April 14, 2011
Last weekend it snowed, sleeted, and snowed some more, for three straight days. I had to hoist me ‘ol bootstraps up and refrain from singing “Haul out the holly” with a forced smile. When I asked if anyone wanted to play outside, I had no takers. And that’s saying something.
Finally, Eliza pulled on her snow pants and ventured out alone. She rolled and packed, rolled and packed, then came inside for accessories. I was about to hand over the regular accoutrement when a surge of defiance shot through me. In protest of winter’s return I handed her trimmings for a Snow Lady instead of a Snow Man.
A Snow Lady in Spring finery.
Here she is in her sun hat – complete with daisies, her Hawaiian shirt, and of course,
flip flops.
This morning, we woke to green grass and sunshine streaming through the kitchen windows. Ali exclaimed “No snow today!” as I poured cereal and filled sippy cups. Every patch of white had melted. Even the muddy spots looked dry. So we played hard.
When afternoon storm clouds threatened in the west, the girls refused to come inside. They jumped on the neighbor’s trampoline, tried hula-hoops for the first time, and dug for worms. Sami brought me “dandy-fliers” (dandelions) and I pushed swings sky-high, running “under-dogs” beneath kicking legs as squeals of laughter peeled into the air.
Tonight, however, it is raining. Not snowing (cross my fingers). And I feel confident. I’m going to predict we’ve had our last snow.
I mentioned a while ago this might just be the year of the Snowman. You tell me.
Doug and I helped here and there, but most of these creations were pure Eliza. Designed and built all by herself (with assistance from sidekicks Ali and Sami).
In October, there was the Snow Witch. It was our first snowfall.
Then there was Lug. This enormous hulk of a snowman lasted a long time. Within 24 hours he started leaning heavy to the right, but he never fell over – even when the neighbor boys karate-chopped his arms off.
He kind of looks like a polar bear – a flexible one at that. Must do yoga.
This is Snow Girl. I can’t remember Eliza’s name for her but the flower-clipped pigtails show her youthful innocence. We went through several pairs of gloves with Snow Girl. One never surfaced.
This is Buddy. He’s an Elf and he works out. Three times a day. I mean look at his quads! And his calves. Buddy’s a renaissance man. He can do anything but he’ll be sure to tell you – never leave home without your Disney ViewMaster and Hello Kitty Bag.
Then there were these two fellas. They make quite the pair. Tweedledum and Tweedledee? Siskel and Ebert? Abbott and Costello? Maybe Spencer and Gordon? Well, whoever they are, they make me laugh. It’s that clueless smirk, the big nose, and those mis-matched eyes.
Oh wait. I forgot. They’re actually part of a trio. I think that’s Lucille on the right.
And there’s our little artist in the middle. She has such an imagination. Sometimes I wish I were four again and could tag along. Everything with Eliza is an adventure.
This is the Sheriff. Or Sheriffe. The heels throw me off every time. But Mr. Potato Head’s eyes and mouth are a nice touch.
We lost more and more pieces of Frosty as winter progressed. First it was his buttons. Then his mouth, and today, I can only find one eye and the carrot nose.
Last but not least, there was this little guy. Isn’t he cute? He reminds me of E.T.
I think it’s the bulgy eyes and quirky neck.
Has Spring sprung where you are? What’s your prediction? Do you think we’ve had our last snow?
Shirlee
LOVE these snowmen! Such imagination! Maya liked looking and laughing at them. She has loved talking about Spring, but it's so hard to define without experiencing a change in weather. We've had a steady rainy/sunny 85 degrees since we've been here.
Sarah
WOW! I love each and every one of them…such personality! And Sami's eyelashes…geez oh pete, that's no fair!
cristie
cath, it is so much fun to see so many adorable snowmen! i am glad you thought to take photos and happy to see the variety. you know how to make snow fun! xox.
cristie
oh, and i'm thinking we'll have more snow. xox
catharvy
Ha! So much for predictions. I woke up this morning to…. flurries. Waiting to see if it sticks.
catharvy
Shir – right now I'd take your steady 85 degrees! Doug would too. He told me last weekend he was ready to move to AZ. Hugs for Maya – the girls have been asking when she's coming back.
Sarah – I know. She gets those lashes from her Daddy.
Cristie – As for the snow, you were right. 🙂
Heather
Oh Cath- I hope this is it for you guys. It's been sunny and 75 here. Then it rains for a few days. Typical Virginia spring. I hope the warmth and sunshine find your sweet family soon! xo
Sarah holman
The picture of the snowman trio reminds me a little of Calvin and Hobbs, just in a less threatening way.
I laughed pretty hard at your ET reference. Very fitting.
I too hope we have seen the last of the snow.
I need some sunshine!
likeschocolate
I love all the different version! Glad the sun finally came your way.
catharvy
Heath – You make me cry for 'ol Virginia. This is my favorite season there. What's blooming now? So glad you left a comment. I lost your URL a while back when I changed domains. So fun to peek at your kids and catch up on your life! xo
Sarah – Calvin! Of course! That was way back in the recesses of the brain. Thanks for the laugh. I need some sun too!
Kelleyn – Thanks for dropping in. Where you are, I'm sure Spring is popping!
Angie
Before I even read your names for the Tweedledee and Tweedledumb pair I had pinned the first one as the big monster turtle thing from Never Ending Story. You know, the guy sitting in the Swamp of Despair or something like that. I love all they came up with.
Like Shirley, I think we have seen the "last" of our snow for the season. We almost planned a KL trip Easter weekend but got pulled to Indonesia instead. We'll have to go this summer which gives you and Doug plenty of time to book tickets and meet us there. 🙂 Miss you.
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