cost benefit analysis

I bet if you asked most mothers they would have a number in mind, a sweet spot if you will, of how many minutes their child needs to have played outside in snowy weather to have made the ordeal of getting them ready for said snowy weather worth it. Today we achieved that sweet spot and the benefit far outweighed the trauma of getting ready.  I have to stop here and qualify my trauma. It has in the last four and a half years lessened as I have gained a pile of knowledge on minimizing the anguish of fighting uncooperative boots, snow pants and mitts.  It costs more but it must be said that good gear is worth every penny. Bogs. They're simple, warm, slip-on and seemingly never wear out. So purchasing a gender neutral colour has ensured that we can get both kids in them for at least one winter each and then they can be passed on to friends. Next boarding mitts. They are super long have very strong velcro that you can tighten them on the outside of the kids' jackets. So far we have not had a single complaint from the kids on mitts falling off or snow in mitts. Heaven! Snow pants. The ones we have have inner pants that have very effective elastic bottoms that go around the outside of the kids' Bogs ensuring no snow can slip up those pant legs. Today for the first time in four years of parenting through a lot of snow it was hunger that brought us in rather than malfunctioning gear.

We received 20 - 30 cm of snow on Sunday and we're forecasted to receive the same today and even more Sunday.  Yikes I have already shovelled the walk twice today and an hour later it needs it again.

Eye spy a little boy stuck under a tree.

Eye spy a little girl hiding under the trampoline.

Elliott isn't exactly thrilled in this shot. He's been fairly blue fighting a cold and probably a little pink eye as well (he is on medication).

Unlike her brother, Kate always has a smile on outside. 

Today does mark our first stay at home, storm day.  It's been a nice one, save for the weeping battle of getting Elliott's medication in his eyes. Poor guy. 

Six more sleeps until show time and I'm not bragging but I finished my shopping and wrapping. Unfortunately I have also finished eating all our baking too!