It is beginning to feel a lot like....

Two weeks ago, a fresh skiff of snow fell. It was enough to cover the ground with a minor amount of snow and seemed to change the mood of everyone in this house. O spent most of the day trying to convince me that we should be going skiing, I spent most of the day reminding him that more than a cm of snow is required for a decent downhill run, and J, well frankly he had no clue anything changed as he still had to be bundled up and mummified the same way he was before the snow flew.

Late in the afternoon that day, the sun was shining and I was desperate to not admit that winter weather was starting, bringing with it long days at home. This was not a day we were going to stay inside. So we dressed in layers and headed out for the playground. However, the slide was too wet, and climbing is tricky ( also dangerous) with hand-knit slippery mitts. And with that a walk to the local coffee store became a more suitable option. A hot drink was exactly what I wanted. This was the day O tried his first Starbucks hot chocolate. It is so silly, but it was so delightful to watch him lick the whip cream, listen to him oh and ah about how yummy it was, and how his warm coco tickled his tummy.

This Starbucks visit was a great start to: November, a great weekend, and of a slow but blooming excitement for winter. On Saturday we capitalized on the pre-ski season hotel rates and zoomed off to the mountains. A night away from the typical evening routines, a chance to go swimming in a hotel pool ( a highlight for O), J's first meal in a restaurant, a fantastic afternoon walk, and an early bedtime for all ( that is what happens when everyone sleeps in the same room) was what our family needed.

Last weekend our minds got a little more decked and tinselled up for the holidays as we hung the outdoor light ( thank goodness), spent Sunday afternoon at the market, completed a Canadian tire run and also purchased some new decor. Every year I try to treat myself to one new Christmas decoration/item but this year I got four, and it is only November 18th. Yahoo, but now I have to behave as I have other things to buy.

I am not quite ready for Christmas decorations and shopping but I am ready for winter family fun. I HATE HATE winter driving but I do LOVE our sunny winter days. This week there was a skiff of snow every morning and my little helper ( or so I am working really hard to train him to be) was the first to suggest each time the garage opened that we should shovel. It currently seems to be his passion. (Dad is not complaining). This passion and excitement for winter is rubbing off a little on me. I am excited to watch him grow to be a better skater and skier. I am hopeful that we will become better at getting out the door more organized for a winter activity. I want to try a snowshoe with children on our backs. And.........I am kind of excited for some new winter wear. I really want a long down coat and curious if I could pull of some stylish Sorel's. A new toque and mitts are always on my wish list. My curiosity may be stunted by our pocketbook but for now I will stay focused on the fashion possibilities, dream big and get ready to warm lots of red cheeks, ingest plenty of coco, plan for lots of fun, and then quilt like crazy when it is too cold and dark to go out. In fact, this is what I am going to do now.

Good night and happy weekend.