I had my GMAT class last night and left to 3″ of snow that had fallen during the day. There were rumors of more snow starting, but 5 pm turned into 6 turned into 7 with nothing. I left class at 10:30 pm to see several inches had fallen and my minivan not up to the task of getting out of the slight hill spot. I called Jay frantically and the attempts to dig the ice out from under the tires did not work. What did work was putting the hideous purple casino blanket GiaGia had put in the car so Mara would not get cold under the front tire, driving over it, and readjusting 3 times. Thanks Gia!

An hour after my journey began I was home, calling Jay again to dig a hole to put the car into. An hour later we were done and car was set for a few days. The snow was still falling while we were digging. One snow plow came by but no others.

We woke up this morning to both schools closed and Jay taking a WFH day. There were about 18″ of new snow that fell. We (including Thane) shoveled paths on the stairs, street and drive and witnessed cars stuck in the middle of the street, unable to move. I dashed off to the Grocery by foot and got some staples were low on and a sled.

And a-sledding we-a went! We spent about an hour and a half sledding down the luge track Jay made with a giant Frosty-size snowball, making snow angels and watching Melina and Thane “swim” through the snow. Mara was finally a Popsicle before we headed home and fell asleep in Jay’s arms on the way home. Nap time was a family activity today, and there was not a peep out of anyone about getting some z’s!

Melina's Snow Angel

Post sledding glee

Daddy’s Snow Angel

Mommy’s Snow Angel

Snow…Snow…and yes, more snow.

This winter is the snowiest winter I can remember in New York history. I have escaped the coldest parts of this winter mostly by walking only as far as my car or a door, but there are times when I have to park somewhere and brave the elements long enough that my fingers start to tingle from early onset of frost bite, my cheeks burn from the wind, and tears stream down my face. Mara, a girl after my own heart, refused to wear gloves yesterday to drop off Thane at school. Flat out refused, threw them off. By the time we walked to school and then back to the car, possibly 7 minutes total, she was screaming in tears from fingers that hurt. (As a side note, I had no issue getting her to wear said gloves this morning).

However, snow is snow to kids, and they could not love it more. After 1 month and at least 35″ of snow, walking anywhere still takes twice as long for frequent snow ball stops. Our freezer is filled with snow ball “keepers” for the summer. On Facebook, I saw someone’s comment which I absolutely loved (and have stolen! Thanks Brian’s friend) … (the last time I quoted this I was accused of being drunk…)

Snow…Its kind of like Fudge isn’t it. At first: Yaaaaaaeeey fudge! Then, “I don’t care if I’m getting sick of it, it’s still fudge and it’s awesome!!! Then finally: OMG, fudge, I hate you.

Well, as I sit here writing, and 3 more fluffy inches are falling outside my window…OMG, Snow, I hate you. But the kids, the kids still love you.

Here are some pics from this winter, so far, we still have more left than I care to think.

Oh, and yes, most are of Thane. If someone (I will not name names) chooses to not wear enough protective gear, Someone does not get to go outside.

Here is a video of Thane and mommy as bears making a trail through the snow.

For her skating debut….Live from Long Island….It is (Mara) Danaë on Ice!!!

We have been to about 4 lessons now and Mara is showing her skills as a future Olympic figure skater. As a matter of fact, her teacher is already trying to recruit her. In true second child manner, Mara threw herself into skating, from the big eyes and smiles when she realized we were at the rink for her brother AND HER to wanting to hold her rental skates to not wanting to take them off at the end of the lesson. She patiently waited while we laced up her skates and paraded around the room in them once they were on. Now, she runs around the fireplace whenever we have them on her.

She is enrolled in Mommy and Me (read: Daddy and me) skating lessons. She just about runs to the ice each time. The first few classes had her in the chair or holding the chair but now she easily stands and marches while holding Daddy or the teacher’s hand. No tears for this Nancy Kerrigan. Her teacher commented that she loves to see students like Mara (and rarely does) because they don’t have the fear the other kids do, and when you teach them the jumps later, it is much easier.

Mara loves the ice so much we have gotten her her own cute skates in the smallest size possible. I have a feeling that we will get a lot of use out of them!

These photos are from her second lesson, a few weeks ago.

Getting Ready

Big Smiles!