A trip to the snow

On our 3 day weekend, we decided to take a mini road trip to head up north for a day of snow play! Even though it was in the low 50s, there was still a lot of snow from the New Year's cold snap--the perfect combination for an afternoon of snow play! We loved how the scenery started to change as we got closer to Flagstaff--Andrew got quite excited about seeing all the snow.

There is a designated snow play area with parking, bathrooms, etc. called Wing Mountain Snow Play area. So, we decided to check it out. You have to pay to get in, but since it was only open for about an hour after we got there, they only charged us $5. That was good because we didn't like it much. Too many people, not enough snow--basically just two big sledding hills. 

Eli was crabby & hungry at first, so he happily had a bottle in his stroller while we checked things out. 

Andrew spotted a little snowman right away and wanted to check it out...

We had a little Mommy & Andrew playtime...

Then, Andrew & Daddy did some sledding (ok, technically tubing with a pool inflatable). And, I tried out my big zoom lens for the first time! Eli & I happily stayed down at the bottom, here:

And, Daddy & Andrew climbed up the hill, here:

Pretty cool range huh?! Have I mentioned I love my camera?! 

Ok...back to sledding! Andrew was a little uneasy at first, but had a great time!

And, once Eli got some food, he had a great time too! 

Since we didn't have long to play and there was still another good hour and 1/2 of daylight, we drove up the road a little ways to a PERFECT spot: Crowley Pit. It was awesome--parking & port-a-potties, but FREE, WAY less people and much better scenery!

The snow was quite deep-almost up to Andrew's knees! A new experience for Andrew for sure. 

There was even a bit of falling down...

Shocking, I know! :)

Eli seemed to enjoy it this time and then of course had to thoroughly inspect it...

and, a thorough inspection always includes a taste (well, it does if you're Eli!)...

While the snow may have tasted ok, he quickly learned that it doesn't feel very good on exposed skin! Poor thing!

Daddy to the rescue!

Then, we also started building a snowman...

...but then, Andrew got too cold. So, the boys sat on the blankets on watched...

...but that didn't last long, as Eli didn't like it. So, he sat with Mommy (and Mommy had to be goofy to keep him entertained), while Andrew had his dinosaurs tromp through the snow...

...and that too was short-lived as poor Andrew was too cold! So, up with Mommy he came too!

So, we watched Daddy put the finishing touches on the snowman!

He's rockin' some pretty cool hair! Eli seemed to be very interested in checking him out...

...but, as it turns out, he was just interested in sampling the snowman's delectable pinecone eye! :)

Andrew reminded us one more time that he was freeeeeeezing...

...so we loaded up and headed back to the car. Andrew's poor feet were soaked and truly freezing! I think before any snow play again, we'll have to hit the thrift stores or something for some boots and snow pants! We somehow managed to all get changed & situated in the car without getting too muddy. The van though, didn't fare as well!

We drove away just as the sun was setting, got some food and headed for home all snuggled up in the car after a fun afternoon of snow play!