Winters in Texas are notoriously mild. Earlier this week we enjoyed temperatures in the high 70’s. It was warm enough to warrant running our ceiling fans, and almost enough for the a/c. As the week progressed, or local meteorologists warned of an upcoming winter storm. By Thursday evening the ground was sealed with a thick sheet of ice.
While every school child wishes for a snow day, staff dreads them. We all know that a snow day means make up work later, and time being captives at home. I held out hope the weather would improve, but it didn’t and to my dismay our school systems closed. I only work two days per week, and Friday happens to be one of my work days. Schools being closed meant I was staying home Friday while George trekked to work. Oddly, I panicked a little. Thursday evening I searched Pinterest for fun indoor activities for toddlers as a day of being trapped indoors loomed. Most everything within my search was either something we already do, or involved something the quads would eat. They still put most everything in their mouths and supervising eight hands with tiny objects is daunting.
We aren’t on lock down anymore, but during the week, we are generally home. Even when weather is nice, I struggle to take the quads into our yard because it’s a massive challenge to supervise everyone adequately. Honestly, staying home Friday would be close to a typical day for us. However, there is something about knowing you are trapped at home, and inside. I may not get out with the quads on my own much, but I find comfort knowing we can. We always have the Runabout if we want some fresh air.
When we awoke in the morning, it there really was a beautiful scene outdoors. I had nothing new to occupy the quads. I contemplated the fact that this was the first time the quads were old enough to bundle up and venture out on a wintry day. By lunchtime, I really wanted the quads to get a chance to play outside in the cold. We’ve been talking a lot about snowmen, cold weather, and Santa lately. I wanted them to experience the cold. I considered how to bundle them knowing their “coats” are actually fleece jackets. We don’t have snowsuits in Texas, ya’ll. With a little creativity, I came up with this get up-
Everyone was already wearing a romper and socks. I added a pair of Baby Legs under their romper and on their arms, then I added hats, mittens, and fleece pajamas. Bam! Texas style baby snow suits. The best part was not dealing with shoes.
Mason refused to wear his mittens (I think he saw the pink bow on them), and Harper’s mittens were actually socks. I know we have a disc sled somewhere in the attic, but I wasn’t sure quite where. Besides, a Texas sled aka laundry basket is the best way to transport for toddlers anyways.
Texas Style Sledding
Apologies for my poor videography here. It’s no easy feat managing four toddlers on ice as a solo act.
When I bundled the quads, I planned to keep them in the laundry basket. Our yard is terribly uneven and they struggle to walk on grass period. It was cramped quarters in there, and they seemed to want to explore more so I bailed them out. To my surprise, they managed prancing around on the ice rather well. I suspect the ice evened the ground a bit, helping the cause.
Rylin
Harper
Sydney
Mason
The Bopsy Twins
When Mason looked like this, I decided it was time to retreat before his tears froze.
We probably stayed outside roughly the same amount of time it took me to dress everyone, but it was worthwhile. Stripping them out of their faux snow suits was relatively painless, and I just tossed everything in the dryer. To warm up, we snuggled under a Sherpa blanket as we watched part of The Sound of Music, which amazingly captivates them.
We are on day two of ice day, and I do have a few new activities to try. Hopefully I’ll get around to sharing later.
What is your favorite snow ice day activity?
Hugs,
Amber
Four to Adore 
Laundry basket as sled is such a great idea! I think we’ll try it today. Carrie is dressing the quints the same way, necessity being the mother of invention & all.
LikeLike
It’s really is perfect for littles, The sides keep them in too. I used a cloth belt as the pull.
Have fun sledding! Can’t wait to see pictures!
LikeLike
Lioved it. Laughed out loud. Grandfpa Z
LikeLike
You have more snow in Texas than we do in Michigan! SO cute and looks like they had fun! You’re so creative with the laundry basket & Texas style snowsuits!
LikeLike
Actually, we just have a bunch of ice, lol! They had tons of fun. I’m glad they got to enjoy our ice storm.
LikeLike
We went sledding at the school across the street. The trek over was a workout. But it was worth it. Everyone had a blast. Next project is some paper snowflakes.
LikeLike
Aw, sounds like y’all are having some Texas ice fun too!
LikeLike
I laughed so hard. I wish I could have been there to experience their first snow and help their momma. I think you are going to have to get a bigger laundry basket ! !
LikeLike
It was a blast. I wished I had help too.
They barely fit yesterday! They won’t fit next year
LikeLike
That message was from your mom LOL.
LikeLike
Huh???
LikeLike
Perfect! Way to go, Mom!
LikeLike
Why thank you =)
LikeLike
Ice days are all too common here. It’s winter for about 7 months out of the year.
In October, a town on the other side of the state had 43 inches of snow in less than 48 hours and I heard (but can’t confirm) that they got 60 total before it stopped. It’s been about -10 to -15 here in the evenings and a -25 windchill. Tomorrow night the “RealFeel” (not the actual temp, but how cold it feels when windchill is factored in) is -31 degrees. This is all too typical for us.
Now that I’m mostly bedridden and dealing with severe pain, there’s no way I willingly go out on the ice and snow, so I spend all winter in my bed under covers trying to keep warm.
When I was little, though, snow and ice was F U N ! We lived in a small town and our house was near a parking lot. They would plow the parking lot and make a huge pile of all the snow–on the grass by our house. Sometimes it would reach 6 or 7 feet… probably more, but that is when it was too bad to go play outside. My brother and I would get together with all of the neighbor kids. We’d have SO much fun on that huge snow pile. We built HUGE forts with tunnels going through the snow pile. We loved to dig out chairs and we’d always make “cup holders” next to our seats–I don’t know why, since we never had drinks outside when it was below zero! Silly childhood memories… those were the good days. 😀
LikeLike
I cannot fathom that much snow! Snow is FUN for a few days, but then we start going stir crazy around here. I don’t think we’d do well in cold climates. LOL. Stay warm, and cozy up with a good book or movie. =)
LikeLike
That is so sweet. I love how they are excited to go for a ride in the laundry basket. Video says it all.
LikeLike
They had a great time! I only wished George was here to enjoy it with us. We attempted to take them out again yesterday, but it was too slippery and cold. They hated out second attempt.
LikeLike
[…] in our van, but our Runabout proved handy for off-roading on ice. We bundled the quads in their “Texas snow suits” with extra fleece blankies and George wore cleats to push it up hill. We managed to get to the […]
LikeLike
Laundry basket sled is the kid version of the cafeteria tray sled, for Texas collage students! 🙂
LikeLike
Haha, yes it is!
LikeLike
[…] in our kitchen, and that’s been months. Last week, we had a similar doozie during Icemagedon. In an effort to entertain four busy toddlers, I introduced many new activities, and opened up […]
LikeLike
[…] Icemagedon, I felt a bit crafty and found tutorials for making decorated plates using Sharpie markers and […]
LikeLike
[…] While it was an inconvenience for everyone, the quads had fun experiencing snowish stuff and sledding Texas style (aka in a laundry basket). We had several winter blasts beginning in December 2013. This year as we approached March I […]
LikeLike