Winter's Bright Spot

Being a stay-at-home mom, I admit, the weather doesn't have quite as much impact on my life as it does to so many others. 

I don't have to report for a job or really BE too many places at any specific time all that often.  And if school is cancelled, it's no big deal. I'm here anyways.

 So, for the most part, if it ever gets really bad out, it's not that big of an issue for us. We just stay in that day.

 And I feel like it took me a pretty long time this year to get to this point... but I'm not going to sugarcoat it.  I am officially SICK OF THIS WINTER now. 

Not having to go anywhere is amazingly nice. No doubt about it. 

But feeling TRAPPED in your house for 3 months because you CAN'T really go anywhere... and it's too cold to even let the boys play outside most days... well, that's a whole different can of worms. 

And it's led to a pretty severe case of restlessness, planning, dreaming, snapping, and cabin fever. (see the posts about our spur of the moment Bedroom Remodel for futher proof... Ha. I'm going nuts, guys.)

 BUT. Amidst all this severe, dangerous cold and snow... we did have one small bright spot. 

Sled riding :)

FINALLY, there were a couple days when everything lined up - Jared was home, was not too busy with a project, it was light outside, there was fresh snow, and it wasn't too bitter, scary cold - and Jared was able to really take the boys actual sled riding for the first time. (and on their awesome new sleds, too!)

They had a blast. 

And for THAT one small bright spot - in the middle of this bitter and seemingly endless winter - I am absolutely grateful. ♥

 

The spot.

 Full of countless hours of fun and millions of memories for so many local kids.

This is where Jared went sledding as a boy, and where he took our boys for their first real experience.

This is where the magic is.

 The first trip Graham wasn't feeling too well, so it was just Holden and Bridger who got to go.

Here they are! All suited up and ready to ride!

 Big hill and little legs made for some very tired boys (and Daddy) after this day!

 Head first!

 

Evidently it was too sunny to actually LOOK at Daddy for their pictures.. haha

There they go!

The stuff of memories♥

And the second time, it was a whole family event! 

Not only did Graham get to go this time, but Jared's brother Kevin and his three oldest kiddos went, too!

 Uncle Kevin and Isaac

 Hannah!

 

Cousin fun!
Carefully making their way up the big (SLIPPERY!) hill....










 View from the top. So peaceful.

Hey in there! :)

Snowy. Haha.

 Another successful day of chilly memory-makin' ♥