"Snow" Much Fun!

 As I sit on our deck enjoying this beautiful spring day, it's hard to believe that only two months ago all of the surfaces currently covered with yellow-green pollen dust were covered in glittering white snow. What would be considered an ordinary winter snow for all my Midwest family and friends turned Memphis into a winter wonderland, and we enjoyed every bit* of it.

*We did not enjoy the boil order that was a result of low water pressure and burst pipes in the city. It did provide good disaster practice, though, so there's that.*

Memphis rarely receives more than a dusting of snow, so there was much excitement when the white stuff began to fall around the long President's Day weekend. Jon had already planned to take a couple of extra days off, and his timing couldn't have been more perfect. I think he had more fun than anyone.

Showing off their "ice globes"

Ski lessons with Dad

Erik's primary mode of transportation

With temperatures below freezing for over a week, any snow that fell was guaranteed to stick, and we certainly took advantage of it. No one around here is really prepared for snow, but through the generosity of our neighbors and a little ingenuity, we had all the gear and toys we needed to have a great time.

By the end of the week, we had getting dressed in our snow clothes down to a science. At least once a day--sometimes twice--we put on layers upon layers (topped with a few bread bags over hands and feet), which kept everyone dry and toasty warm.

We're in there somewhere under all those layers

The neighborhood streets never did get plowed, which was okay for us because by now we're used to having nowhere to go. But we didn't need to go anywhere because the neighborhood kids turned a hill at the park across the street into a pretty sweet sledding hill. Dubbed "Penguin Hill," the kids (and some adults) had a blast figuring out ways to get down via sled, snowboard, laundry basket, cardboard box, etc.

Who needs a sled when you can slide on your belly like a penguin?

My favorite part about Penguin Hill was the sense of community and camaraderie. We rarely made official plans to meet, but there was always someone there ready for fun in the snow. At some point, we volunteered ourselves to host the "Penguin Hill Hot Chocolate Shoppe," and by the third or fourth day, we were serving hot chocolate to kids we didn't even know. It was delightful.

We did venture out for one last romp in the snow before it melted, loading up the skis, makeshift sleds, and Erik's trusty laundry basket for a trip to the Mississippi River. Memphis being Memphis meant that we ran into some friends there, too, which only increased our fun. 

A sight not often seen in Memphis

The only downside to this adventure was that we neglected to put on sunscreen and have the girls wear eye protection, resulting in some pretty nasty snowburn. But we learned our lesson and will be ready for the next time...in another 5-10 years.