Big Snow!

It's been a busy and fun couple of weeks! Today brought over 18 inches of snow... but before I get to that, let's catch up.

Right after the new year, we took down the tree. Bean was very sad to see it go, and quite grumpy about the entire ordeal, but the boys were so enthralled by the process (and the tools!) that they hardly noticed the result of what was happening.

It was great to get back to the routine and activities of homeschooling. We had missed our friends and our classes! Bean is still enrolled weekly in skiing, theater, cell biology, Latin, clay, trumpet, and band. Starting in February, she's adding an art class too. Whew!

We battled a few illnesses, and spent a lot of time playing indoors. Bean taught the boys how to play doll house. They like to use the dolls and furniture and build their own "house".

They resurrected the monkey Halloween costumes, and spent many hours playing monkey games. In these pictures, Cosmo is being the monkey.

And now for the storm! We've received at least 18 inches, maybe more, and it's still snowing. The kids were eager to get outside, and the boys proved themselves to be true snow bunnies! It all started when I asked Bean to take the plow guy's check to the mailbox. As soon as the boys realized what was happening, they insisted "Me! Me! Me!".

It took about 20 minutes to get the boys fully bundled in snow pants, coats, boots, hats, and gloves. Then they wanted to eat a clementine. It took 10 minutes to take off their snow pants, coats, boots, hats, and gloves. After a snack, and another 20 minutes to redress with the snow pants, coats, boots, hats, and gloves... we FINALLY made it outside! The boys jumped right in to the snow play. Literally. Here K is in front and Cosmo behind:

The plow had created a huge snowdrift next to the driveway. It's as tall as the bays of the garage, and a perfect spot for climbing and sledding.

 The boys played and played and played. Long after Bean had gone inside to warm up, they were flailing themselves through the snow. They would say "big snow!" and run waist deep into it.

Once I was able to convince them to come inside for a bit to warm up, they fell almost instantly asleep. I'm sure we'll do it all again tomorrow!