Round and Round He Goes

Kyle has discovered a way to beat the winter blues and cabin fever....the carousel. There is a very nice, two story carousel at a local mall which Kyle LOVES! He could literally ride it all day, everyday! At one point several weeks ago, whenever he would get dressed he thought he was going to ride on the carousel. Kyle has become a "regular" with the workers since he is there at least five times per week. We have also been using this as a "reward" for doing well using the potty. Typically, he has it set in his head which animal he would like to ride...his favorites in no particular order are the elephant, lion, tiger, zebra, deer, dragon, and the horse. We didn't make it to the mall today, so I'm certain that will be on our agenda tomorrow! Enjoy the pictures...it's easy to get a picture of Kyle smiling since he is always so happy when going round and round!

Spring Time Snow!

According, to the calendar it is officially spring! Recently, we have been spoiled with many beautiful spring like days! However, Mother Nature had other ideas for many parts of the country this weekend...bringing a winter snow storm and plenty of snow for many! In the St. Louis area, we didn't receive very much snow...maybe two inches, but certainly enough for our little family to have fun this morning. Recently, I was tempted to pack away Kyle's snow suit and snow boots and I'm very happy I didn't since they came in handy this morning.

It takes Kyle a few minutes to "warm up" to the snow, but really enjoys himself once he does. The snow was perfect for building a snowman since it was wet snow. I'm certain, our snowman isn't the best around, but we did attempt to "dress" him up with a hat, scarves, arms, eyes, and mouth. Hopefully, this will be our last taste of winter and we can look forward to the spring/summer months.

Spring Is In The Air

We have experienced some unseasonably "warm" days in STL which certainly is a nice change from the bitter cold temperatures. After Kyle's All Aboard The Train workshop we headed to the park to enjoy the weather. It sure was nice to be outside and get a breath of fresh air. Kyle played on the playground and we also explored the park and just loved being outside. Unfortunately, our camera battery wasn't charged so we don't have many good photos at the park. It felt wonderful to leave the house and not have to get Kyle and ourselves bundled up with winter coats, gloves, and hats. To top off our "spring" like Saturday, we fired up the grill at dinner time and enjoyed some delicious steaks. Oh, how I wish these type of days were here to stay, but mother nature has other things in mind!

I hope everyone else experienced pleasant temperatures and were able to enjoy the weekend outdoors!

Kyle in action on the playground

Six More Weeks

Happy Groundhog Day!

This morning, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow...meaning six more weeks of winter. Unfortunately, this isn't what the majority of people were hoping to hear...including me! It sure would have been a nice treat to see spring arrive a little earlier this year! The month of January flew by, so hopefully the next six weeks will too! Until springtime, enjoy the remainder of the winter season!

Groundhog Day History Lesson:

- Since 1886, Phil has seen his shadow 97 times, has failed to see it 15 times, and there are no records for nine years, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

-The last year the groundhog didn't see his shadow was in 2007. If you are interested in the history of Groundhog Day, you can visit this website.

Winter Wonderland

The Spence's Winter Wonderland

Late yesterday and into the late evening hours the snow really began coming down. This means, a second snow day in a row for Kyle's preschool. Unfortunately, John went to work yesterday and today so he hasn't had the opportunity to enjoy the snow. This morning I wanted to put Kyle in his snow suit to do some more playing in the snow, but he had other ideas. Kyle immediately saw the snow suit exit the closet and he had a complete meltdown. I didn't want to push the issue so I assume we will be staying inside.

According to my highly accurate, sophisticated snow measuring device (yes a yard stick), we received approximately 5.5 inches of snow. I'm positive this measurement is 100% accurate...LOL! If you are in snow terriority, how much snow did you receive and where do you live?

Do Dogs Love Snow?

If Chloe, our Bichon Frise, had to answer the question in the title of the post, I'm positive her answer would be NO...even though she has on her cute little snowflake sweater. Being a "southern" dog at heart she hasn't adjusted to life in the snow. I didn't want her to feel left out so she had a mini photo shoot in the snow just like Kyle. By seeing Chloe in the pictures she looks as if she may be enjoying it, but remember pictures can be deceiving...especially of little dogs! Do your pets enjoy being outside in the snow?

