Knowing Valentine's Day would be a rough reminder that Billy was not with us this year, I decided the kids and I needed to make it a fun and busy day. We started our morning with cinnamon rolls, our traditional holiday breakfast, and both Alexa and Brody had Valentine's Day attire to wear to church. We were able to connect with Billy on Skype when we got home, (which always makes for a good day!) and then we headed to the mall to visit the kids favorite place - Build A Bear Workshop. Shockingly, half of Columbus must have had the same idea because the line was out the door!! Upon seeing the line, I offered to take the kids another day, but they wanted to wait. And wait we did...for almost an hour before making it to the doors!! I was so proud of how patient and well behaved they were while standing in line!
Once the new bears were stuffed, bathed, and dressed, we took them to dinner in the mall and then shared ice cream in front of the indoor fountain. It was just the distraction I needed, and a great excuse for an outing after having two 'snow days' the previous week!!
Below are some photos of our latest snow storm. This time the snow was much thicker and heavier. Alexa and I ventured out one afternoon to attempt building a snowman, but the snow was literally so high and so heavy, it took her boot right off her foot! After returning inside for dry socks, Alexa decided she didn't want to head back out. Thankfully, Brody remained inside - I'm afraid the snow would have reached his waist!!
View from our front door - somewhere in that photo are stairs...
Our buried ADT Security Sign
The back deck...that's an 18" yard stick, a not 12" one...
The shoveled front porch...with snow drifts higher than the porch...
We've exhausted quite a lengthy list of craft projects this winter, with the usual activities like painting, coloring, and playing with play-doh, as well as some more 'unique' activities, such as creating dog beds for stuffed toys."dog bed" before
Completed dog bed
The dog family in their bed
We also found a backpack on clearance for $3, and since it was plain, Alexa chose a few items for me to paint onto it to make it a little more 'personalized.'
Before...
After...
All in all, I'm thankful February is the shortest month of the year - the snow has been fun - sometimes - but I'm ready for spring...especially since my husband arrives for R&R just four days after the first day of spring!! :)
