Can you have an entire year of snow days? A month?

We're in the midst of our eighth snow day as I type this. I've been fortunate enough to spend several at home, some working, some playing. Today, I'm actually in the office thanks to Mary and Clarence's offer to entertain the kids.

Entertaining kids on snow days is a real chore. Except when it isn't. The first snow was soft and sunny, so we were able to get out and sled and do fun things outside. The second snow was better for snowman-building, which, though Kate was super disappointed not to be able to do during the first snow, she was not into at all by the second. Sam and Granddad built a great one. I have a picture somewhere.

This last snow was dubbed "THE BLIZZARD OF 2011." Let's just say, it lived up to its name for 24 hours at least, and even I-70 was closed from Independence to St. Louis for the first time EVER. It was a big snow. The best thing I can say about the Blizzard of 2011 is that I hope it's the only one.

However, because we had ample warning about the blizzard, we were able to prepare a bit. Monday was filled with preparation errands and trying to fit in meetings before the town came to a complete halt. Sam went to piano (one handed still) and we went out to eat dinner, because I knew we wouldn't be out for a couple of days. We brainstormed all of the possible things we could do while home, and frankly thought of a pretty good (and a little silly) list. We got our call in enough time that the kids could "camp" in my room for bedtime, but despite the presence of sleeping bags, that turned into sleeping in my bed. So, not much sleeping at all.

We built a fort in the living room on Tuesday out of a king-sized sheet (cheers!) and 4 dining room chairs. It has been a big hit, particularly with Kate, who is like Sharazaade lounging on blankets watching tv and eating popcorn in there. She wants to do everything in there. They've slept in there the last 2 nights.

We've played games. We've made cookies. We've quizzed math facts and read books. We've played Wii. We've watched countless hours of Disney channel, including the same (poor) episode of Zach and Cody TWICE last night. I mean, twice in the same day? Seriously, that's too much for me. We've officially watched all the streaming Scooby Doo episodes on Netflix. We're running out.

Grandma and Granddad to the rescue today! At least the games and episodes will be new to them!

Pictures to come...