Blizzard Bliss

The snowplow finally came through on Monday afternoon and John was able to move the car. He had time to make one run to the store--a 2 1/2-hour trip because of road conditions, traffic, and frantic shoppers--before the next storm started yesterday. The store was out of flour, sugar, and any edible meat, but we have the eggs and yogurt smoothies we need for Louis. We got up this morning to see snow still falling steadily and no sign that John had ever shoveled. Needless to say, Louis has learned the word "snow." :)

Although we are a bit (or more) tired of snow, we are so grateful for this time together as a family. John hasn't had to go to work since last Thursday, and we think it doubtful that he will go in this week at all. Louis loves having him home almost as much as I do. Especially since John can't usually take much time off of work, this storm has been a real blessing.

We are hoping, mostly unrealistically of course, that the roads will be perfectly clear so we can enjoy a weekend out of the house. Louis has four cousins who are due to arrive from out of town this weekend, and we were hoping to celebrate Chinese New Year with them at my parents' house on Sunday. Otherwise, we'll be playing with hastily designed construction paper tigers here.

So, what do you do when you are an active 2-year-old boy and you are snowed in for almost a week--and counting?

Play under the dining room table

Help Baba with the laundry

Play with socks...

Play more with socks...
And play more with socks!
Check out books you haven't read
Rediscover your favorite toys
Push Grandpa's truck through the houseRead your first Valentine (yes, the USPS managed to deliver yesterday)

I was thinking last night that maybe meeting Louis in China and spending time with him there has made us more creative in making ordinary things fun. Or maybe--and this is more likely--Louis is just an easily entertained child who enjoys many things!

Here is a video of Louis helping Baba with the laundry. I hope it captures some of the sheer joy Louis feels while helping around the house:

And here is a video of Louis reading "Chugga Chugga Choo Choo" with Baba. He is starting to "read along" with the books, which is fun. And he loves to kiss the cute animals.