Day Nine (I think)

As our story left off, we were anxiously awaiting snow.  Another major reason we traveled 1200 miles to Wisconsin in the beginning of January.  So the kids could see snow.  Imagine our dismay, when day after day went by and there was none.

We continued to pray and I had faith.  I just couldn't believe that after being in the North for as long as we were planning, that there just wouldn't be snow.

Before we went to bed the night before, the weather predicted flurries to begin during the night.  The kids and I were full of anticipation when we woke up the next morning.  One of the big girls threw open the curtains, only to reveal no snow.  In my mind, I had pictured the tree branches, outside our window, laden with the fluffy white stuff.  But no.

We were all visibly and vocally disappointed.  How could that be?  The weather had almost assured us we would see snow.  Then, literally, as we were looking out the window with dejected faces, we could see the beginnings of flurries.  Our countenances rose along with our voices, with the great expectation of snow!!

Everyone quickly ate breakfast and donned all of our snow gear.  And, headed out.  To the parking lot.  (It was the best we could do for the moment.)  Trust me, the kids didn't mind a bit!  The snow accumulated right before our eyes.  The weather channel told us we were to expect between four to six inches!  It snowed all day and well into the night.

I was to see a wonderful friend of mine from high school that day.  So we gathered the kids indoors.  (They were a little dismayed that they were wet.  They did not fully understand that snow was made of frozen water.)

Anyway, I touched base with my friend to assure her that the kids and I would still be coming out to her house.  I was confident the kids and I could make it.  Goodness, I was from there.  But, as the flurries continued and the snow started to build up, I decided that hubby could drop us off and then come back and get us.  I was not so confident about my driving skills.  But, there was no way I was going to miss a visit with my dear friend and her kids.

With Florida tags we were sure that everyone would stay miles away from us.  And out plan was to just take it slow.  The following are pictures of what I saw out of the passenger side window from the  front seat of the van.

The scenery around us changed dramatically.  All of a sudden, there was snow everywhere and it was not stopping.  It was exciting and a little scary all at the same time!

We made it to my girlfriend's house, after inching along like a snail.  Better to be safe then sorry was our thought.  I was so excited to see my friend and her family.  It had been over 5 years (my 20th High School reunion) since I had seen her.  We exchange emails and keep up with each other through our blogs.  But, it was GREAT to talk in person!

We talked and talked and could have talked for hours more.  The kids got a long great.  (Her two youngest were home, the big boys were still in school.)  I still picture Boop and her daughter L, sitting on the couch, next to each other just chatting away.  Fast friends.  We chatted for a couple of hours and watched the kids and the snow.  My friend and I have told each other, repeatedly, how great it would be if we lived next door!  Well, our couple hour chat would have to sacrifice.  And we made the best of it.

Hubby showed up to pick us up.  We were able to meet the rest of her family, the two big boys and her husband.  While we were chatting the kids got out side and played a little bit more in the snow.  I would have loved for them to all play in the snow together but we had dinner plans that evening.  So, we had to get back to the hotel, change and make our way slowly to the restaurant to meet our family for dinner.

We made it back to the hotel safely.  I am sure a 15 minute drive was more like 30 minutes for us!  Anyway, we were meeting Grandpa J and Nona K at a restaurant I always went to with them growing up.  It had changed hands a time or two and was now owned by a friend of Nona K's.  Someone else I remember from my high school days.  It was great to see them and it was great to have a wonderful dinner in such a nostalgic place for me.

Fabulous dinner, great dessert and, again, the kids were fabulous.  As we chatted for a little after dessert, EG crawled up in my lap and fell asleep on my shoulder.  

Anyway, I love taking the kids to places I went as a kid.  If I remember correctly, the first time I ever ate at this restaurant was lunch, one time, right before I left for camp, when I was about NG age!

I think it was still snowing when we left the restaurant.  Light flurries.  We needed to scrape ice and snow off of our windows!  Driving home, at night, in the snow was so surreal.  Everything covered in a blanket of white.  The contrast of a pitch black night and the lights dazzling, dancing off the snow.  We drove slow.  

We needed to get back to the hotel, get a good night sleep, because Grandpa J and Nona K were taking us sledding in the AM.  So, so exciting . . .