Two strange icicle formations were created on our lilac bush yesterday. The temperatures remained below freezing all day, but the sun was able to melt the snow and the dripping water froze into a sinister looking set of icicles.
The sun was out again today, but the temperature climbed to over 40 degrees. What remained of the icicles lay on the ground in a broken pile.
There were no gold medals, no world records and no opening or closing ceremonies, but we did have our own Winter Olympics this past weekend in our backyard and front yard and even from our rooftop. When mother nature gives you snow, what do you do? Our latest storm gave us over 15″ of snow. We had plans to take a mini ski vacation to Giants Ridge while the kids were on winter break last week, but with the “blizzard” predictions, we changed our plans and stayed in Duluth to ski at Spirit Mountain. The white out conditions caused Spirit Mountain to close at 4pm which was probably a good thing. We got home before the worst of the storm hit. By the next morning, drifting snow buried our driveway, sidewalk and everything else. As a family, we ventured outside and began digging out. After most of the work was done, the kids decided to have a little fun. Out came the snowboards and sleds and our mini Olympics was underway.
Girls Division | Driveway Snowboarding
Boys Division| Driveway Snowboarding
Senior Division | Driveway Snowboarding
After a quick photo next to the tunnel that leads to our front steps and door, we moved to the backyard snowboarding course.
Girls Division | Backyard Snowboarding
Boys Division | Backwards Skeleton
Girls Division | Swing Set Jump
Boys Division | Swing Set Jump
Preparing for the jump.
The big jump.
Pairs Roof Jumping
Relaxing before the jump.
After the jump and digging out.
Boys Division | Luge
Senior Division | Roof Shoveling
The snowman that was created back in December has not melted, but is nearly buried by snow. Here he is during the early December snowstorm when Mike and Sophia made him.
Here he is now…or what is left of him. Look for the tip of his red hat.
One final collage of the snow cover.
Subzero temperatures are in the forecast, but no snow…for now.
We gave the kids a few small things for Valentine’s Day. Nothing fancy, just some chocolate treats, gum and a small gift for each kid. Sophia had her eye on a giant stuffed frog that was on display in the gift section of a local store since mid-January. Every time we stopped by the store to pick up a few items, she spotted the frog and begged to have it for Valentine’s Day. It was a little overpriced and ridiculously pink and large, but she declared her love for it each time she saw it. Early this week I had to do some errands and stopped by a different store for a few household items. I decided to pick up some Valentine’s treats for the kids and a card for Mike. While I was debating on whether or not to get a small stuffed bulldog for Sophia, I looked up on the top shelf and spotted the same frog that Sophia had seen at the other store. I decided that it must be fate. Not only was it the same frog, it was almost half the price. Sophia became the proud owner of a giant pink and white frog on Valentine’s Day. She couldn’t have been more excited. Now we just need to figure out where to keep him. Sebastian’s gift was not quite as bright or exciting, but he was very happy with his new fleece blanket (a.k.a. Woobie).
In addition to her new frog, Hopper, Sophia also received a gently used sock monkey hat with her Valentine’s Day loot. Sock Monkey was also a big hit with her as seen below in the snapshots from earlier today,
I also enjoyed my Valentine’s gift…a beautiful bouquet of roses, truffles and a nice card from Mike.
Sebastian had a basketball tournament in Zimmerman, Minnesota today. Mike made the 2 1/2 hour journey with him. It was a long day, with less than ideal road conditions, but the boys played well and they made it home safely at 10:40 p.m. tonight. While they were away, Sophia and I took care of shoveling the freshly fallen snow. We did take some time to have a little fun and enjoy sledding in the back yard.
Daphne also joined in the fun.
We are looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and enjoying a quiet day at home…or maybe skiing in the fresh powder.
M. Sullivan Photography 