Not yet Spring

Looking out our window this morning, it is obviously, CLEARLY, undoubtedly still Winter.

So we played in it.

Guess the little critters should sit tight for a little while longer.

Angelic

The kids and I were glad to get out and play in the sun and snow today, even if it was only 20ºF outside.

Rushing the seasons

I am frustrated with how stores, the media, and even we ourselves rush ahead all the time, hardly taking the time to just BE in the season we are currently in. Before Halloween the stores are rushing us into winter and Christmas and buy buy buy, barely acknowledging Autumn in its warmth and beauty. We glamorize winter for Christmas, with icicle ornaments and pre-flocked trees with the illusion of snow, but by December 26th there are tulips and crocus at the grocery store wooing us with the promise of spring.

Why not enjoy winter for winter's sake, with the time to be cozy inside with soup and good company? What about the beauty of sunshine glittering on a snowy landscape, the crispness of the fresh cold air? It's early January and still very much winter outside. We have a long time to go before the crocus peek from their barely-thawed beds. We should enjoy the beauty of the season in that season rather than always longing for what is yet to come.

Today I urge you to enjoy winter for winter's sake, whatever that means where you are. I have a sick Roo dozing on my lap, so today I'll make some hot cocoa and cuddle my littles and enjoy a nice, slow day. Maybe in a couple days we'll blaze a new sled run in the yard. Whatever we do, I plan to help the kids find joy in winter now. Sure we'll enjoy spring when it's time. But now it's winter; let's enjoy it!

Transition

It's a bit of a rough transition from this...

...to this...

...but we're working on it.

The fresh snowfall has helped - it's better to have snow to play in (and eat) than just cold wind and gray skies.

Woolly Bear

She talks to it, concerned about its destination. Where are you going, Woolly Bear? Can I help you? Winter's coming soon and you need a home for the winter.

Mom, can we find him a home? My entomologist heart goes pitter-patter. Of course we can!

We walk along, me enjoying the sun and fresh air, her talking to the caterpillar about finding a safe warm place to hide, and about its future.

When you come out you'll be a beautiful Woolly Bear Monarch Butterfly!
(or moth, I interject.)
No, Mom. A butterfly.

We find a hole in a tree. This is perfect! she declares. You'll stay nice and safe and warm, and in the spring you'll be a beautiful butterfly and we can come see you and play! Okay? Okay.

Bye Woolly Bear! Have a good hibernating!

Groundhog Day

Punxsutawney Phil says we're in for six more weeks of winter?!

Damn groundhog.

Family photos

I have mentioned our Awesome Photographer Neighbor here previously. Last fall she did a family photo shoot for us which turned out great. We asked her to take our family photos again this year, this time heading up to Tony Grove to get more of a wintery scene. They turned out GREAT. Take a look (click on the photos to enlarge).

Thanks, Lindsey!