I dragged the boys to the gym WAY early this morning (we were there by 8) against their will so I promised they could do something fun when we got home...paint the snow. Auntie Denna read about this in a parenting magazine and then I saw a similar article in my Wondertime Mag (best, most fun, creative and thoughtful parenting magazine out there in my opinion!!!) After a couple snafus including 3 water bottles that wouldn't squirt, I finally tracked down a couple good ones, loaded 'em up with colored water, bundled the older boys and sent them on their way. I thought this would be a great way to get a quick break...spend some time with Bray...maybe unload the dishwasher. At first, my plan didn't work at all. Logan and Aiden kept knocking on the glass door needing stuff every couple minutes. Brady just stood by the door crying and crying....trying to get out. Logan had to go potty! <-- which meant that I had to take off his coat, hat, boots, gloves, pull down his bibs and help him get it all back on after he was done. Finally though, everyone was happy.... The big boys ready to go paint the snow! Brady was SOOOO not happy that he couldn't go too. Poor little guy! Next year sweetie! I promise!

He found one of the broken bottles and attempted to reach the door handle....

Look at his little clenched fist. Like he's saying "curses! you tall door handle!"

Look how deep our snow is! The boys could hardly walk in it at first (which was the main reason they kept knocking). Finally they trudged out. That's the best thing about full body snow suits....they are totally water proof so I don't worry that they are getting soaking wet.

A little of the color. Aiden chose blue and Logan chose green...shocking, right?!

Aiden painting

Logan painting...

At this point, Logan had opened the door for Brady to peek out. He was shivering and freezing cold, but just kept watching his big brothers.

I asked Logan to come over and paint some snow for Bray to see.

And after that, I decided to go to the emergency plan - Baby Einstein! Brady watches little to no TV right now, but this was the only way to keep him from crying at the door. After some video viewing, he had a snack in the kitchen with me. The older boys stayed outside for almost 45 minutes and then I called them in for soup and cheese toast....and naps (well...not Logan, but the little guys slept for a nice, long time)!!! Oh, and one quick note on Brady and his chair. I can now say to him "Bray...go to the bear chair!" and he toddles over to his little red chair and climbs in. It's hysterical and adorable!