So, I'm kind of new to this winter in Michigan as a mom. It was easy before I had kids, I'd just stay snuggled in bed on days off! But now I have to keep my little ones from attacking each other because they are so board of being stuck indoors all the time. My boys are 2 years apart and neither of them have fully understood how different Michigan's winter will be, compared to the sunny southern state of North Carolina. The winter down there was only a couple months. November was still very warm and nice, we usually went hiking and still had picnics at the park. December people usually stopped cutting their grass and most had the leaves picked up. Putting up Christmas decorations seemed very weird because it was still so very nice out. January and February were the coldest months, we often seen rain, but we'd be "lucky" if we seen a snow flake (the world comes to a stop there, shutting down schools!). And in March spring arrives! And in April, we got flowers in full bloom!! But here in Michigan, we'll see snow in as early as October, till April, maybe even as late as May.
Winters here will make us think of how to be more creative, how to enjoy each others company in a smaller area (i.e. house), and how to help others find relief from the winter blues. As I'm writing this I'm sitting in the Mc 'D's playroom, watching all the kids play so freely. They don't care that it's chilly 60 degrees in here, most of them are sweating from running around so much. We're here to get out of the cold, and burn off the built up energy. Even though today's temps are much warmer than the single digits from a couple days ago, its still cold, and some snow is melting, so its all "sloshy" as I call it. My oldest is having a sledding party at school today, and I can't help but think I should have packed an extra set of pants and socks, because I know he will be soaked from this slosh! Poor kid, I hope he stays dry!
So, as I start showing my kids around the state, I have to remember its cold; and any outdoor places we go to, we have to bundle up and are not able to stay out for long. Last week during winter break from school I thought it would be fun to take the boys to Grand Haven. Usually most don't even think of going there until summer. They walk or jog the "strip", walk the pier to the light house, they walk along the beach enjoying the cool water and warm sand. But me, I'm different! I like going to these summer location in the winter too. So we drive on out there and the boys look at me like I'm crazy after I tell them we are getting out and walking and walking over to the lighthouse. I grab my new Nikon and we head out for a new adventure!
Walking through a knee high snow drift, making our way to the semi-cleared path we walk along the channel. Finally we make our way to the beginning of the lighthouse pier. It was beautiful. Looking around at what used to be the beach, the snow and ice has taken over this summer location.
The pier was covered in icy snow. Way too slippery to go walking out on it (even though there some daring people out there!). So we decided to stay for a quick picture, then head back to the van. On our way back our backs were to the wind, so we got to pay more attention to the frozen, iced over light posts and railings. The boys thought these were very cool.
Rating it:
Beauty of scenery- 3 out of 5
Fun enough for kids- 2 out of 5
Cost- Free!
