last snow (?)

It's that time of year when it is 80 degrees one day, and then the very next it freezes and snows.  I know it can be maddening for some (especially for those where the snow sticks!) but I just thought it was so pretty to see the snow against all the blossoms here!  I know, I'm crazy.  I think seeing that the rest of the week's forecast calls for 60s helps. Rowan and I ran out with my camera to catch the what just may be the last snow of Spring.  Rowan excitedly exclaimed, "I'm going to make snow angels!!"  But although she checked often throughout the day, the snow never did stick.  She was a little bummed.  Until I pointed out all the violets she could pick and bring inside.  Nothing cheers my girl up like a freshly picked bouquet!

Soccer practice was cancelled, pajamas were left on, the wood stove was reawakened, and hot cocoa made a reappearance.  But today it is sunny, and Spring seems promising.

hey spring

As I am about to push publish on this post, there is a little snow coming down outside.  It's not freezing temps, so it is definitely not sticking, but SNOW.  In April.  Such a strange Spring.  We've had 80 degree days and 30 degree days all in the same week.  Seems like a lot of the country is in the grip of strange Spring weather.  It actually doesn't bother me, because although it's lightly snowing now, it will be 55 degrees today.  And 75 this weekend.  I like variety.  Keeps me on my toes!  Speaking of toes, I have flip flops AND boots by the door, ready for anything.

I hope Spring is exactly what you want it to be, wherever you are.

spring break III: snowy Bloomington

Brian and I started dating when we were both going to Indiana University in Bloomington.  So it holds a pretty special place in our hearts.  It doesn't hurt that it is one of the most gorgeous campuses out there.  When we've visited in the past, we leisurely stroll around the massive campus, visiting our favorite places.  But as we drove into Bloomington last week, I knew that would not happen this time.  It was snowing pretty hard, and I just know my children well enough to know they would not enjoy walking around in the bitter cold and looking at old buildings.  So we settled on just our favorite entrance to the campus, Sample Gates, and the street that runs perpendicular to it, Kirkwood.  We ate lunch at an old favorite and then dragged the littles to just the entrance of the campus.  They were not thrilled, and begged to get back into the car.  It was pretty cold.

As we drove out of town to the North, we stopped at Oliver Winery to taste a little wine and buy gifts for family back in our hometowns.  The littles actually enjoyed this stop much better because the wind wasn't as wicked tucked up in the winery.  And the little cups of juice and crackers they gave the kids didn't hurt!

 In college, my friends and I would come here occasionally, taste wine, and then bring a picnic down by the pond.  That was definitely not happening this day.

 Fletcher started a little snowball fight.  He's sneaky like that and will aim for your face.  You've been warned.

 But Rowan was too busy clutching her cup of juice and munching on her cracker.  Like Mama, like daughter, I guess.

 She didn't want to take that cracker out even for pictures.  Toddler rule number 1: don't let go of a tasty food until you're finished.

We're planning another trip to our alma mater later this year.  Maybe without the littles this time!

outside my window

Outside my window there is snow.  Again.

Rowan was excited to see more snow.

But then she saw me taking pictures and said, "Ok, ok.  No more pichas mama."  It's happening.  I'm losing my last willing model!

And I'm not going to lie.  I still get a little bit excited, even this late in the year to see such pretty white stuff out there.  But we're also about to go on a long car trip for Spring break, so warm weather would have been nice.  Oh well.

No matter the weather, we're going to enjoy this break.  It is Brian's first actual vacation in well over a year.  He is about to change jobs and take command of a unit, so I know that more work is coming his way.  Hopefully the work won't keep him at work until 7 to 8 pm every night, but you never know.  So no matter what Mother Nature throws our way, we are going to enjoy our break!

Are you taking a trip or long break this Spring?  Hope you have better weather in your area!

in like a lion

That's what they say about March, right?  Well, forgive me, forgive me all of you who are sick of snow, but I am loving it.  It has been snowing off and on all week here in Mid-Missouri, and I am excited for the prospect of another sledding weekend!

I can get a bit cabin feverish during winter, but this winter in Missouri has been mild (compared to where I am from) so we've been out and playing quite a bit.  That being said, I also love to snuggle in front of a fire with a warm cup of coffee sprinkled with cinnamon.  I love sinking into a bed piled high with feather blankets.  I love my little's pink cheeks from the winter wind.  I love that my make something project is ticking right along because of all the indoor time lately.  And by ticking right along, I mean I'm about 5% through the list.

I love the snow!  There, I said it.  I know that everyone North of me right now is ready to wring my neck.  Well, you'll have to stand in line while I go grab my sled.

If your winter has been a bit too much of a lion for your liking, then my wish for you is a Spring like a lamb.  But not before I get one more romp in the snow, ok?  Thanks.

we sled

Last week we got two snow days for barely 3 inches of snow.  But we knew how to take full advantage!  We relaxed, I cleaned a bit, I caught up on some projects, and we watched some movies.  But when our neighbors called to ask if we wanted to sled, we were more than happy to leave our snowed in (iced in) cocoon.  We bundled up, threw our sleds in the back of our neighbor's truck, and off we went to find the best hill.  Okay, it wasn't the BEST hill, but it was the best for a 2 year old and 4 year old.

Yes, we teased Brian about looking like cousin Eddie with his hat.  I do every time he wears it.

Our neighbors, Neal and Cindy took turns taking the littles down the hill, too.  Rowan had to warm up to sledding, she thought it looked a little too fast.  So she sat back and watched for a while, and then decided to give it a go.

 It was one of those days that was cold, but so sunny and bright it felt warm and we were shedding hats and gloves after walking up the hill a few times.  We stayed out a lot longer than we intended because of the warmth.

We had a little snowball fight just in time for the wind to kick up, so we packed it in to go home.  The littles practically fell asleep on the 5 minute car ride, they were so exhausted.

We went back to our house, stoked the fire, and sat around chatting, playing, and drinking hot chocolate.  It was a memory making day.  I'm so grateful for good neighbors with good ideas.