Snow Prep 101

Matt and I both LOVED snow days as kids. I'm sure his were more amazing than mine considering I was in SCHOOL for most of them. None the less, I did love it when we city folks got out. We'd make snow forts, have snow ball fights, make snow angels--we'd spend the day out in it. We probably appreciated it more than the Warren Countians =). I'm sure my mother made us come in--it certainly wasn't by choice. Matt equally loved snow days. He and his cousin Adam (who was also his next door neighbor) would go "exploring" looking for indian tracks and animal trails. Matt said snow completely transformed his world. Come to think of it, it transformed mine. Snow makes everything look different. I remember one snowy day going up to hospital hill with my family which landed us in the hospital. My dad and I rode down the hill (me on top) and dad on his stomach. I don't remember much of what happened except that I was thrown across the street and bumped my head pretty bad. My dad wound up in the hospital with a cracked kidney. Hospital Hill has sent many sledders to the hospital. One of my friends broke her back, and I heard about a guy yesterday breaking both his legs coming down the hill in a Kayak. Good times!

We didn't experience any broken bones yesterday and had a grand time in Richardsville. The kids spent Friday night over at Pap and Nana Deaton's. Matt and I spent Saturday morning trying to wrangle up some snow apparel for the kids. I do not invest in things of that nature simply because it's not practical. Matt and I have things for skiing, but our kids simply do not enjoy being in the snow. We thought they might have a good time sledding though so we went out on an adventure to find some snow gear. By adventure, I mean taking the van through the snowy streets of BG, and by snow gear, I mean rain boots, athletic (nylon/active) pants, and latex gloves. Yes, latex gloves. What is it about kids gloves? Who really wants those stretchy, cheap, non waterproof gloves. I want some nice, Gortex, rain repellant gloves for my kids which are IMPOSSIBLE to find. Last year, I came across some for Karson at Kohl's--a true miracle but have been unable to find any like it this year. So, my bright idea was to put latex gloves over the lousy stretch gloves to keep their hands dry. You can see how thrifty I am--all of my purchased items have more purposes than SNOW day gear.

We arrived in Richardsville at Daniel and Lisa's house around 1 p.m. all bundled up and ready for fun. Steve Maglinger had to drive down the treacherous driveway in his 4-wheel drive to pick us up. The old white van couldn't make it. We met up with everyone soon after and started our sledding adventure. Matt and I had spent over an hour preparing, gathering, stuffing, layering, "Randying Up" the kids for a time of fun in the snow which lasted a total of 1 minute. Miles and I went down on a snow disc much like Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation. The snow blew up in our faces the entire way down--Miles thought he was dying. He absolutely despises getting his hair washed and this was like a shower in the face. We were soaking wet. In the meantime, Matt and Isaac were also sledding their way down the hill. Isaac had tears streaming down his face afterwards and was immediately ready to go. Karson came down in a cattle trough (courtesy of Kirk Young) with Paul and Elizabeth. She liked it and was ready to go again. I think she only did it one more time though and was done. By that time, I was already back at the Garica's house peeling the boys and arranging pediatric counseling sessions for both.

Highlight on my day: getting to hold the Garica's adorable Abby Kate. She was born January 22. Isn't she just the sweetest! I can't wait to get back out there and hold her =).

All in all it was a great snow day. I'll take excellent company over freezing in the snow any day of the week. Thanks Garcia's and Maglinger's for the invite, entertainment and hospitality.