gotta love a snow day in March

This morning, at 5:30, we woke to a surprise of 2 inches of snow blanketing our home. Well, I heard the newscast last night, but the surprise came because we'd resigned ourselves, in recent years, to not getting more than a dusting, if any, when they forecast snow to the valley floor, especially when we live down here by the river. This is the first snow over an inch we've had at home in two years. This is not to say that our neighbors a mile up the hill haven't had lots of snow...oh, there has been many times it has snowed for them. We usually drive up there just to have a look. And a couple times we've been on snow routes, but oblivious to the fact, as there wasn't snow down here at the end of the road! So, pardon me for posting so many pictures, but it is fun to get in on the snow action for once!

By 6, the news reported that our district was on a 2-hour snow delay and snow routes. Finally, a couple hours later, the school district called school all together as snow continued to fall this morning. However, our snow began to melt before dawn, so I snapped a few pictures while it was still dark.

Jim was standing in two inches of slush when wiping snow off the windshield before leaving for work this morning at 6.

backyard at dawn

We lost a favorite tree in the front. I'm disappointed and really need to get some new shubbery planted as this is our privacy barrier by the road. After more than 10 years, some plants/trees have died off or grown up leaving holes.

front driveway

backyard again in the daylight

Snow Slushies

The kids made these the week before on our snow vacation at the cabin where we had 2+ feet of snow.  It was actually their idea to make. We kept bowls of snow in the freezer and they were going back for refills during our movie. The next day, Catherine was the 'cook' and happily served slushies to her sis & bro.

A bowl of snow + drink of choice. Here we have Blue Raspberry Kool Aid and Mango Juice. At the cabin they used Cherry 7-Up and OJ.

Spoon snow into glasses...

...Add juice...

...And serve with a spoon.

 Blueberry Pancakes

My view while making breakfast - love the way everything looks covered in snow.

Snow Pics from the Farm
Here are some farm pics I did some vintage editing with...
Standing at the back door at dawn; 180 degree view in 3 shots-- 

Cows slept in barn last night; usually they bed down in pasture under trees. Here they are coming out for the first time and checking out the strange, white stuff, and Kendal tearing it up; loved running and rolling in the snow --

 

 

Cozy-Lazy Snow Day

The kids have been watching Little House DVDs, texting friends on their ipods, eating snacks and 'chillaxin'. Earlier, I made the kids a blueberry pancake breakfast and snow slushies. They are really hyper and happy to be home today. It is loud with their teasing, laughter, and impromtu wrestling matches. I love it...most of the time.

 

At 2:00, we had only large patches of snow left in the yard and the sun was shining. I tried a Pinterest-inspired recipe - crockpot Lava Cake. Should be ready around 6:00. Kids did a few chores around the house - dishes, garbage, etc. But, it is fun to be together and to have a cozy-lazy day.