Fun In The Snow

No Preschool = Fun In The Snow

The STL area has been under a winter weather warning since last night due to the pending snow and sleet projected for the area. We were notified last night that Kyle's preschool was cancelled due to the weather. Being a southern girl, I get very excited about the first significant snowfall each winter. I was really looking forward to getting Kyle dressed in his new snow suit for a fun morning of playing in LOTS of snow. I do have to say, I was a bit disappointed since we didn't get as much snow as anticipated. However, it didn't stop me from getting Kyle prepared to play outside. A little more winter weather is expected this afternoon so maybe we will have more to play in later today or tomorrow.

Kyle suited up and ready to play...

well, he is debating if he wants to play in the snow.

Well, this isn't so bad after all!

Do I really want to touch the snow?

Oh, this is fun!

OK, I've had enough...Can we go inside now?

Wiping the snow off his boots before going inside. It was fun, but I'm done!

Ice Skating???

The lake located in our neighborhood was one large sheet of ice the past couple of days. Yesterday, I took a walk to the area to take a picture of the neighborhood "ice skating rink". The many ducks which call this lake "home" had to find temporary housing while the water was frozen. The temperatures are warming up today so the ice will be melted and the ducks can move back in.

I am not a very good ice skater...I'm very clumsy and fall quite a bit. There was an ice skating rink close by our house when I was growing up so I would have fun attempting to ice skate. In St. Louis, their is a nice oudoor ice skating rink in Forest Park called Steinberg Ice Rink. John and I have been once and would love to go back at some point in the future. We haven't attempted to take Kyle ice skating yet, but believe it or not he did ice skate at preschool during his physical therapy session. How, you might ask...shaving cream with no shoes on. The same day he roller skated as well. I would have enjoyed having the opportunity to watch those moves!

Neighborhood Lake covered with ice.

Temporary housing for the ducks.

Candy Cane Hunt

This morning, we took Kyle to a Candy Cane Hunt at a local park. This was such a cute event and we had a fun morning despite the cold temperatures. There were ten thousand candy canes spread around an area of the park, but they were found in just a few minutes by hundreds of children. About six hundred of the candy canes had prize cards attached, but unfortunately Kyle wasn't fast enough to find one of these special candy canes. He really didn't know the difference, so he wasn't fazed by it in the least.

We love to take Kyle to these type of family friendly events. This was a fun, inexpensive way to entertain Kyle on a Saturday morning. I have included several photos of Kyle on the hunt for the candy canes.

Kyle found his first candy cane

Putting it into his bag

Oh, here's one on the fence Yeah, I found one! Another one hiding on the fence He even found one in the pile of leaves Kyle enjoying the outdoors

Let It Snow

Today, we had our first snowfall of the winter season. Granted, it only slightly covered the ground and didn't require any work on our part...ie..shoveling the driveway, but it was still snow! Not enough for Kyle to play in, but it was really pretty while it was coming down.

We did venture out in the "blizzard" to buy Kyle a snowsuit and snow boots. John was totally convinced he could use the same suit and boots from last year. I really didn't think it was possible, but I just wanted to humor him. We tried on his suit from last year and I really wish I had taken a picture of Kyle. It was truely a funny sight...the snowsuit was so small and the pants were so short. We didn't bother trying on his shoes knowing they were two sizes too small. It is amazing how expensive snow suits are given the fact he will only wear it a handful of times! Now that Kyle is totally prepared for the first true "blizzard" of the season....bring on the snow!

Recess Guidelines

Recently we received a notice from Kyle's preschool outlining the recess guidelines during the winter months. For some reason, I was a bit shocked when I read the guidelines. Kyle loves to be outside so this won't phase him, plus he will be bundled up with a heavy coat, hat, and mittens. At least he will get some fresh air these four mornings per week since I probably won't be taking him outside to play. Being from the south, I am not a huge fan of the STL winters and tend to hibernate indoors.

• 32-90 degrees - Go outside for normal time of 20 minutes.
• 20-32 degrees - Go outside for 10 minutes.
• Below 20 degrees - Stay inside.

If your children are in school...do they have guidelines for going out in the cold temperatures? If so, what are they?