Callum's first snow day

What shall we do this weekend, we asked each other.
let's go to the snow, said I.
but it's the end of April, said he.
but there's still snow up there, and we haven't taken the kids up to this season because Callum couldn't walk before. but now he can, so this is our last chance until next winter, said I.
let's do it, said he.

And so off we went. Two parents and two kids in snow gear, headed for the snow.... or rather, ice? Yes, the ice. The snow had partially melted and frozen and melted and frozen so many times that the 8ft bank of 'snow' at the edge of the parking lot was virtually sculptable.

T was not deterred: the ice-climbing pookie!!

Balanced precariously on one hip, C clung on as I scrambled up the icy clime. I put him down as J went to scout for a good sledding hill. So far: C snotty and not impressed.

Hill found! J and T make the most of it!

Squeals of pookie joy echoed through the forests:

Again! Again!

Daddy and daughter delight:

Mommy and C's turn:

the boy is NOT IMPRESSED. Take a look at that cold, sad, snotty face.

Mommy was undeterred. More sledding in an effort to get a smile out of the boy. Unsuccessful.

And then, after driving 2 hours to get there and playing for a little over half an hour - we called it quits. Sad C needed some reprieve. We prevailed upon a passing stranger to capture the moment. The picture is as C felt: over-exposed. 

But once the clunky boots and bulky jacket were off ... a sudden transformation! Our smiley, happy boy was back. Another hour was spent chasing his sister around the parking lot stomping on clumps of melting ice, and giggling and whoops of joy were the order of the day again.

And the verdict on the day: slow start, strong finish!