Fun in the Snow

It took six years, but Gianina and i have finally gotten around to enjoying the Michigan winter.  I guess what it really took was to have an irrepressible toddler running around and insisting that we play in the snow - despite his parents' protests.

This past weekend saw me construct my first snowman ever... or maybe i should say snowBOY because of the size.  In my defense, there was a lack of good "packing" snow, so i was relegated to packing the powdery white stuff and wetting it with melted water from a nearby drain (from the roof - not standing water) in order to maintain structural integrity.

"Is this snowball big enough, papa?"  

Showing off my carefully constructed snowball, which will eventually serve as the snowman's body. 

Adrian carefully packing the snowball while i collect some water. 

Pouring water on the snowball to help solidify the outside layer.

 

At last we can put the head on.  Careful, it might explode.

A successful capitation! 

The finished product!  Don't knock it - it's harder than it looks.

This weekend also had us "tubing" down the slopes of a big empty piece of land in front of a local church.  A short, steep drop only good for a few seconds thrill - an a minute's walk uphill to do it again - but hey, nothing beats near and free.

On top of the world! 

Zooming down the hill at breakneck speed.  And the two spectators can hardly contain their excitement.

Pulling the tube back for another go.  Not fun, but someone's gotta do it.

Another run down the hill while the proud father looks on.  

We'll probably go skiing again in a week or so.  Hopefully muscle memory kicks in and we won't fall as much...