How to Survive Winter.

Yup. It's still winter out there.  It's still cold and white.  There's still a bunch of snow on the ground. There's so much snow, in fact, we are swimming in it. Literally. 

Some people, like Dylan, just really hate the snow. It's just too cold and wet. 

But some people, like Ryan, just love the snow.  When they go outside, they find a magical wonderland of happiness and delight. 

So today I have compiled some ways to survive winter, whether or not you love it or hate it. 

1. Dress warmly: Dressing for the weather makes a huge difference! So wear that stocking hat and mittens. Pull out that skii coat that makes you look like a giant walking marshmellow. You will have more fun that way. 

2. Even if you hate it, get your butt out there and make the best of it: You may actually have fun.  You may learn how to sled, or design an igloo or snow fort, or make snowmen or snow angels. 

3. Get creative! Build a giant straw maze and drink hot chocolate. 

 4. Pull out a favorite book or puzzle. 

 5. Paint a picture

 6. Hit up some fun indoor play-areas when cabin fever hits, such as the Children's Museum or the play-place at the local mall. 

 7. Engineer with legos. 

 8. Admire the length of the icicles. Remind your kids not to use them as swords.  

 9. Play with your dog. Just beacause it's a frigid -5 outside doesn't mean the puppy isn't stir-crazy. Go "knock some nerves out" as Ryan would say. 

10. Play a nice stimulating board game, like Checkers, or Candy Land, or Battle Ship. 

11. Make yourself a summer get-away in a box. Draw windows with trees, the sun, birds, green grass, etc. 

12.  Get some binoculars and check out the wildlife in your very own yard!

And if all else fails..... sit tight, wait for spring, and eat a LOT of chocolate. I hear it releases endorphins and let's face it, when those long winter days seem to last forever, we all need lots of those happy little things floating around in our bodies.