This is Why I Love to Live in Minnesota

SNOW!!!!

After above-average temperatures this fall and no snow at all in November, it had finally snowed for the first time on Friday night - we got a dusting, enough for me to bundle the kids up on Saturday morning and pull them around the yard on the sled.  (Rookie error - as soon as both girls were bundled up and I had my hat and boots on, Gizmo let me know she had to go potty.  UGH.)  Both girls were excited, because we really had no significant snow to speak of last year, and Gizmo's brand new boots were worn only once.  Because Gizmo is a growing girl, she got to break in her brand new purple boots and black snow pants today, while Gonzo used hand-me-downs (which are still cute as can be).  By the end of the day, most of the snow was gone. 

Until this morning.  A couple of inches were on the ground when I woke up, and the snow fell steadily all day long.  We went out to play this afternoon after naps (and after potty breaks), and I have to say that I don't remember having that much fun in the snow in a very long time.

Gizmo was really excited to walk around, and after Mitch gave her a few tips on walking in the deep snow, she was ready to venture around the yard.

Gonzo, on the other hand, had her doubts about this whole snow thing.

She eventually came around.

We spent an hour building a snow elf (the snow didn't pack well enough for a snowman), taking turns riding on the sled, making snow angels, and making "snowball soup" for our snow elf to eat.

The snow stopped early this evening, and when Mitch stuck the ruler out in the snow, we have about 10 inches of the fluffy white stuff.  Mitch certainly got in his workout today, shoveling the driveway three times.  It was so great to be outside this afternoon with the neighbors, who were out taking care of their own driveways and playing in the snow.  Our neighbor's dog, Moose, came over to play while we were outside, and he enjoyed catching snowballs in the air.  The temperature was not too cold - about 30 degrees, and so we were able to have fun without feeling too chilly.  It was truly a perfect afternoon in the snow.

We'll see our lawn again in March!