Visit to Santa ... and our Winter Wonderland

It all started last week. Last Sunday we didn't venture to church, because of snow and treacherous roads (the second and third services were cancelled0. And since then the weather hasn't stopped. There were a few days of snow that melted, which was nice - it was here then it was gone. But since Thursday, we have slowly been building a massive accumulation of snow. On Thursday night, the snow was more like Dippin' Dots - you know that fun ice cream product you get at the fair or concerts/basketball games? It came quickly and there was about 1/2 in on the ground in 10-15 minutes. It was all downhill (uphill?) from there. Church was cancelled again yesterday - no services at all - and Christmas Sunday at that!

We had blizzard conditions ... tiny little snowflakes blowing around (the kind I used to believe couldn't really add up to much) ... not sticking everywhere, but piling up in the corners of our yard and on our front porch (up to a foot or higher!). Next came the freezing rain which gave us a nice 3/8 in thick crust - just enough to freak out the dog. And I didn't notice it happening, but apparently it snowed overnight, and the neighbor is shoveling 4 new inches off her sidewalk. And it's still snowing. Total accumulation so far? Last night they said 9" total in Vancouver - this morning it's got to be at least a foot so far. INSANE!! But incredible beautiful at the same time.

I haven't been in "residential" snow (that's the term I'm using for snow around your primary abode) like this for quite some time, and I can't help but wish I was six years old again. I don't have any desire to get out in the snow and make snow angels or build a snow fort or roll balls for a snowman ... but I remember having that desire, and I wish my little six-year old self was here to roll around and get snow into every open gap in my winter clothes, then come in for piping hot cocoa and cookies from my mom.

I can't wait for Graham to get excited for the same things. If history stays regular, maybe in 2012 we'll have another storm - when Graham is 4 1/2 years old. I bet my excitement will come back when it is prompted by a little 4 ft "G-man" begging for help to roll the balls and get the head on the snowman.

On Saturday morning we took advantage of our last chance to get out before the freezing rain set in. We went to go see Santa at the downtown Nordstrom. He has the best costume of any Santa I've encountered ... dark red, furry and jingly. I think they've had a new guy the last two years - his real beard is artificially frosted silver (which looks kind of freaky) ... and he's pretty introverted. Graham thought he was just fine ... he hung out with him in a very relaxed fashion - although he didn't give us any big smiles, at least he stayed away from the loud screams!

After visiting Santa, we walked around Portland with Graham in our Chariot stroller (the one we can tow behind our bikes). This thing is great - Pat and I shivered in our boots, loving every moment of the "city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style ..." while Graham was warm and toasty in his Chariot, hanging out letting us do all the work. The drive home was not bad, since all the snow blew off the roads. We were home well before the arrival of the freezing rain. But that was Saturday. Now it's Monday and I am very stir-crazy. Can't even go for a walk, because the stroller can't get thru the snow! Should have bought the ski attachments ...

Tomorrow we're going to fly to Wisconsin for Christmas - or we will try to fly. The airlines are having to use significant amounts of de-icer ... and apparently they don't like to do that. I think they use de-icer in other parts of the country regularly - they should be able to do that here too! We're just hoping we get out of here ... Minneapolis should be more prepared for the winter weather they're encountering. Pray for us travelling ... for timely arrivals, and departures. Also, pray for Graham. I think he's starting to teethe ... which isn't fun for him - or us. He's always travelled well so far, but this time might be a bit more challenging (for everyone else).