But you must remember, I love monkeys too...: Snow, Snow, Magical Christmas Snow

When beautiful, intelligent Riley arrived for Christmas at Grandma's
She told me that she was ready to go sledding on Christmas day--
she had new sledding pants and boots--
Unfortunately it was 40 degrees with blue skies--
while trying to explain the weather dilemma,
she just answered
"Oh Grandma, it has to snow. . .
it's Christmas."

So we watched the skies and tried to distract with cookie frosting,
nativity plays, Claymation Christmas movies...
(see previous post)
and still NO snow--
Christmas morning came and went--
NO SNOW--

Then New Year's approached...
and guess what,
so did the heavy gray clouds--
and the day before New Years Eve--
we got a frosting of snow--
Riley's good daddy and uncle Steven--
got creative--
got out the 4-wheeler
and scraped all the snow from the driveway and grass-
into ONE sledding hill for Riley--

Here's Steven, making it smooth--

It was well worth the effort--
listen to the laughter:

this girl loves it!!

Of course the boys had to get in on the fun--
here's Riley with Uncle Steven

Michael trying out the tube--

Steven and Meredith on the quad--
(Meredith was fighting a cold--
but still took part in the fun!)

Sisters---
Emma--no nap--
did not appreciate the snow as much as Riley!

But she did have some fun!!

even if we had to "force" her to enjoy!!
(see Jessica's blog and video!!)
here she is taking a ride with Michael--

Riley loves to try EVERYTHING--
"by myself" !

Inside, after hot chocolate--
Emma's favorite ride--
her pony!!

and cuddling with Aunt Morgan's doll and
the blanket from grandma--

New Year's Eve day--
visiting the great-grandparents..
testing out their firetruck

the girls loved it!!

Mom and Bob with some of their Grands and Greats!

Then back to play in the falling snow
creating a winter wonderland--

and Riley turned to me and said
"See grandma, it did snow--
just AFTER Christmas"

oh me of little faith!!

Here's Jacob taking the quad for a spin. . .