Sledding – Page 2 – M. Sullivan Photography

March 4, 2012March 4, 2012 M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos, Skiing, Sledding, Weather

Lake Effect

When you live next to the world’s largest fresh water lake, you become familiar with how it can change the weather – heavy fog, cooler summers, warmer winters and lake effect snow. Weather forecasters are often inaccurate when predicting temperatures or precipitation when the winds change and start blowing off the lake. The forecast on Friday evening was for flurries overnight and up to 3 inches of snow accumulating throughout the day Saturday. I would have to say that they were a bit off…once again. Here’s what we actually received.

We woke up to several inches Saturday morning and it continued throughout the entire day. By evening we had over a foot of snow and by Sunday morning we had reached 14.5 inches. Mike pulled the snow blower out three times during the day Saturday so that we could get out to two playoff basketball games for Sebastian, register the kids for ski races and make a run to the grocery store. Sophia had decided on a breakfast dinner for winning the previous snow total bet so we had to pick up supplies. We didn’t bother to make a bet for this next “storm” since the original forecast had minimal accumulation expected.

The nice thing about lake effect snow is that it is light and fluffy. Not like the heavy stuff we received during our “blizzard” last week. Speaking of our blizzard snow, Thursday was warm enough for Mike and Sophia to make this guy during their day off from work and school.

Here’s what he looked like this morning when I was out shoveling our driveway…again.

Sophia had a friend over Saturday during our snow event. Her friend lives just blocks from our house, so it is was a short walk through the snow to get here. She came prepared in snow gear and with a sled. The girls took turns going down our newly complete sledding course in the backyard – the one I didn’t think we would have this year since we had grass in the backyard two weeks ago.

They also tried a couple of runs together on one sled.

They trudged through the deep snow and found a perfect spot to make snow angels.

They also found the biggest snow pile in the yard and climbed to the top.

Then they slid down.

They got tired from all the play outdoors and cold from the snow filtering in under their snow gear and played inside for the rest of the afternoon. By that time I think we were all tired of the snow.

Fast forward to Sunday morning, here’s what I saw when I was out shoveling at 7:45am.

After breakfast the kids headed out with Mike to have some fun in the snow.

Sunday afternoon the kids had their final ski race at Chester Bowl. The snow actually had ended by this time and the sun came out. It was warm on the slopes and the fresh powder made for some great skiing.

Here’s Sebastian – he’s the black spot with a red helmet in the center of the picture.

We hope to enjoy the new snow a bit more before the spring thaw hits. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30’s and 40’s this week. We are looking forward to skiing with Mike’s Dad next weekend at Spirit Mountain and perhaps we can make a family for Mr. Snowman in the front yard before it all melts.

January 28, 2012 M. Sullivan Photography Landscapes, Photos, Sledding

Week In Review

Another week has passed. We spent the last two Fridays at Bulldog hockey games. Last week’s game we enjoyed with Mike’s parents with a nice dinner at Valentini’s prior to the game. We had gymnastics class for Sophia and basketball practices for Sebastian during the week. Sebastian had his weekly Saturday morning basketball game. No ski races last week, but the kids are planning to race tomorrow at Chester Bowl. The mornings were cloudy and gray most of the week as seen below.

The gray start to the week was followed by a sunny Friday morning with snow showers in the afternoon and a beautiful sunset.

I have a couple of photos I haven’t posted yet of the kids getting geared up for the ski races two weeks ago. They put on everything except their skis before getting into the car – even their helmets.

I’m sure they received a few looks while they were on the way to the ski hill by other vehicles on the road. I guess the extra head protection would come in handy in case of a fender bender.

Sophia had a playdate with a friend today. They spent some time sliding on the fresh snow, making snow cones (with “white” snow” from the backyard), playing with play dough and mastering Super Mario Brothers on the Wii.

We still hope to get out to Spirit Mountain and Mont Du Lac to ski before winter is over. We keep waiting for a big snow storm to drop some nice powder, but it hasn’t happened yet. This last small storm was enough to cover the bare grass in our yard. Unless we get a major snow event, the “bobsled” course in our backyard will not happen this year. 😦

January 30, 2011January 31, 2011 M. Sullivan Photography Flowers, Skiing, Sledding

Winter Fun

Mike has been busy keeping up with all of the snow this winter. Snowblowing the driveway and sidewalks, shoveling the stairs and decks and keeping the backyard sledding course in tip-top shape. We spent some time checking out his work on the sledding hill yesterday. We all had a great time sliding – including the grown ups. Sebastian took a little video of the fun.

Here’s Sophia two weeks ago just after she caught some air going over the big jump.

And posing for Mom.

Sebastian and Sophia also competed in their third Chester Bowl Ski Race this weekend. They both had awesome runs down the hill. Here are some clips of the action.

It’s been so much fun watching the kids improve their skills and their times each week on the course. There are three more ski races this year. We can’t wait!