Snow!

 We got back from the JMU game in time for the snow! They'd predicted 0-18" (how could they be wrong??) but the storm ended up shifting north, bringing us less snow and more sleet/freezing rain. We got 5" of "winter weather" which was topped with ice, making it good for sledding but not shoveling the cars out of the driveway! We've gotten two snow days out of it so far, but with overnight lows at 0-10 degrees, this snow isn't going anywhere anytime soon! It's rare for us not to have a plow come by overnight when there's snow. I only remember one other time that we were able to sled down the street. We took advantage of sledding on it and got in some good runs. It was all fun and games until Willow's hip rammed into the top of the drainage curb. Then it was time for ice and hot chocolate....and finding out that Owen's glasses didn't survive being kept in his pocket...

(Mom went down a few times too but it usually goes uncaptured)

The birds were thankful for our extra bird seed rings from Christmas!

Update: The results of this storm ended up being referred to as "snow-crete" because it was like concrete and impossible to shovel unless you got it early. Chris ended up using a breaker bar to chisel out the cars. Some neighboring areas got 2 weeks off of school but we got a week, went back for a day, then got a couple more days off because of other weather that came through. It was insane! 

Smooth moves!

Owen and I went to the elementary school to sled, which we have before, but it was honestly scary! I was worried about us hitting our heads, so we only went down a few times then left before we got hurt. We don't typically make it down to the street but it was literally ice. It was hard to walk back up to the top because it was so slick. 

Snow days!

We got a couple of inches of snow in December that melted but was followed by a couple more inches of snow. It was enough to get us 3 snow days! We hope for more snow days in January...but not enough to take away spring break or other days off!

 A fun message we left for our neighbor :)

More snow!

We lucked out with more snow this winter! The kids went out to play for a bit, we enjoyed doing an escape room box from a friend, and did some of our favorite activities like art and Mario Cart (Whiskers enjoyed watching!).

January Snow! (and lettering)

We had a light dusting of snow at the end of winter break. Not much but enough to cancel school in Virginia ;) and barely enough to play in. Whiskers must have waterproof fur!I'm grateful they still go out and play in the snow!

Our snow often gets covered by freezing rain, so Owen was able to pull this sheet of ice off the outdoor table. 

Literally barely enough to play in!

Days off of school means more time for art and lettering!

Snow Day!

We got a little bit of snow, which was enough to cancel school and clear out our calendar!

It sure is pretty!

Gramma enjoyed making a snowangel!

They can't resist jumping in the trampoline in the snow! Owen practiced his side kicks. :)

Snow!

We started off the month with some snow that delayed the return of school after Christmas break a little bit. The kids enjoyed playing in it as it fell, as well as making a snowman, decorated with a kit they got from Nana. They don't play together often these days, so it was great to hear them laugh together and have a good time!

Sledding down the hill in the back is a little anti-climactic at their age. 

Going for the "Most Dedicated Player on the Team" award ;)

 We had another snow in mid-January that gave us a week at home (2 virtual learning days)! Two weeks later we still have snow from that fall with temperatures rarely getting out of the 30s!

Whiskers didn't understand why she couldn't play outside too. She monitored the kids from inside. 

Whiskers wants to know why she can't play...

Sledding down the hill wasn't fun enough, so the kids took it up a notch sledding down the treehouse slide! 

We tried sledding at a nearby church for the first time. It was nice that the hill was so wide so you could "choose your own adventure" as far as how steep/long of a section you were up for. Here are a few shots and videos here and here from the GoPro:

Owen finished a pinata from his Atlas Crate then enjoy busting it open:

Owen gazes at the sunrise on one of our snow days...

Whiskers gazes at the birds outside the window eating birdseed we left for them. I love how she puts her ears down like that's going to help her hide from them ;)

Whiskers checks out the fire and stops progress on the puzzle.