first snow day of the season

Lots of excitement over here for the first snow day of the season-- a sweet snowy Saturday! We were all home for the day with no place to be, so the timing could not have been better. The snow began to fall around the time we were waking, and since the weather was well below freezing; as it fell, it stuck. It didn't take very long for bare branches to be snow-covered, and shortly to follow, so was everything else in sight. It was a winter wonderland for sure. It was the coldest of days, which made gearing up for an outside adventure seem like a lot of work, but it was so worth it. Sco and Lo aren't exactly the biggest fans of the cold, and I'm not completely myself, but when we get a nice snow, I just can't deny getting outside (despite the chill.) We are a family of layers. I'm north east born and raised so we have all the essentials: hats, gloves, scarves, big winter coats, etc... but every year we have an issue with Logan's winter wear. Last year was the pants, this year the boots. One of these days I'll accept the fact that she's a growing weed and not count on the previous years gear to fit. Our first attempt out was a fail because the rain boots I put on her were too tight and she was miserable. It ended in tears. I tried bribing her to go back out with me in different boots, with no luck. It wasn't until we discovered an old vintage sled in the attic that she changed her mind and threw back on her layers of clothing. She had the best time letting daddy whip her around on the old sled. Daddy had the best time running that new snow blower. ;) We are looking forward to more snow days, preferably on a day where we have no where to be. 

winter: in march

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” --Charles Dickens

Every year I always feel a little nostalgic transitioning from winter into spring. As much as I've dreaded shorter days and colder temps, I find a sense of comfort in the slower pace of winter and the cozy times we spend huddled under blankets, upon blankets, reading together in bed. 

Winter (especially like the one we've had this year) provides the most beautiful white backdrop for the sweetest photos of my peaty girl, and I'm convinced that everything looks prettier covered in snow. Correction: everything except the roads, especially when I have to drive on them. Ah, it's the worst. 

Just when it feels as if indoors is the only option, we get surprised with a nice sunny day. Little things like that allow for winter to also be sweet and unexpected. Exploring the ground once the snow begins to melt is like a treat-- never knowing what will be uncovered, and then getting a chance to rediscover little bits of fall from months before. 

We've been studying branches and get giddy at the site of buds, as a sure sign that spring is on it's way. Though they've been covered twice now since they've been visible, the snow isn't stopping them. We've may have even already ditched a layer or two, and have picked up a few new lighter pieces in anticipation of warmer days. 

March is a beautiful month, full of opportunity. We're soaking it all up.

winter | | a mild day at the zoo

Last Saturday we spent the day the Philadelphia Zoo. The wether was nice and it felt great to be outside. It has been such a rough winter with bitter cold and more than our fair share of snow. Everyone was happy to be out-- even the animals it seemed. They were all so very active, including the polar bears who I've never seen do anything more than yawn maybe. We got to catch a glimpse of a little orangutang nursing with his mama, while his papa sat atop a lift with a soda box on his head. Winter will do that to you! I'm sure they can't wait to be out themselves. The grounds are still mostly snow-covered, but it is melting for sure. Logan was in her glory surrounded by some of her most favorite people. I think it's evident by the perma-smile she has throughout all the photos. We did remember to bring our zoo scavenger hunt check list that we made a few months back when we had our letter "Z" lesson in our homeschool preschool. Lo and Jordy had fun checking off the animals that we saw. Many of them were not out because of the weather. Some of the animals that we are looking forward to seeing at our next visit include the rhinos, giraffes, and lions.

how we do winter | | snow day-- not bragging

Hat: check!
Scarf: check!
Gloves: check!
Warm coat: check!
Snow boots: check!
Snow pants: errrr . . . 

I have yet to get Lo snow pants, thus leaving her sheltered from what a real snow day entails-- things like making snow angels, going sledding, and dodging snow balls. 

Lo's snow play right now is pretty non-existent. When we go outside she brushes the snow off of things, manages to get snow all over her head, throws a snowball or two, says she's bored and then we go back in. And I feel awful because, I feel like snow days were the best days growing up, and my poor girl is missing out! 

With all the snow we've had this winter, I didn't really mind not going out until today when it was actually not below freezing and we could go outside without turning blue.

Sooo tonight, we hope to find a pair. And with that, I hope that the next snow day I document, we are sledding, making snow angels, and really enjoying the snow.

Fingers crossed! Last week at target, I noticed they were starting to bring out the swim suits! 

Gahhh!

little freeze, big love

Sometimes the cold can be so, so ugly-- it robs you of any warmth you have as it pierces what little skin peeks out between your scarf and hat. 

But then other times, it is beautiful and the only thing stolen is your attention. It captures your eye and pulls you in. It persuades you to take your hands out of your mittens and become fully absorbed in it all. 

That's what happened this morning. 

Last night frozen rain and low temps owned the night. We awoke to glistening white sights. The temperature had risen and everything once frozen was slowly beginning to thaw. 

Never before had I seen ice in so many forms: thin layers, little ice clusters, hard icicles-- thick and thin, smooth sheets, crystalized ice, and piles of snow turned into snow cone ice piles. Branches looked like they were dipped. 

It really was a sight. 

I'm so happy to have captured it.

Today I developed a new found love for the cold.