The Long Winter

Oh, what a winter it's been.  What a long, long, looooooong winter.  If the summer of 2012 will be known for its heat (remember, 10+ days of 100+ temps in a row?  And oh yeah, I was 9+ months pregnant.  Good times.), then the winter of 2013-2014 will surely be remembered for its cold.  Now, it isn't uncommon to have a few snow storms here every winter, but the snow usually melts fairly quickly and the temps tend to at least bounce around a bit.  Not so this winter, when we've been slammed by at least 4 snowstorms that have left the ground covered for weeks due to the fact that the temperatures have rarely risen above freezing in 2 months.  I love snow, but when it's 5 degrees outside there's no way anyone can enjoy it.  Of course, when we've started feeling really sorry for ourselves we check out the temps that our relatives up in Wisconsin are experiencing, and realize we're actually living in the tropics down here. :)  Joe has had no less than 5 snow days this year, and he's not even teaching in the public schools -- they've accumulated 9 at least!  The girls have started to wonder if it's ever going to be warm again, and I agree that it's hard to imagine.  This past week, however, miracle of miracles, the temperature has reached the 70's!  SEVENTIES!  It took until mid-March, but spring is finally arriving.  We can't wait!

Here are some photos of how we've been keeping ourselves busy this winter.  Cabin fever, anyone?

Enjoying homemade snow cones and snow ice cream

Having a "Halloween Day"

Bringing the snow inside to play when outside temps are below zero

Perfecting our lego stacking skills

Creating Ariel puppet shows complete with backdrop

Sledding!  It was cold, but we did it!

Giving our lego animals a bubble bath

Napping with Daddy

And coloring.  LOTS of coloring.