Snow Day

Livvie’s been asking for snow for several weeks and we keep explaining to her that we can’t manufacture that sort of thing on demand.  We hadn’t seen any news or weather reports for several days, so we were completely surprised by the snow.  I gather that everyone else in Portland was also surprised based on the news reports, so we were glad that we were all at home with no where to be.

The snow was much more manageable this year.  Luke and Violet got all suited up and had no trouble walking in the 2-3 inches we got yesterday.  In last year’s snow they could barely move.  Neither one could grab anything with their waterproof mittens on, though.  Violet couldn’t take it and just kept trying to get her mittens off.

 

Olivia was very excited to build a snowman and then knocked it down later because she wanted to make giant snowballs.  It probably didn’t help that a couple of guys up the street built a 6’ high snowman.  You could tell that she was clearly disappointed with our snowman-making efforts after seeing that one.  We also spent a lot of time explaining why we couldn’t build an igloo/snow fort just like last year.  “There is enough snow!  Look at all the snow on the bushes and trees!” - Olivia

Of course we got the sleds out, but the new Christmas sleds weren’t used (they’re not as easy to pull 3 kids on at the same time).  We had the big sleds and they were all happy to share a ride together.  Michael was less happy to pull all 3 at the same time in the sticky, wet snow.

Vi had to make an early exit due to cold hands while Luke and Olivia went to the top of the next block and sledded down the middle of street where the car tracks made it super slick (uh, sure, it was safe, yeah, I was watching).  Liv even pulled Luke down the hill skeleton-style at the end.

The snow is all gone today and we had terrible tears this morning when Liv realized that there would be no igloo this year.

 

Violet goes sledding

I’ve been asked a couple of times this week with our huge snowstorm, “Did you take Luke and Violet out to enjoy the snow?”  Let’s just say that a couple of feet of snow is just not much fun when you’re only 1 year old.  I mean, really, is this the face of someone who is enjoying themselves?

You can’t tell, but she is perched atop Livvie’s snow fort “with a real life tunnel to crawl through!”  Violet was the only twin that braved the elements for a sleigh ride.  Luke slept through the fun.  Violet wishes she was so lucky.  This was after Michael pulled her and Olivia up and down the street for awhile. 

Olivia did a great job of holding onto her sister while sledding.  We bought a big purple sled for just this purpose, but I really didn’t think it was going to see so much action so soon.  Usually, any meaningful sledding involves a trip to Mt. Hood.  Very thankful we bought sleds early this year.  We’ve learned the hard way that in Portland there’s a short window to buy sleds, mittens and children’s snow boots.

This might be considered a smile…..perhaps.

Sledding

Michael, Papster, and Olivia went sledding on Saturday.  Michael, Jen, and Olivia went sledding again on Sunday.  And then, Michael and Olivia went again on Monday!

This hill might not look steep from this angle, but it was perfect for us.  We were on the leeward side of Franklin school which meant we weren't blasted by the wind ("it's so blustery" says Olivia).  There was also a nice arc to the hill that kept us out of 52nd (well, most of the time it did). There wasn't much snow yet, but we got plenty more in the next couple of days.

 

The twins haven't been out in the snow since Winter Storm #1 (we're on #3, but #2 was such a bust it's hard to count it).  They have made some major milestones of their own this week.  Violet is now signing "out" back to us which makes all of the months of signing to them worth it.  Luke and Violet are also making major strides across the room.  They are both comfortable walking and have been really showing off for Grammy and Papster (except when they need to get somewhere fast).

Violet has figured out how to put the big blocks together and takes short breaks from dismantling them to actually do a little assembly. 

Weather drama

Poor Eliz was forced to drive up from San Francisco.  She missed a connection in Dallas and basically couldn't get another flight into Portland before Christmas.  She was able to get to SFO, spend the night at Schnerbs' house, and then drive up without a problem today.  Deb decided to wait it out in Arcada another day and hope for a break tomorrow.  Cat's flight into Portland is late Wed. and we are due for more snow Wed. morning.  We are only thinking positive weather thoughts.