Snow Workout

This weekend we had a perfectly timed snowfall. It started snowing Sunday night and continued into Monday morning. We ended up with between 5-7 inches. The best part was that my husband and I were both off work for President's Day. I was super excited because we hadn't been sledding for a couple of years. The snow always seemed to arrive on a work day or made the roads too dangerous to drive out to my in-laws farm. This time it all worked out.

My nephew and niece were out of school too. With a group of their friends we headed out to the farm for some serious (and not so-serious) fun in the snow.

 Millie loved running through the snow spray and the chasing the sleds down the hill.

I, however, did not love the snow spray. For the record, there is a legit reason not to sit in the front of the sled. I was happy to get my sister on the sled with me - even though I got stuck in the front.

At least we made it safely to the end of the ride :)

 Out of this squealing mess....

 ...emerged this group of snow covered goofballs.

I think my niece was the only one who liked (maybe loved) being in the front of the sled. I think she has dreams of becoming the next Abominable Snow Monster.

My husband was the designated pusher. I didn't realize until I was looking at the pictures how many wipeouts he took at the top of the hill.

Naturally, my husband had to take sledding to the next level with a little "snowboarding."  No broken bones to report :)

We took a turn down the hill together. It looks like he is just giving me a push, but he is actually crouching behind me on the sled. I am supposed to be steering..ha!

The hill was not super steep, but we got going pretty fast after the first few runs. And the sled would travel farther and farther.  Read: A long trek back up the hill.

 Our landing spot on one of the longest rides of the day..

 Me and my honey.  Why can't winter wear be a little more slimming???

It sounds like play, but sledding is a serious workout! Between sledding and taking pictures who knows how many times I trekked up and down that hill. Not to mention the 1/2 mile walk to and from the sledding hill. Six inches of snow makes it all the better to work those leg muscles. I do love when a workout is disguised as play. Full disclosure: I ended the day with aching bones. It took a warm bath and a hot shower to soothe the aches enough to get a good night's sleep.

Our silly Millie pup loved her day in the snow. She definitely got in touch with her inner maniac.

 She even took a ride on the sled.

We ended our adventure back in our in-laws farmhouse kitchen devouring chili and grilled cheese sandwiches - and by devouring I mean I had a small bowl and one sandwich (and some chips - I lost count). Sledding works up an appetite!!  I am happy to report, even after my "ice cream break" on Sunday, I did not have any of the chocolate cake or orange sherbet...both looked yummy.

I am extra glad I didn't have cake and ice cream after sledding. So I didn't feel guilty about having a two bite piece of King Cake yesterday. A co-worker brought it to work and since I had never had it before I decided on a little taste. My big Fat Tuesday indulgence.

This is exactly the reason I want to limit random sweets - so when a unique opportunity arises I don't feel guilty. The cake was not quite what I expected after hearing Desiree and Mary's description of the ooey gooey deliciousness of authentic Louisiana King Cake. This one was apparently a Midwest version that was more like a slightly sweet bread with a glob of super sweet icing on top. I could seriously not get the sweet taste out of my mouth the rest of the morning. Good news it is a temptation I will not face again...unless I get a chance to try it in Louisiana some day.

Time to finish strong for "no sweet February". Weigh in tomorrow...I am feeling hopeful.

And now that I have had my fun in the snow, I think I am ready for spring.