The First Snow Days of 2016

I am not sure if this is all the snow we are going to get this year.  After a week of very cold temperatures and a little ice and snow storm, we have been enjoying some nice almost 70 degree days this week.  We live in the south where the temperatures can fluctuate from below freezing one day to almost summer-like the next.  And since Mr. Groundhog didn't see his shadow today, we are hopeful of an early Spring.  Of course, our heaviest winter storms usually arrive in February and even March so who really knows except God.  We just take what we get and make the best of it.  So when last weekend started with an ice storm on Friday, we all enjoyed an unexpected day at home together cuddling on the couch and catching up on some Walking Dead marathons on Netflix.  Zombies go perfectly with snow days, didn't you know?  Then, Saturday finally brought us a little snow to play in.  We only got maybe an inch on top of the ice, but it was fun while it lasted.  The ice did make for some rough driving conditions for a few days that made it necessary for our schools to remain closed until all of the ice could be cleared away.  Many folks did lose power from downed trees and power lines, but we were fortunate to not suffer any of the bad side effects from this winter storm.  We just enjoyed some much appreciated time together making some fun memories.

Of course, it was Mattox's first experience with snow, and I think he approved.  He even enjoyed a little sledding.  He is our first baby to get some snow his first winter.  Evan and Brody both had to wait until they were almost two to see snow.  

On Friday, I just got out to take some pictures of the lovely ice coating everything after a day of steady sleet and freezing rain. 

I did like how the ice coated trees sparkled like crystals and diamonds. 

Cocoa was not impressed with the ice as she looked for a spot to go potty.  She kept trying to squat in our backyard where some taller grass was coated with prickly ice that kept stabbing her.  Evan and Brody came outside with me for a few minutes. 

A mound of ice looked like snow as it built up outside our front door.  When we first saw the house last winter, it was after a much heavier winter storm, and there was a huge pile of snow in front of the door.  I assumed someone must have piled it there.  Now, I know it apparently drops off the roof there and collects in a big pile.  

Brody was very excited to show off his icicle. 

The boys had a mini "snow" fight. 

And Mattox just watched it all from inside the first day. 

The next day after we got a little snow, we bundled this little guy up so he could experience it.  At first, he was not happy about having to wear a hat.  We put the old 2T snowsuit on him (I wasn't going to buy a 12 month one for the off chance we may get some snow).  It was so cute on him as he crawled around in it.  I put some of Evan's old snow proof mittens on him that were kind of big.  We joked that he looked like Skipper the penguin from The Penguins of Madagascar when he is turned into the monster penguin with the lobster claw hand.  Haha!  

Mattox really loved getting to crawl around outside on the snow.  He doesn't get to crawl around on the ground outside since it is usually a wet muddy mess. 

Getting to sled a little.  They just went down the very small slope of our driveway.  Eddie pretty much had to push them the whole way. 

Mattox was crawling faster than the sled was moving.  Haha!

Uh oh, Brody is about to get someone with a "snowball." 

We actually sat Mattox on top of Eddie's car for these pictures.  It looks like he is on a little snow covered hill.  

And of course, we had to pose for a family picture in the snow. 

We tried for some funny face shots.  Apparently, Evan is too cool to be silly anymore.  Sigh.  

Mommy and Daddy love our little snow bunny...or penquin monster.  Ha!