Round Two of Snow

As if the first big snow wasn't enough just a couple of weeks later we had more! This time we only got maybe an inch or so but it still meant more time off school and another chance to get to play in it. We were flying to Orlando two days after the snow was supposed to come and rather than chance not being able to make it to our house for the trip my mom decided to go ahead and come.  This meant she got to have a fun snow day with us! 

A and K liked the snow slightly more this round. By slightly I mean that they made it 20 minutes instead of 2 minutes. 

This time around I figured out since Andrew refused to walk in the snow it was much easier for me to just drag him on the  sled vs carrying his 33 pound self everywhere. 

More sledding!

Everyone was real happy about me taking this picture...

All four sledding at the same time!

We even convinced Nene to take a turn 

Kate actually really enjoyed it this day

We came inside and introduced A and K to hot chocolate

Let me rephrase this- Nene introduced the hot chocolate

We made some more snow cream

This batch was SO yummy 

That afternoon Nene and the boys went out to play one more time.  Hard to believe we would leave the snow and be in the pool just one day later! 

Afternoon at the Aquarium

Recently we had a Saturday with nothing planned so we decided to head to the aquarium.  It ended up being a great day, one of the best we have had lately! We've learned the trick that if you show up to the aquarium with only one hour  left before it closes then you have the place all to yourself.  And one of the perks of having the membership is that you don't feel like you have to stay a long time and get your money's worth out of the experience since you can always come back.   In typical Holland road trip fashion we were on our way when we realized that Andrew was barefoot so we had to stop at Walmart to buy shoes...

The otters were awake and playing non stop. 

At first Kate and Andrew thought we were going to the pet store and kept asking where the guinea pigs were lol. 

I think Andrew would have jumped into the fish tanks if given the chance. He got as close as he could to the glass every single time. 

All the kids loved digging for sharks' teeth. 

Disclaimer: no children were physically harmed or long term emotionally traumatized during the following!

Ryan had the bright idea to do the hurricane simulator.  James was too scared (or perhaps too smart) to try it but believe it or not H, A, and K all got in.  

At first all were happy 

Then the wind starting picking up...

"Get me out Mama!" 

"Help!" 

"Whew we made it." 

" My name is Andrew and I survived the hurricane experience." 

The whole thing only took about 60 seconds and I confess Ryan and I were almost crying with laughter during it.  Needless to say it may be awhile before they try it again.

Gross picture of me but you have to include the family selfie! 

On the way home we stopped by El's for dinner. We didn't realize how much the temperature had dropped. It was FREEZING!!!

This actually may have been even more traumatizing than the hurricane simulator.  I have never seen these four kids eat so fast so they could jump back in the car.  What a memorable afternoon!