Snow Day!

We didn't really believe the weathermen that predicted 1-3 inches of snow in Austin. Because we have spent an entire winter watching the rest of the nation enjoy record snow falls without getting so much as a flurry. Well, we did get one flurry that was lovely and lasted about 10 minutes and didn't stick, but that was it. So, when we awoke this morning to big, beautiful flakes falling (and sticking!) it was a nice surprise! Our preschool teacher called to tell us school was canceled, so we bundled up and headed outside to play.





And play, we did! First, we caught flakes on our tongues while we waited for the snow to accumulate. After a few hours, the snow packed into fantastic snowballs and we had a blast pelting each other and our neighbors. Someone, and I won't name names, but it starts with a B, hit me square between the eyes.








We even managed to build a respectable snow man, complete with a hat, stick arms, a celery nose (because we didn't have a big carrot) and two eyes made out of coal. Our snowman wasn't around for long though. I barely had time to take a picture before two wild boys knocked him down and then laughed and laughed. In fact, we built him three times, just so I could get all the pictures that I wanted.







And since decent snow fall happens (maybe) every 10 years in Austin, we HAD to make snow ice cream. The next time we get this much powdery white stuff, the buddies might be in college! Luckily, our backyard gazebo created the perfect clean snow collection site. I mixed up a quick batch (it couldn't be easier!) and then we set it out on the front porch with bowls and spoons and invited the neighbor kids over. A second-grader seemed thoroughly confused by what she was eating and kept asking me if I mixed Blue Bell into the snow. I took that as a compliment!

We spent the entire day bundling up, heading outside, playing until we were frozen solid, heading back in, throwing our wet clothes in the dryer, getting warm, and then bundling back up for more fun. It was a fantastic day for all. And now that we've had our fill of snow, we are very much looking forward to the 60 degree weather that is predicted tomorrow. Ah, Texas weather! As the saying goes: "If you don't like it, wait a day!"

More pictures here.