Jumping For Joy .... SNOW

It has been my kind of winter .... very mild temps and very little snow.  My kids on the other hand were wanting some snow.  There have been a few very small snowfalls that melt quickly because of the high temps.  My kids have been waiting for the big snow fall and it finally came on February 22.  There was a lot of excitement in the air at the McDonald house as the snow kept falling. 

The kids didn't waste any time when they got home from school and were out in the snow.  

Max wasn't walking when he came home from China last year and was sick a lot of the winter so never did get out in the snow.  This was his time to get out in the snow. 

As you can see he didn't waste any time with joining in on the fun!

And his expressions say it all ... he was loving it! 

Alexa made a few snow angels. 

Love Max's face her as he stomped through the snow! 

They played puppies in the snow.

Emma taught Max how much fun it was to eat the snow! 

Brothers ... taking a little break in the snow!

The kids started working on a giant snowman! 

And when it was time to come in we had a very sad little boy and a big sister who gave her mom the "what do I do now" look! 

The snow brought a lot of excitement and joy to the McDonald house.  It looks like this too could be a short lived snow ... the temps are on the rise again in the forecast! 

Mr. Snowman

The weather turned from freezing, below zero temps to the 40's and 50's this week. That meant that the snow started melting and it was the perfect time to make a snow man.

They had tried to make a snowman on their own but after they got all the balls rolled they had a hard time lifting them so they would cut them in pieces and put them back together. Here is their masterpiece from yesterday.

The kids were super excited when dad said he would go out and help them. They all were excited and ready to start rolling.

They were working hard to build a big one.

The girls were diligent in rolling snow balls and finishing their snow man.

Shane on the other hand got distracted by the snow. He started out rolling around in the snow and soon became the snow ball launcher.

The girls joined in with some encouragement from their daddy. He taught them it was fun to try to throw snow balls at mom when she was trying to take pictures. Thank goodness for the mega zoom on the lens. Doesn't he look so innocent in this pictures working away on the snow man.

Miss Emma Blue Eyes!

Shane also could often be found stopping for a little snack.

It was time for the finishing touches!

And finally meet Mr. Snowman!

The Big Snow Storm Of 2009

We definitely finished off 2009 with a bang in the snow department.  The total snow fall over Christmas was 16 - 20 inches. This was by far the most snow our kids have ever seen.  I think the last time I saw snow like this was when I was in college.  It definitely made this Christmas a year to remember for the kids. They had a blast staying at their cousins house and they couldn't get enough of the snow! 

Eric helped the kids at the top of the hill get ready for big decent! 

Shane with a very relaxing landing!

Shane and Mia needed to be rescued numerous times from the deep snow.  It was a little bit hard for these two to get around at times!

These two don't look like they are having any fun do they?

Shane had so much fun with his daddy in the snow.  What a treat to have all this time playing with daddy in the snow!

Eric got his work out in pulling the kids around in the snow!

Uncle Jay decided to get the Gator out and pull the kids around the driveway!  

Look no hands!

Eric would hide along the route and jump out and scare them or chase them.  The kids thought it was so much fun and eagerly anticipated where Eric would appear next!

The kids came in with rosy cheeks but big smiles.  They of course wanted some hot chocolate to warm up!  

Snow In October

On October 12 we woke up to the ground covered in snow.  When you live in South Dakota this can happen in October.  I think it is crazy and am not a fan of winter but my kids thought it was the best thing in the world.  The joy that snow brings to them does make winter a little more bearable for this mommy! 

Shane was beside himself with excitement.  He wore his jammies to bring the girls to school and before I could even get him to change his clothes he had his snow pants and boots on and was ready to get out in that snow! 

  

Do you think he looks like he is enjoying himself?

Trying to make a snowman and wishing his sisters were around to help!

Just taking a break to take it all in!

Mom, I love this stuff! 

This is what happens when it shows in October!! You still have your backyard toys out so you decide to mow the snow! What a sight!

And of course no day in the snow is complete without a snow angel!

You Know You Live In South Dakota When .....

you wake up to 4 inches of snow on March 17. The girls first reaction was "it snowed again!" They quickly changed their mind when daddy started saying that it was a nice snowman making snow fall. The girls could hardly wait for their daddy to come home today for the big event. They spent the day planning what they would use for eye, nose, mouth, arms, etc... It did end up to be the perfect snowman making day. The kids had so much fun. Before they made their way inside they made snow angels, piled on daddy and had a big snow ball fight. Just to see the smiles on their faces did make the snow worth it today. We do hope spring comes quickly though!




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You Know You Live In South Dakota when .......

You know you live in South Dakota when you wake up on April 10 and there is snow on the ground!






The girls were very excited to see snow this morning. It meant one more day to get all bundled up and have some fun outside. Emma quickly reminded me that they also get hot cocoa when they come in to warm up.




















My prayer today is that my eyes are a little more childlike. I woke up this morning bummed and wondering why I don't live in Arizona anymore. My girls woke up full of joy because they knew they got to play in the snow at least one more day. They always see to find joy in the things going on around them. I hope I can slow down and take time to find joy even in the little things going on around me in the days to come!