All Snowed in

Well, the plan was for us to get up in the morning and check the road conditions and with the intention of leaving the frozen North Dakota today. But....the weather was not cooperating at all. All the interstates in North Dakota are closed today and the plows have been pulled (as they were yesterday as well. It didn't matter to us yesterday though because we weren't trying to get anywhere). It is really saying something when they close the interstates in North Dakota. And by closed, I mean closed from Canada to SD borders and MN to Montana. I've been trying to find a news link to this story, but I haven't been able to find anything worth linking to. Grandma Kim and Grandpa Kevin spent the better part of today snowed it at Nona and Budd's house. Grandpa Kevin has made several attempts to get their van out of the unplowed area with no success - a situation that does not sit well with him. Their subdivision still hasn't been plowed and there is a lot of snow out there. And still snowing (although lightly). The main problem today is the strong winds creating white out conditions with near zero visibility. The powdery snow doesn't stay anywhere. We've shoveled a lot and I think the novelty might be wearing off. And thank goodness we packed boots and mittens for everyone.

While we got to spend some quality family time today we weren't able to see the rest of the family staying just a few blocks away. The roads just aren't allowing for it today at this point. We were joking about trying to get in a bonus run to Paradiso today, but when we called, they were closed.

Here is Uncle Mike attempting to shovel the front walk. He is sure wishing he packed winter boots instead only bringing dress shoes. Dress shoes don't do much to keep your feet dry! Please note: John was shoveling the front sidewalk or something. Rest assured he is working as well.

While this isn't close to the most snow I've ever seen at my Grandparent's house, it is the most I've ever seen fall at one time.

William in front of an impressive drift.
Brr!Amelia is safe and warm inside with Auntie Megan (through the window)

John and William were very excited about the snow removal in Grand Forks. These people do not play around! (I'll admit, I was excited too.) Here is a big machine plowing the alley ways.

A better view of the alley plowing machine.

This is no ordinary snow plow! It does the whole street in one pass! Amazing!

Wow! Everytime one would drive by, one of us would run for the camera.

Inside, it was a little hard to not get cabin fever. Amelia was very entertained by this bell ornament from the tree. She would shake it and then hold it to the side of her head saying "Ehhh?!"

William and Uncle Mike played a lot of cars and had some serious discussions about sharing (note: all the cars are on the couch in the right hand corner of this picture).

Megan was inspired to make a fort/barn/house/garage with William in the basement. After some time, it became clear the fort was lacking in decor and they came upstairs to make some art for the walls.

Uncle Mike made an outstanding duck. Isn't he talented?

Late afternoon, the roads cleared up and the snow quit (almost). We were able to make our way back to Grandma Nona and Grandpa Budd's house to visit. William helped Great Grandma Nona decorate some cookies. Grandma reported he ate more than he decorated.

The drift in the parking lot

The door to get in the house when we first arrived. We couldn't get anywhere near enough to even ring a doorbell. We had to call from the driveway so they could open their garage and let us in.

Shoveled out, for now

We enjoyed a yummy pizza party with all the grandmas and grandpas that evening. I love it when all the families are able to be together in one place - even though they aren't all related it makes for a very cozy evening.