This morning we woke up to at least four inches of snow on the road. Dr. Otto-matron placed a robo call an hour after everyone left for school to announce an early dismissal. By a-little-after-lunch, Stacey (my faboo neighbor) and I had fourteen kids here – my five, her two (Devin & Maddox), two darling neighbors (Autumn & Patrice), Kayla’s Posse (JJ, Julie, Alex, Jackie & Brandon)! Thank God – Stacey had put two huge turkey breasts in the Crock Pot first thing this morning!
Less than an hour after getting off the bus, we had everyone dressed and the crew charged outside to brave the massive, wet snowflakes! Of course Fort-Building was the very first objective.
Autumn, Maddox, & Bradley made up TEAM 1. Their fort was substantial and built on the side of the hill so they didn’t have to work nearly as hard, but construction-wise, theirs was the only one that would pass Igloo inspection – very uniform walls, no cracks, no weak spots. Unfortunately, it was on the hill — once the sleds came out … well, you get the picture.
While we knew a battle would ensue, we weren’t prepared for this kind of battle. (hahaha! – I have no idea what Bradley & Maddox are doing here.)
Brad & Autumn could have a show on the “Home and Blizzard Network”.
At one point, I think there were 8 snow shovels in the back yard. Cameron & Drew wielded every one of them … often! Note to self: Get Cam & Drew some small shovels and point them towards the driveway!
Andrew was the only one willing to really slow down and participate in snowy day photography. Stinking cute! (Shout out to all our CJ pals!!! Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!)
Fly, Gracie!!! Fly!!! She had a blast out there. Many many puppy moments! (sniff sniff – enjoy them while they’re young … and the kids, too)
Team Two was comprised of Stephen, Devin, and Patrice. Their fort was impressive, to say the least. These dudes know how to roll some snow! Drew shovels around them, past them, into them … Shovel Drew!!! Shovel!
When all else fails, I keep taking pictures of Drew 
Mama’s baby-baby.
HOLY MACARONI – the little Sisyphus-es are photo-participating!
NO PAIN, NO GAIN, you little punks!!! (I’m sure that is what Patrice is telling them!)
Oh the agony!!! Somebody cue the “Rocky” theme music!
Ummmmm. How are they doing that? Oh! I see — they called in a couple of dump trucks. No wonder.
Come on, Cameron! Don’t give up!
That’s it, kid! Push that snow!!!
Naughty baby-baby.
Boys. That is all. Just “boys“. (said with an appropriate amount of motherly angst)
Peek-a-boo! Doesn’t he look like some weird little inverted turtle?
More fun tomorrow! 2 Hour Delay already on the books and it’s snowed about eight more inches since I took these. Yeeeehaaa!!!!
Kayla & Krew did not brave the elements, but instead broke in Stacey’s new board game. They played for hours and I can’t remember the name of it, but their laughter made the day so much warmer!
Blessed, I tell you. Blessed to the nth degree.
Good thing we had turkey & dressing for dinner – crowning this awesome day as a real day of Thanksgiving.
wow, that day sounds AMAZING! first off, I can’t get over the damn snow! Second, I have read about rolling snow into big balls, but look! your kids did it! It can happen! It just doesnt here! Bradley’s looks have changed! has he lost weight? I can’t believe how much your boys are changing…the babies aren’t babies anymore! they are big boys! and it wasn’t freezing that to the point that they didnt want to go out? You are super mom! I wanna be there!