Brolly Good Time.

Some people really enjoy the rain.  Especially if you can play with an umbrella (Yes, Grandma, it's from IKEA) and splash in the puddles.

He tried to spin it.  I immediately thought about Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin floating in their umbrella boat.  

Open... Close... Open... Close...

OK, it's James's turn with the camera and Mama's turn with the umbrella.  Left and below: the best of 50+ shots.

James: Really?  Well, see you in Zurich.

Evidence of Spring(s)

Can this really be?  After our "lion" weather just last week, this is unbelievably beautiful.

(But I'm still sick, so I'm still wrapped up as if there wasn't a 20+ degree temperature difference.)

Unfortunately, it means the roads and sidewalks are a slushy mess, but James loves it.

"Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!"
~ Chorus Of Winnie The Pooh - The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers Lyrics | MetroLyrics

I kept asking him if his feet felt cold or wet -- each time he says no.  But when we get home, Paul and I had to pour out his boots.

Le sigh.  Of course I worry he'll get sick... But he's so happy...

Except when he broke his stick.

Snow-vember (Part 2: Pumpkins in the Snow)

(Right: The brown snow is "ew!")

James was happy to run through the snow, insisting "Hold hand!"*  But I wasn't confident I'd be able to stop him when he would inevitability let go.

It was tough getting home.  The snow was thicker than I expected and partially melted.  It stuck to and jammed the stroller wheels.  Big puddles and slushy snow.  We were splashed once too.

Miserable with wet feet... but nope, not going in yet.  There was too much snow on the porch and sidewalk to ignore.  I shovelled away, while James "helped" (redistributing the snow back onto the cleared path).

One good thing: I saw the new neighbours.  They're going to do some painting over the weekend.

And... another good thing: seeing James play reminded me of how I used loved playing in the snow too.  And it is fun to be outside with him (until I get too cold).

*A choice I'd sometimes give him when we were a block away from the daycare -- instead of being strapped into the stroller.  

Snow-vember!

I know, we were really lucky to have such nice weather for Hallowe'en... but still!  It's wet and slippery and cold (OK, only slightly under zero) and I don't like it.

Chris's voice is in my head: "In the spring, you'll be happy for this.  You'll think it's warm!"  Well, it's going to take a few months of weather for me appreciate it.  I'll complain in the meantime :P

Second Snow

The snow didn't melt immediately on falling.  Instead, it collected heavy and wet on the still green lilac leaves, bending the branches.  One tree looked like it was peeking into our bedroom window.  The one with the bird feeder sagged out of view*.

It's warm though, so likely it will melt.  In the meantime, someone knew what he wanted to do.

James refused the stroller and ran to the field.

He kicked at the snow and picked some up to throw -- reminding me how much I used to love playing in the snow.

I don't think he felt cold at all.  And he's a pretty good shot with snow balls.


Eventually I had to wrangle him in and take him home.  He certainly slept well.



* I know, it should be for the birds, but it's also meant for me to look at!

Snow sharks!