Snow Much Fun

It's been a crazy winter... we had 4 snow days last week and we're working on our first one this week.  I remember loving them as a kid and rarely ever getting them.  Now I dread them as a parent and we're getting them all the time.  I know all you other moms out there totally understand when I say it is complete torture trying to entertain toddlers for 4 days when you are stuck inside.  I was pullin' out all the stops.  Luckily, it warmed up later in the week so we could finally go out and play.  Its definitely no fun playing in the snow when it's 9 degrees outside. 

The kids had been watching and waiting for days. 

Most of us had fun.  Tucker wasn't so sure. He's like his Daddy and totally HATES the cold.  We did manage to get him to play and laugh a little, but he would have been much happier inside where it was warm.  Reese surprised us all yet again... she loved the snow and could have spent all day outside! 

Reese was a professional snow angel-maker by the end of the day.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the day and the whole crew played outside together.  The kids had a blast being pulled around by the four wheeler on an inner-tube. 

Grandpa took the kids back to see the cows... one of Tucker's favorite things to do. 

It was almost like riding a snow mobile. Almost.   The boys got stuck in the snow a few times but, of course that didn't stop them from playing.   

Even the big boys had fun throwing a few snowballs...  Grandpa stirred up a little snowball fight with Chris.

I'm pretty sure Tucker would be miserable if we lived in a place that had this to deal with all winter.  But for one day it was tolerable even for him.  I could handle a few more days of snow much fun... but it won't be long until I'm longing for the hot, sunny days at the pool. 

Really... Afraid of a Snowman?

Is it weird that we have just as much snow here in Fort Worth, TEXAS as my Granny does in MICHIGAN?? After living in Texas for twenty-something years, you'd think I'd be used to the crazy, unpredictable weather. But I guess not... I didn't realize I was gonna need snow suits for the kids this year. Next year, I guess I'll get their hats and mittens from R.E.I instead of the Target dollar bin. You live and learn, right?

I've been single-mommin' it for the past 4 days so I wasn't sure if we'd make it outside again today or not. After all, it is an insane amount of work to get the kids (and myself) all bundled up and ready to go out. I decided it was worth it to see them running and falling in the snow though. Not to mention the fact that I've been couped up with two 19 month olds for the past few days... talk about cabin fever.

So... we bundled up and went out to make a snowman. Okay, now lets be real... my kids are amazingly advanced for their age, but I won't pretend that they actually contributed much to the making of this masterpiece...



It was pretty funny... Reese was curious and willing to help until the minute the 3 balls of snow got a face. Once he was finished, she totally freaked out and refused to stand anywhere near him. Just add this to the list of things she hates... finger paints, diaper changes, carrots, and now snowmen.



Tucker, being his friendly self, just walked right up and started jabbering.

I've said this over and over... he's a typical boy: fearless, laid back, messy, gross (have I mentioned that he's walking around with his hand in his pants all the time now?) Anyway... he loved playing in the snow with his new friend.

The snow has started to melt now and will probably be gone before tomorrow afternoon. It was fun while it lasted. And who knows... crazy Texas weather might hit again before Winter is over.

Snow Day

Have I mentioned how much I love Aledo ISD? I got a surprise phone call this morning from them... Snow Day! I'll totally hate making it up in June, but we had a blast playing in the snow today...


Up and down, up and down... is it weird that they think this is so much fun?


They also enjoyed stomping around leaving their footprints everywhere.

We also threw a few snow balls... you just can't play in the snow without doing that.

The hammock was full of snow so Tucker took the opportunity to have a taste. Yum Yum!

Reese ran around with her tongue hanging out so she could catch all the snow flakes. She's constantly making me laugh... a lot like her daddy.

Tucker totally reminded me of the kid from A Christmas Story when he fell and couldn't get up. Can't you just hear him yelling "Ralphy Ralphy?"

It was a fun morning and the snow continues to come down. We'll see if our Snow Day turns in to Snow Days...

Snow Much Fun

The day after Christmas, we were supposed to head to Oklahoma City for the Tims/Olson Family Christmas. Unfortunately, the 15 inches of snow they got prevented us from going. We waited a couple days and then went to play in the snow.

Tucker was pretty good on the 4 wheeler. Dad can't wait until he can buy him a real one!


Ella, Macie, and Owen shoveling snow.

Reese would have hung up here for hours if I would have let her. She's going to love roller coasters like her mommy.

Lisa, Owen and Tyson having a little snow ball fight.

Reese looks like she's trying to hitch a ride.... guess her car's stuck in the snow.

Reese and Hallie just hanging out.

It was fun to get to play in the snow while we were there. Unfortunately, the Kansas bunch didn't get to come because of the crazy blizzard they were having. But it was good to get to see the OKC gang and the Chicago crew.

Each year we try to get a picture of all the kids. All the cousins are having babies and the group just keeps growing and growing. We weren't very successful this year... mostly thanks to my kids. Again, they are the uncooperative ones when it comes to pictures. Pretty crazy group... and this isn't even all of them.

Here are just a few pictures of everyone hanging out at Lisa's.

Jen, Kaylie and Ella.

Chris and Ella.

Lisa, Ava and Jamie.


Marilyn (Nana) and Ava.

Emmy, Grammy and Tucker.

This wraps up my Christmas posts. What a month! Seems like December gets busier every year. I wouldn't have it any other way though. We were blessed to get to see over 65 family members this Christmas!!

It's beginning to look...

... a lot like Christmas! Look at the beautiful snow that we woke up to this morning...

Crazy Texas weather... you just never know what it's going to do. Unfortunately, the snow didn't stick around... but it was fun while it lasted.

Nana took the kids out just long enough to get a couple pictures. They didn't know what to think. Tucker wanted to run around and play in it while Reese just wanted to hurry and take the pictures so she could go back inside where it was warm.

I wish I could have spent the morning playing in the snow with them. Blasted job... gets in the way of so much.

Love the Summer... HATE the heat!

Is anyone else tired of this smoldering Texas heat? I don't think I remember it being this hot last summer. Oh wait, maybe because I was laying on the couch WAY pregnant with twins. I'm pretty sure I didn't see the sun at all last summer; which was evident by my ghostly white body. I digress.

Anyway, I really do love summer... the vacations, the food, the not working, etc. I love eating corn on the cob, ice cream cones, juicy hot dogs and of course, the famous Doyle snow cone. I love playing in the pool, going to the lake, and going to the waterpark like a crazy teenager. Because I HATE the heat, I pretty much refuse to do anything outside in the summer that doesn't involve me getting wet (and sweating doesn't count.)

After being at the lake all afternoon and the pool all evening, I needed to cool off. Here are some fun pictures of us playing in the snow this past year...



We spent the babies' first Christmas at Granny's house... and it was definitely a white one.


Chris and Tuck playing in the snow




Making snow angels with Emma





Dana and the kids after sledding




Caden completely burried in the snow




All bunddled up and heading out





Nick and Amber ice skating. Did you see the Rock?! Baby sister is getting married in December!





We didn't get to ski at Christmas time, so Chris surprised me with a ski trip in February... more fun in the snow!





I know winter is months away... but a girl can dream can't she?