We recently spent a few nights in Petoskey, MI visiting family. A huge snowstorm blew in just as we were arriving. This left us with feet and feet of fresh snow to play in for the next few days.
With all the sparkly winter wonder around outside, we stayed warm inside by cooking meals & baking treats (ribs! meatloaf! chocolate chip cookies!). We colored, played with special family toys, and colored pages and post-its. Oh, and there was a lot of tea in the evenings.
Outside, the kids played by digging a tunnel through a giant plow of snow, skied with daddy, and together as a family we went sledding.
Every time Bauer, our dog, came inside the house his beard was full of snow. I thought it was so cute. It reminded me of our years in Minneapolis and all our winter walks when he was just a puppy :)
One particular sunny morning I walked up & down their steep driveway for some exercise. It was very cold, very bright, and very refreshing. At the end of the day my Fitbit recorded 21 flights of stairs. (Whoa.)
I’m curious about you & your family: how do you celebrate and enjoy the wonder of winter? What are your favorites, your traditions? What are some ways you play during winter?
Growing up, we had a favorite outside game. My best friend’s mom would head to the backyard first and make a maze in the snow with her boots. After about ten minutes, us kids would head outside and play tag by only running through the maze she made for us. It was so much fun. And after 20 years, it’s still a strong, beloved memory.
xx, Maggie
PS. Here are 10 ideas for “field trips” should you feel adventurous this season (but not limited to a particular age) ;)
I love your recollections of our adventures Magg. We are so blessed to have this history written down. <3
Thanks, Mr. Whitley ;)
Blessed with an abundance of snow, food, and a whole lotta love!!! Thanks for sharing the fun memories.
XO — it sure was a wonderful visit!
I’m in Arizona (Phoenix area) and during the winter – we are outside a lot! Either going on hikes, sitting around a fire pit at night, or leaving our doors and windows open. It is triple digits for at least 5-6 months of the year so we feel like we can relax during winter!
Love the recount of your memories. Very special that you do that.
Hi Miranda. Thanks for sharing a little bit :) How long have you lived in AZ, and what are your favorite meals during the winter months? xx
Winter is so mild for us! We bundle up and try to do the same things….play, bike, scoot, etc. when we get snow, we love to build and sled and play. Good gear gets us going!
Yes – such good activities! Our youngest received an “all weather” Radio Flier wagon for Christmas and it’s been so fun to use in the snow for long walks.