Snow!

While it snowed a lot here in Portland around Christmas, we were gone for much of it. Besides, we couldn't justify buying a sled for a week - half of which we missed by visiting Vegas.

But Buffalo - Now, that is a different story. We spent about 10 days there in mid January. Since it was cold and Lake Erie still had not frozen over, most every day brought 3 or so inches of lake effect snow. The last 3 days were unusable since it never really got up above 12 degrees (and that is without the windchill). But, the first few days were lots of fun... or at least that is what we tried to tell Martin!

First, the clothes. I have to tell you, 10-16 months old has to be the worst time for full winter clothes. Little enough that they need quite a bit because they aren't too mobile. Big enough that they fight it on the initial dressing and even outside. Little enough that they cannot be reasoned with. Big enough that they need boots. Little enough that they are still curling their toes. By the 3rd or 4th day, Martin seemed resigned to it. And he could see the wisdom in the gloves even if they were the hardest to put on. Besides, even Papa wears gloves and Martin wants to be exactly like Papa. That said, I have to say, I'm THANKFUL we do not live in this climate this winter.



He instantly fell in love with his sled. Justin dragged him around the yard and neighborhood with it for a day or so. In just that one day, he learned to balance himself.


The next day, we made a little hill in the backyard from the deck to the grass. He LOVED it!


He was so happy after a half hour of sledding that he ventured off the sled on his own and started making snow angles with Papa.


Sledding in the backyard was so fun, we thought we would take him to the big hill. I think we just got too late of a start. Maybe he still needs to learn the wonderfulness of 3 inches of fresh powder. Regardless, he was not impressed and after 4 runs, we said forget it!