Cocoa

I think this is the only chicken, at my house, who appreciates this change in weather. The remainder of the gals have decided to keep themselves sequestered away for a bit, only venturing out into the snow for a moment or two, before quickly making tracks back to the warmth and protection of the coop.

The little people on the other hand, couldn't wait to get out into the snow. So after breakfast we began the task of bundling everyone up into double socks, snow pants, coats, mittens and hats. The first 'bundling' of the season is always funny to me... everyone seems to forget how much work it is to get dressed for the cold.

All of the kids enjoyed themselves today. Playing in the first real snow of the season is something special. They shoveled snow for quite some time and only gave that up so that they could sled down our little hill. The snow conditions are perfect for sliding... and snowmen. The snow is sticky and holds shape just perfectly.

If you ask me, the best part of spending time outside in the cold is coming in for a warm drink. Cocoa was on order... with a handful of "smarshmallows." I fixed a mug of the warm brew for each of the little people as they came into the house.

Ellie was first in. Her cheeks were bright red, and she was a bit chilly, so Elle was excited for a warm drink. Her technique was to count and drop each marshmallow into the cup one at a time. She stirred them all up and then plucked each marshmallow out one at a time, with her spoon, to eat them.

Next into the house was Benett. He just couldn't wait to get out of his snow pants... he can be really fussy about his clothes, especially when they feel "funky." Without his funky snow pants, he was happy to sit and slurp is drink. By the time he was done, half of it was dripping from his chin.

Gavin was the last to give up the cold. When he walked into the house he was wet from head to toe... seemingly un-bothered by the wet state that he was in. He promptly sat down at the counter and dumped all of the marshmallows into his cup at once. Stirred the whole concoction up, guzzled it down as fast as he could and then ran off to watch the football game. That child is all boy and football is very important to him.

It looks like we'll be getting our share of snow today. As a result I have a feeling we'll be outside again, after naps... Actually, they'll most likely ask to go out again just as I get all of the snow gear dry and put away. But that's okay... because it will give me an excuse for another cup of cocoa later.