What Memories are Made of

I'm not one to believe weather forecasters, and I think I've written and ranted about that a few times here. For nearly two weeks, they told us to expect snow last week, but I didn't listen. I'm like a big kid when it comes to snow, so I didn't want to get all hyped up about it, only for my heart to be trampled upon with sunny skies.

By last Wednesday, however, they were still predicting a large snow storm coming our way, so I decided they might actually be on to something. I began dreaming of a snow day filled with snowball fights, hot chocolate, movies. The stuff that memories are made of.

Naturally, the forecasters were wrong. The snow hit several hours early. What's the saying? Better early than never? It works for me!

Let me just say right now that you're about to be hit with lots o' photos. Perhaps too many photos, but when it snows in Texas, Y'ALL ARE GONNA HEAR ABOUT IT.

When Rick got up to get ready for work at 5:30a.m. Thursday, there were already a couple inches on the ground.
Rick quickly decided to work from the couch, which means I got to stare at him while he sported his new glasses.
I think that might be his GQ look. You're lookin' good, Ricky.

Working from the couch allowed him to play in the snow with the little boys. Liam had to go to school. Poor kid. We couldn't believe that school was open, because Texas schools typically come to a screeching halt when one snowflake falls. That morning was the first time Liam has ever asked to skip school, but we made him go since he had missed so many days due to surgery and sickness. Liam, when you're reading this, please know that we missed you and talked about you many, many times while we played in the snow without you.

Daddy and Garrett began a snow man.
Jack couldn't focus on a snowman. He had to run up and down the sidewalk to disturb the beautiful snow. In his mind, snow is not meant to be untouched. It's meant to be messed with.
Snow angels are a fun way to mess up the snow.
And a little game of snowballs is a must for boys of all ages.
I will spare you a photo of Jack after he spends 5 minutes in the snow. He can't stand to be cold, so he goes into the ugly cry and needs help stripping down to dry clothing.

By noon, the snow had not let up one bit, and the schools decided to close early. Liam was thrilled!
And out we all went. Even Winston wanted to play in what was probably about 4 inches.
But he's much like Jack with the cold. He'd much rather enjoy it from inside the house.
Not my GB. He. loved. it.
He and Daddy continued to finish the snowman, which we later decided was a snow monster.
By bedtime, the snow had not stopped for one minute. I have never seen this happen in Texas, but it snowed nonstop for over 24 hours. Unbelievable!

By Friday morning, we had received 14 inches of wet snow. It was amazing!

Our ten-foot crepe myrtle was weighed down to about 6 feet. Thankfully, it didn't break.
And the view from my front dining area:
Pictures from the inside of the house were not gonna cut it for me, so I donned my coat and brother-in-law's hunting boots to head out to take pictures of the undisturbed snow.

WARNING: I'm about to show you a picture of me looking oh so hot. Try not to be jealous.
Yea, baby. Nick & Nora Valentine pjs with a coat and hunting boots. I'm sure this style will be highlighted on the next red carpet in Hollywood.
But skipping my typical morning routine allowed me to see my neighborhood under the silence of a snow blanket. I'm glad I can't sleep late when it's so beautiful and peaceful.
I love the "hush" of snow.

Later in the morning, Rick actually went to work, since the roads were fine. The boys and I headed to my parents' house to try sledding on their hill. Unfortunately, the snow was too wet for sledding in our area, but we had fun with more snow ball fights and snowmen.
Yes, school was closed, so Liam was with us all day.

Quick! Take a look at Jack's legs:
When you're not much taller than 3 feet, and the snow is about 14 inches, your legs from the knee down will be covered. That is math you can count on.

Garrett figured out that my ski gloves were his favorites, so he set out to build another snowman with Didi.
Between play times, we warmed up with hot chocolate and s'mores. Mmm!
I still won't trust the weather forecasters, but I could kiss them for underestimating this storm. We have wonderful memories of 14 inches of snow. Memories I will treasure when I'm old and gray and my boys are men.