Being back in WV has been wonderful for many reasons....family, mountains, seasons, etc. Recently we've been enjoying the winter snow. I guess we're expecting more for the rest of the week, which I'm sure will be beautiful. However, I never considered what kind of time and energy it would take to get a 4 year old and 1 year old ready to go outside -- when it's below 30 degrees, snow boots are required, (along with a pair of shoes to change into once we get to our destination), hats, gloves, diaper bag essentials, whatever toy Bethany wants to tote around for the day and her choice of purse, a blanket to cover the baby's legs because inevitably her pants legs will ride up when I carry her to the car, etc. Oh, and don't forget that before this, and sometimes during or after (because I forgot to do it in advance), I have to clean the snow and ice from all windows - as well as the top of the van because huge waves of snow will fall to the windshield while I drive if I neglect to do so, pry open the frozen sliding doors of the minivan, and start the car to get it heated. One day a week or two ago, the back doors froze, so I had to put Bethany between the front seats, hand Mallory to her and let big sister put baby sister into her carseat. I then proceeded to climb into the 12 inch space between the front seats, stand up inside the van ( bent over, of course) and try to buckle both of them. What a sight for anyone looking into any of the front windows! (Boy, do I miss having a garage!) But, I do have a sweet husband who tries to clean the van off for me before he goes to work if it snows during the night. But, I still love being here for every inch of the snow.....so far. (It's only January....2 more months of this, at least.)