The Arctic Vortex

In his emails to teachers and staff, Dr. Quick (the superintendent) refers to the weather system causing the school cancellations and delays as "The Arctic Vortex." I swear. Its seems slightly dramatic. And yet, after 5 snow days, countless 2-hour delays, multiple feet of snow and weeks upon weeks of below zero temps it's starting to seem more accurate. I tried to find the record for the number of coldest days in a row, but didn't have any luck. Anywho - I think it got down to -20 degrees for a few days. And that didn't include the windchill. We've basically been hermits since Christmas. It's just so flipping cold I hate to even take the girls out in it if I don't have to. Which, I must say, is a major perk to my job. I can enjoy the beautiful snow from my inside my warm house, wearing fleece pants.

Being hermits does have it's challenges. Like entertaining a three year old and a one year old with endless amounts of energy in a house that's too small. I have to say I've kind of gotten used to it. I definitely get stir crazy. But our house is soooo clean. For lack of anything better to do. Adam's had so much extra time off we've cleaned out every single closet in the house. Reorganized the office and pantry. Rearranged our furniture. It's amazing. It's also been a great excuse for us to get creative and play as a family.



we've played lots of dress-up




Abi says she is Mary and this is Baby Jesus. I must say,
I never pictured Mary dressed quite like that.




We've built some forts. Which produced some awesome hair static.

Had some adventures with playdough. Abi said she made a "pokey-pine." Love it.

 


I've done some baking with the assistance of my sous chefs. And boy are they helpful.

  

and made lots and lots of crafts

 

We signed Abi up for a weekly gymnastics class at Foundation For Youth
in hopes of burning off some energy. She loves it and it's been a great chance for her
to work on *ahem* listening and following directions.

 

We did venture out in the snow a couple times when it was warmer.
And when I say warmer, I mean 30 degrees.
Middle pic - Poor Madi. She didn't have any snow pants or boots yet here.

 

One day a couple weeks ago, it got up to about 40 degrees. Downright balmy.

  

We braved the cold last week for Abi's dentist appointment.
She did so awesome. I could not have been more proud of her. She laid super still and never
made a sound during the whole cleaning. I was so proud of her I bought her her first
milkshake on the way home. Not sure if this makes me the worst mother in the world or the best.