Yellow Snow

Today was the day small children dream about all year long. The sun was out, the snow was fresh, and the temperature climbed above freezing.

The big kids were cooped up at school all day. The little ones were strapped into car seats for the long drive to town for groceries. When they were reunited this afternoon, a glorious world of snow beckoned them, and their mom was happy to oblige them as I was simultaneously fixing supper, cleaning the kitchen floor, and putting away two weeks' worth of groceries.

As I zipped up the last coat and fastened the last hood, I asked the obligatory question. "Are you SURE you don't have to go potty before you go outside?"

"No, Mom. I need to go outside NOW!"

Out the door they went. They were happy to be there.



Optimists that they are, they began using all four inches of snow on the ground to construct a snow fort. I always encourage them to dream big.



When you're using a two-inch plastic shovel to build a five-foot fort, your optimism is at peak levels.

But wait. Something's not quite right.



I have this funny feeling.



The feeling that someone needs to use the bathroom.



Off with the hood, the coat, the gloves, the snowboots, and the snowpants. While this 45 minute affair is taking place, the girls are still in the yard, reveling in the beauty of nature. Now seems like a good time to teach the two-year-old how to taste the beauty of nature. See? Doesn't this pure icicle look delicious?



Try some snow! You'll love it.



But when Mom gets back out here, you might not want to mention the part about it being yellow. Now go play with the dog.