When I think of winter what comes to mind is snuggly fleece, warm blankets and the darkness. Obviously, I am not an outdoors sports type of person. I prefer to observe the white fluffiness from inside my warm home all snuggled up under a blanket.
I love the changing seasons we have in the midwest. Our changing seasons mark the progression in our lives; the renewal of Springtime, the warmth and green beauty of the Summer, the explosion of color in the Fall, and the starkness of Winter. While I am jealous of the warm weather in other places, I’m not sure I would ever want to give up the seasons.
One of the good things about winter is that I tend to think that I save money. There are no errands over lunch for random shopping, as I only go outside when it is absolutely necessary. I positively love my online grocer. There is a wonderful delivery man that brings totes full of groceries to our front stoop on Saturday mornings. It is lovely!
Occassionally, we do venture outdoors if it is a bearable temperature. I don my black snowpants so I can sit in the snow with the urchins…an photograph them, of course. This keeps me moderately warm. We play on the swings or the playset, the same as during the summer. They need a new sled, so we haven’t been doing too much sledding this winter. Plus, it’s been really freakin’ cold.
This a beautiful day, at a mild 20 degrees. Last Sunday I made the small ones venture outside to get the fresh air they sorely needed. It had just snowed fresh flakes. The sun came out and was brightly shining on the fresh snow. The only tracks were those made by the colony of bunnies that live in our yard.
Kailan was not thrilled that I made him go out in the cold, but once he was outside he happily played on the swing. I think we managed a good 20 minutes of playing before the cold noses bid us to go inside. They then took 3 hour naps. I think it did them good.
It just looks cold doesn’t it? 😉
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What sorts of winter wonderlands do you have to share today? I promise to not be too jealous of your warm weather shots. 🙂
Cold, yes…but sooo beautiful, too! What gorgeous shots of the fun kids can have in freezing temps, but also a blue sky and fab sun. Loving the flare peeking at the top of the first two photos!
I’m glad you won’t mind some non-snow shots…
http://mias-mama.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-dont-hibernate.html
Three hour naps ! Ahhh … those were the days !! My youngest starts school next week !! Time sure flies …
Looks like you guys had fun! I try and get my kids out in the cold as much as possible, too, but here in Philly we don’t get much snow. It isn’t so much fun to go out and play in the near freezing, soggy mud. Luckily this week we got a few inches of the white stuff! I posted about it on monday, so I’m just linking to that post. Plus I posted some other winter photos last weekend.
But my post for today has a photo as well, albeit on a slightly different subject!
I will post mine later! I promise. As soon as I get a chance to breathe!
I am reading with Adam sitting here… and he sees Anya’s picture and he says, “WHO is that, mommy?” and I said “That’s Anya. She’s a little girl of a friend of mommy’s.” And he says, “Why doesn’t she come to playgroup? She’s beeeeautiful!” ha ha ha. SO there you have it…. your daughter has a fan…so many miles away! lol
I love your sun flares. The weather has been someting around here, huh? I was delighted that you chose winter for the theme. We cant seem to get away from it. Hopefully it will get itself over with in Jan and Feb so March and April can be mild!
Here’s my Winter Wonder Land!.
It’s funny how kids will complain about going outside and then once they get there you can’t get them back inside. It sure looks like he’s enjoying riding the horse in the snow. 😉 I love the little ears on Anya’s hat. Too cute.
So here are my snowless pictures of New Mexico. LOL
http://www.killlashandra.org/wordpress/?p=1519
Love the winter shots – but I’m like you… love to be warm!
I wouldn’t trade our seasons for anything though. They are particularly beautiful in Washington, I think 🙂
Here are our recent winter shots – though they are not nearly as lovely as yours!
http://tris-adventures.blogspot.com/2009/01/winter-wonderland-challenge.html
That lake is not exactly walking distance (very little is, when you’re out in the boonies!)
We don’t even have sidewalks around here, so it’s tough to do any kind of outdoor exercise program other than horseback riding when it warms up!
That lake was a favorite of ours while I was pregnant… it was the perfect size to walk around to stay in shape. We’ve shared many a coffee around it! I’ll have to post better pictures – the lake is actually next to the Capitol Campus – so the beautiful buildings are in the background. There’s a large fountain next to it – the kind that is in-ground and has dancing sprays of water for kids to get wet under. There’s also an awesome Farmer’s Market a couple blocks away. We are really blessed to be in such a terrific area – a quick drive away 🙂
Brrrr…I’m shivering just looking at those! 🙂
They are fantastic shots as always…
Our shots might warm you up a little bit!
my take on “winter wonderland”…or not:
http://mentalinventory.blogspot.com/
I love all the flair. They don’t look cold at all!! I bet 20 degrees does feel like a heat wave especially when the sun is shining.
Here’s mine:
http://www.newgreenmama.com/2009/01/our-winter-wonderland.html
Most winter days here in Seattle are pretty gray and yucky. But every now and then the sun comes out and makes it all worth while!
http://umbrellablog.com/love-thursday/love-thursday-seattle-love/
OOOOOH I love your sunflares!!!! Great fun shots 🙂
My boys complain about going out sometimes too and then I can’t get them back in the house – kids!
Online grocer sounds nice. . . .
Here are my winter shots: http://bethathome.blogspot.com/
Beth
That makes me ch-ch-ch-chilly! Your a good mommy for getting them outside…a three hour nap, that’s a nice reward!
We are in So Cal so I’m sure you can guess our Winter is not Winter at all…but we love it~
Winter Wonderland?
Shot #1 with that sunburst in it? LOVE. IT.
I’m always struck with winter shots when other people take them – WHY IS THAT! 🙂
Yay! I finally posted mine! 🙂
http://mommeeandherboys.blogspot.com/2009/01/tt-hibernation.html
We probably don’t get as cold here but pretty close. I long for the break of Spring. So far we miss the day light daily, except for the weekends that tend to be two cold to go out.
I love the photos, the sun flare is awesome.
I posted an indoor picture that I feel portrays out winter mood.
I Miei Due Bambini
It sure does look cold! But oh, so beautiful. I do miss the seasons down here in TX. Our winter is like your summer, LOL. Lovin’ the sunflare you captured.
I LOVE the sun in that first shot! I actually have something this week…a bit late, but oh well. Actually, I got lucky that I posted these and THEN saw the theme! Ha!
http://mayalaurentphotography.squarespace.com/blog/2009/1/23/bundled-up.html
Love the sun flare mixed with snow…very cool!