snow too!

Isaac and Ava got home from school. I nabbed them for a quick photo :)

Charlie and Ava went sledding for an hour or so. They came back looking like snowmen.....

We checked the forecast and it was predicted to snow all through the night. We already had a foot. We shoveled to maintain the accumulation. Piles were growing higher around the house.....

The following day, February 1st, was an official Snow Day at school. The kids had the whole day off. If there was one necessary ~ the time was now! Haha
The picnic table had about 15 inches of snow. 18 inches covered the ground! Epic snow system!
I guess it's making up for the last 3 years.
Ava got to go sledding with friends. Isaac was feeling under the weather so he made it a day of rest.
I put my feet up after I did loads of laundry and pushed more loads of snow around with the shovel... lol.

Truly a Winter Wonderland! Although it proves to be high maintenance! Haha

Shoveling is hard work. Can I get a massage? Anybody? 
;)
This is going to be a memorable winter. What will Feb, March, and April bring?
I know there will be May flowers! Looking forward to that!

Frozen Pruess

The kids and I met with friends to see how frozen Pruess Lake was. The edges were soggy and muddy. It was possible to get onto the ice if you were willing to get wet. Which everyone was, except  me. Haha
Even Willow wanted to get in but I knew that she would not be happy if she was wet and cold. So I had to distract her with other activities. The snow had melted too much to find a good sled hill.
But, we walked around the lake, climbed a nearby hill and thoroughly enjoyed the sun and ice.......

Today, we walked on water........

View from the hill......

Letting those winter rays soak up into our skin........

Beautiful day in the neighborhood!