A Warm and Frigid Winter
Minnesota weather never has a typical weather pattern in my opinion, and that's what we love about it. This winter we've felt a little more like shut ins, between subzero wind chills and episodes of terrible flu and colds. It's just been the nastiest year for flu, colds, croup, RSV, etc. Every time we leave the house together, it finds us! Therefore, we've been hermits as much as possible.
It's no wonder on a warmer day (like 20 degrees +) we get cabin fever and break out of here. The last weekend in December (2013) we got a chance at a 42 degree day! Coats came off for most of us at the sledding hill. We stayed out for hours just soaking in the sunshine and germ free air.
But then there are those subzero temperature days where we still manage to find some fun to be had. We found out it takes 5 minutes to frost an egg, boiling water becomes a cloud, and cold water instantly freezes when it's 40 below windchill outside. It is inevitable that we're spending our science time in January studying the arctic and winter phenomenon.
The in between days are fun when we can choose in or out. Getting back to "school" when half are sick, I'm pregnant, and we took a Thanksgiving thru Christmas break, is near impossible. So we've just had unschooled learning fun - and laid back activities until Mommy gets some motivation. It wasn't until this past week we've really hunkered down on bookwork.
Inside it's 70 degrees! Not often, but on occasion I will allow the choice of shorts?
However, most days have been pajama days.
Sometimes the snow comes inside!
Or we pick one of dozens of other things we have to do!
Best toy ever - Magnatiles
Playdoh, Nook Books, paperback books, Wii games, and a plethera of toys.
Math on the couch with Daddy, or crafts at the school table with Mommy.
(White crayon snowflakes, ready to paint over with water colors.)
Sometimes we head outside, even if for just an hour or so, because Mommy and Daddy need a break.
for snowfort building in the fresh air. Keep those mittens on kiddos!
At the end of the day, they are usually worn out if we made the most of our time. I love watching them cozy together on the couch or floor during story or movie time. I must admit, we have watched a lot of movies lately, as it is the easiest way to calm an antsy child. While autumn is our favorite season, we admit that winter is always welcome at our home.
That's just some of the ways we've spent our current winter. Thanks for looking!
