I'm still behind on the rest of Christmas and some other posts I think, but I don't want this week to go by without it being remembered. What an amazing week. It started off normal - Sunday is the first day of our work week so we had two normal days and then bam! the ice hit and the city literally stopped. A 1/4-1/2 inch ice rink covered the city. It was white but as soon as you stepped on it you knew it wasn't snow; it was hard as a rock...or ice if you will. We did play outside the first day for awhile but by day 2 the ice seemed to only get more slippery so we stayed in. Dallas does not own it's own snow plows - we borrow, and has a few sand trucks - again we borrow. The joke, and there is probably a lot of truth to this, is that Jerry had most if not all at his disposal for the Super Bowl that is set for tomorrow.
The first few days were filled with games and a little extra television. By day 3 we were a little stir crazy and I was able to get out to Kroger which was nice. Then came the best part....Day 4...S N O W! Finally, something to do outside! We were forcasted to receive 1-3 inches but instead received closer to 5-6 inches. The kids were ecstatic and we were soon layered up and headed to the Jr High School to sled down the hill with much of our neighborhood. We sledded twice that day for about 1-1.5hrs each and Evan became known as the kid with no fear. Abbie enjoyed the sledding a few times but really just wanted to walk and run in it all. We are not fully equipped clothing-wise so there were some very cold hands and toes and a few tears along the way. Overall it was a top 10 day for me spending it playing and loving my family. We had the gift of time. There was no rush. We cooked and just hung out.
Day 5 brought the sun and warmer temperatures so Evan and I hit the sledding hill from about 9:45am-11:45am. He was exhausted but oh was it worth it. He has rarely met a stranger and always knew every kid and adult on the hill within minutes of them arriving. He loved to race them and trade and share "sleds." He even rode on an inner tube pulled down the hill by a dog - he loved it.
For me, it's a week I hope I remember. Remember the time of no work for either Jeff or I. No school for the kids and really no place to go or be other than together. A gift of being able to sit back and live life while watching and learning from it at the same time. I do know that there are kids out there this week who's best meal of the day is the one they receive at school and my heart was heavy at times for them and for their families. I do know that although this was a gift for us it may not have been a gift for everyone.
The snow is mostly gone now and there will be no more sledding for now. Tomorrow our work week will begin again and the pace will pick up. Yet for one last evening, time is our gift to treasure.
Abbie is always the first one up and she was truly excited about the snow. While waiting for Evan to wake up she kept saying, "Snow, touch snow."
Heading to the Jr High School about 2 blocks away with our homemade sleds of cardboard (didn't work) and a box (the top worked pretty well for two people).
Abbie ready for the ride to the hill. Thanks again Granddaddy and Lela for the ATV wagon - the wheels were great to have on this trip.
Checking out the hill from the bottom
Abbie's inaugural sledding adventure. She liked it but only wanted to go a few times before she was done.
While at the hill we learned from others that a cookie sheet was a great sled and were able to borrow one to try it out. This proved to be the perfect sled and we later returned with our own.
My Snow Angel.
What happens when it ices first. We had 2-3 foot icicles hanging off of our house.
Pure Joy
Back to the sledding hill later in the day. This time armed with a round metal cookie sheet and bags over the socks to keep them dry.
Ready to go.
Just hanging around.
The cookie pan race!
No Fear!
Yummy...
Goofing off. She loved running around in the snow.
Since Abbie is up early I usually get to see the sunrise - this morning did not disappoint with the clear sky and the snow and icicles.
Sledding Day 2
We got there about 9:45am and had the whole place to ourselves for a little while.
The walk back up.
Many neighbors were again out and all sharing their Texas sleds. Evan loved this one as they were actually pulled down the hill by this sweet lab named Sammy.
The Sled
Evan is sledding with a school/church friend's dad on their real sled.
Evan and Katherine sharing his sled.
Sledding down the hill on a beautiful Texas day.
