SNOW DAY

I have been an employee for the Chicago Public Schools for 11 years,  and we have never had a snow day. So do you think I was a bit giddy when the Blizzard of 2011 finally shut them down? Yeah, I felt like I was like a kid again....BUT I quickly learned that a snow day on the adult end of things is much different than when I was the kid. It was a very enjoyable day, but it certainly can test the patience of a parent (Anyone with me on this one??). Jack and Alice both woke up at 6:30, even though on a normal day they sleep til at least 7. I was a bit grumpy about it, but then I remembered how long I've been wanting to have an unscheduled day at home with them. I was excited to begin the long-awaited snow day festivities--AFTER I had my cup of coffee in my favorite new mug.  It was perfect for today, because today felt like a dream!

It seemed like we were inside of a snow globe. While the millions of flakes swirled all around us outside, we stayed warm in our pajamas and did some crafts and science experiments.  

(Of all the experiments to choose from, they wanted to make "SNOW". Go figure.)

Then, around 11:30, the blizzard was over and the sun even came out. We got bundled up, and we headed out into the REAL snow. This was something to experience, let me tell you.  When I am thigh-deep in our backyard and sledding down our back deck, you know I'm not lying, because I don't normally enjoy playing in snow. THIS I enjoyed. We all did. 

Not a very convincing smile, is it. She wasn't quite sure she liked it at first, but she did end up having a lot of fun. 

 The place where we spent many warm summer evenings is now nothing but an igloo. Now that makes me a little sad.
But then we opened our garage door to THIS:

 Jamie launched Jack into the 4 foot bank:

 In his own words, "That. Was. Awesome."

There literally was snow as far as the eye could see. The entire city was pretty much shut down. I thought about all of the families who had no choice but to be home together spending time with one another-Not focusing on their jobs or out running errands, but home with family. I kind of wish this would happen more often (with not quite as much snow if that's possible). 

We came in and enjoyed homemade cheddar chowder
 and a nice cup of hot chocolate to warm us right up. :)

Oh, and today is Groundhog day. He didn't see his shadow, so spring is right around the corner! ha!
THAT is my recap of SNOW DAY 1. Believe it or not, CPS has cancelled school for tomorrow too!