Not only do we live in Texas, but we live in southern Texas, on the Gulf, where the chance of snow is very, very low. One of the things the kids have missed the most since moving here is the snow, and leading up to Christmas they talked about it all the time.
So...it has been pretty exciting around here when we had not one, but TWO snow days off of school in one week! Yep. Totally unheard of. The first "snow" day didn't result in actual snow. The worry is mostly freezing rain that turns into ice when the temps drop down below freezing and stay there through the night and day. It did look kind of funny to look outside and see no snow, and yet be home, but since the cities have no snow equipment, it can be pretty dangerous and the roads slick (and no one knows how to drive in it). It's quite the scenario--roads shut down, schools are out, businesses close, and the whole town is on hold. It really makes me laugh when the newscasters talk about the "arctic freeze" that's coming to town. Really, people? 35 degrees is "arctic"? Well, here in Texas, it is!
Our second snow day came just a week later, and the night before, the kids were resorting to all of the snow day traditions we did in Michigan. They put their pajamas on backwards, and flushed about a million ice cubes down the toilet, and even prayed for snow. Sure enough...the schools announced that night that they would be closed the next day, but we weren't sure if we would actually get snow.
We didn't wake up to snow the next morning, but by mid-morning, there were definitely white flakes coming down. The ground was still too warm and wet for anything to stick except to the mulch and the trampoline, but the kids didn't care...it was SNOW!
We piled on the warmest clothes they have, tied plastic bags around their feet, and off they went! Kate went outside, looked around, and asked "Where is everyone? Why aren't they out here? Wimps." It was totally funny, because the streets were dead silent...except for my kids!
They were out there for a good hour--jumping on the snow-covered trampoline, making the tiniest snowman I've ever seen (named Sugar, with no carrot nose because it wouldn't stay on), and thoroughly enjoyed this little bit of winter we were blessed with. They came in with red noses, cold hands, and completely happy. We drank homemade hot chocolate, and snuggled in the rest of the day. It was wonderful!
{The night before...flushing ice cubes!}
{Look at all that snow!}
{Look closely...you can see our tiny snowman!}
Caroline came out for just a minute, so she could see the snow, but she mostly watched from the window. She loved watching the kids, and wanted to go out too, but she was just getting over being sick, and I didn't want to take the chance.
I had the BEST run ever that day...it was the perfect temperature. :) I did not see one living soul, but it was peaceful and beautiful, with the sun shining on the snow covered roofs and glistening icicles. I loved it. I don't know how anyone can prefer running in 100+ degree weather over this--I'll never understand it!
Homemade hot chocolate...the perfect way to end our fun day! Marshmallows or whipped cream, with a sprinkle of cinnamon & sugar---YUM!
Don't tell anyone, but I prayed the snow here. ☺
