warm enough for a snowman

The last two days we had such nice warm temps!  [yes, it's all relative!  but when you've been barely topping zero for weeks on end these days when the thermometer hits 30 and even 35 seem balmy!]

Monday Matt took the older three for a trial run at skating.  First time on skates is never easy, but they had a good time!  

They each made some progress but I don't think we have any Olympic skaters in the family, at least not yet :)  

Then again today, just crazy warm and even some melting.  Matt and Isaac left early morning to ice fish with Grandpa, Uncle Andy and cousins Connor and Carson.  This afternoon after homework Julianna practically ran outdoors to get started on a snowman.  Her excitement was contagious and the whole crew was bundled and outside in minutes.  

It sure helped that we didn't need much bundling!  The girls wanted to go out in just long sleeves and snow pants but we compromised and they wore a lightweight jacket.  

Warmer temps mean more moisture and nice sticky snowman-building snow.  With plenty of recess-inspiration the girls led the way on this one.  And Luke and John Paul LOVED it!  

We got into a groove where Julianna started the snowball and then passed it along to me when it got too heavy and difficult to wield.  

We ended up with two nice sized snowmen (our goal was to make them bigger than the boys, and we succeeded!)

[Maybe the backyard bunny can enjoy these treats when/if they fall over?]

Can you 'see' John Paul's excitement?  We all had so much fun!  

The new front-walk-view.  We use the side door more often, but the front door is ready for visitors with two greeter-snow-men on either side of the walk!  In the picture you can see straight through the house to our back windows (still covered with Valentine's cards).  The living room is on the left, the right side window is the master bedroom.  

The weather forecast says the temperatures will be dropping again later this week so I'm especially thankful we got so much outdoor time these past two days.  And I now understand how 30 degrees can feel "so warm"!