With above-average snow this winter, and no school all week for Winter Break, I decided to embrace our cold habitat and build a snow fort with the boys. The plan was to use all the extra driveway snow to build snow steps up to the playscape. The wall of snow would also create a little hideaway under the slide. Easy, right? After many trips with the sled full of snow from the driveway, we had a nice pile. But there was no shaping this snow into neat steps. It’s been too cold - this snow just squeaks when you try to pack it. So we had to settle for a big hill that was tall enough to climb up onto the play structure. So much for winter engineering - I have newfound respect for the people who build the Ice Hotel!

We had much better luck digging a tunnel through the bank of snow next to the driveway fence. A nice crust of freezing rain helped support the roof of the tunnel, and even held up under the weight of 3 kids when they climbed on top. It has melted a bit since last week, but the forecast calls for more snow this week, so we should be able to build it back up. A project like this helps make shoveling more interesting.

Other things I learned:
Digging a snow tunnel helps keep you warm and out of the wind - good survival tip!
A garden trowel makes a great snow tool when your hands are frozen.
Kneeling in the snow makes a parents’ knees achy, but doesn’t seem to bother children at all.
Cocoa tastes better when your nose and cheeks are still pink and windburned.

Stephanie is a work-at-home mom living in West Michigan with her husband Dan and 2 boys. While she doesn't spend her days hiking the backcountry she has found navigating suburban-life can be just as tiring. Call her a soccer-mom and she'll kick your ass.
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