Snow Days!

 It all started on Sunday.  Snow was falling, and fast.  In less than an hour, the ground was covered and the kids couldn't wait to go out in it.  We aren't really prepared for this type of weather, however, and Natalie was soon complaining about not having waterproof gloves.  (Neither of the girls had proper footwear either.) Jon found some of his gloves and offered them as her only other option for her 99-cent mittens.  She was thrilled.

She's either showing off her massive hands or simply raising her hands in pure delight.  Not sure which.

 The big girls rolled quite the snowball while Natalie showed Emma her super-size mitts.

The snow stuck around for Monday's holiday and the kids frolicked outside for hours.  Considering the potentially record-breaking forecast, Jon decided to invest in some snow boots and waterproof gloves of the appropriate size.  They've been well used.

Tuesday morning brought more snow which caused a two-hour delay to the start of school.  But now that they were properly outfitted, the kids were excited to walk to school with the flurries falling around them.

 This morning brought MUCH more snow and a school cancellation.  It's been about as fun as Christmas day!  All-day winter fun with friends--and NO school--is about as good as it gets.  I'm amazed at how long they can last out in the elements.

The snow changed to freezing rain which has coated every branch of every bush and tree.  It's unbelievably pretty.

While Jon and I spent the day in our pajamas, the fun parents down the street helped the kids build an awesome snow fort complete with a snow recliner.  That same fun mom also fed my kids lunch and gave the girls hand-warmers for their gloves.  What good neighbors they are!

 Though my pictures don't show him, Caleb has had an equal amount of joy from this unusually snowy winter weather.  He was especially excited about a day off of school.  And he gets one more tomorrow as they've already cancelled again.

Snow days are a special treat when you live in the Pacific Northwest.  And since there's no place to go, let it snow!  Well, until tomorrow when I need it to clear out in time for Erin and family to fly safely into town and for me to make it to the airport and back.