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12.04.2010

A delighful surprise

On this 'Daddyday' the kids wanted to take Ian to our science museum to show him their favorite spots.  Darcy wanted to go through the butterfly room, Caleb wanted to talk about the seahorses and show Daddy the pelican, and Kylie wanted to explain which dinosaurs ate meat and which ate plants by looking at their teeth (something she figured out by herself on our most recent visit).

It was a great morning that got topped off by the excitement of a snow flurry as we headed to the van.  Our kids were wild with excitement and skipped to the parking lot discussing how big of a snowman they were going to build.  Knowing that only flurries were predicted, we encouraged them to settle for catching snowflakes on their tongues.


And then during lunch I lost my confidence in the guys at weather.com as the occasional flake gently falling became a steady snowfall.  In our continual quest for winning parents of the year, we let them out on the back deck slightly improperly bundled while we fixed lunch. 

Darcy claimed that she had indeed seen snow before, but she sure seemed to be caught up in the wonder of the first snowfall this season.

Then came the tough call.  Observe nap time as we're headed to a friend's house to catch VT in the ACC championship game (we cut cable back in January) and we wanted the best shot at good behavior?  Or embrace the moment because NC snow doesn't come often, and when it does, it doesn't stay long.

Yeah, you knew it.  Snow is WAY more important than a nap...

We packed snowballs.


We rolled snow boulders for our snowman.


We exuded absolute glee.


We gave snowball rolling tips.

this picture included not for the quality of the picture but the memory that goes with it ~ As I was snapping away, Darcy complained that her snowball wasn't very big and was asking Ian (who was currently assisting Kylie) to help her make her snowball bigger.  Caleb came up beside her and said, 'It okay Darcy, take dis one and I make that one bigger.' And then he switched with her, totally his idea.  Made a momma's heart smile!

We made snow angels.


We created blizzard conditions by knocking snow out of the crepe myrtle.


We found 'the spot' for our snowman.


We admired our handiwork on a snowman and his faithful companion, a snow dog.


What a delightful surprise. 

And all the while, the kids said, "See mommy, you didn't believe us.  We told you we could build a snowman." 


17 comments:

Di said...

Sounds like the perfect day. I love the snowman! We've more snow here in Scotland than I can ever remember - my parents had 40cm of snow in their garden and the country has almost ground to a halt....but it does look beautiful!

Jordan Carl said...

That looks like so much fun! You guys did such a good job!

Lisa said...

It's wonderful to live where snow is appreciated and a fun novelty! Love the pure delight on Darcy's face!

Laurie said...

Yeah, more pictures than just what's on FB. LOVE their snowman- adorable!! And that picture of Caleb? A framer if you ask me!! :)

Cindy M said...

It snowed here today, too! Mick and Caroline spent the entire day outside building a snow fort! I have spent the entire time fighting the lights on my Christmas tree! Ugh.

The Ferrill's said...

SNOW? Oh my goodness! What fun! Now that is enough to make ME want to get in MY car and drive up to NC to see some precious snow babies! :)

Larry and Carol said...

I'm glad I live in the sunny northeast. We haven't had a flake so far this year and you know how much I love S. The kids look like they are are having so much fun. Just darling! XO's AC

Debra said...

Hey Kristi,
Our daughter, also from Hangzhou, claims to have seen snow in China.
We just got her this August, and it's hard to believe that a city where we experienced such heat could have snow.
I looked into some historical weather for last winter in Hangzhou and there were 3 days in Feb. where it apparently snowed. Probably just a sprinkling. And probably a big deal in a city like Hangzhou.
Now she has snow all winter here in Winnipeg. She seems to like it!
Love you blog.

Heather said...

So glad they had so much fun in the snow! We must have been right in your neck of the woods this weekend. Wish I was just as excited to see that snow, but it just reminded of what is yet to come!

Shonni said...

The pictures tell the whole story----tons of adorable childhood fun!!!

Michelle said...

Looks like so much fun... Makenna saw it snowing and screamed go get the snow clothes. Too bad ours was only flurries...

Nancy said...

That is so awesome! I am so glad the kids enjoyed it. I'd skip the nap too!

Our Journey said...

What a nice surprise!! I love the picture of the three of them making snow angels. Even a little snow can be a lot of fun.

Grandma Shultz said...

Kylie, Caleb and Darcy, you made a wonderful snowman and snowdog. Grandma wishes I had been there with you to throw some snowballs!
Bet you got cold.

Ally said...

Love that first picture of Caleb! We got a bit of snow here. No were near enough to make a snowman. Just enough to look pretty and then go away. Looks like they enjoyed themselves, dad too :)

Learning Together at Home said...

Delightful! :)

Our Journey to China said...

Looks like a Great time!!!! :0)