Winter Break, Part 2--What to do on a Snow Day

On Wednesday this week as I drove from Ottawa to Coal City work I sulkily noted that all of the schools were closed here.  NONE of the Grundy County schools were closed.  In a conversation  had with my boss later, I jokingly told him I wanted a clause in my new contract for next year stating that when schools are closed in Ottawa, I get to stay home too.  He remarked that I wasn't the first one to make that request to him that day.  The school day commenced and schools in Grundy County began releasing their students early: Morris around 11:30, smaller southern schools by 1:00.  My frustration level rose.  I found out that Coal City was one of 2 districts in Grundy who kept their kids all day and as I was servicing the students in one of our specialized programs (students 1st through 3rd grade who have mental impairments and are in life skills oriented classes), the students from the districts releasing early had to be sent home because their busses would not be running at normal dismissal time.  I was greatful for a little extra time to get paperwork done and understood why Coal City kept their kids.  By the time they dismissed at 2:45 the snow had stopped and roads were getting cleared (slowly) by the plows.  Still, I felt I could have had a more productive day at home. 

Well, in the end I got what I wanted that's for sure.  By 8:00 on Wednesday night I had received phone calls informing me that due to the frigid temperatures, school would not be in session on Thursday.  I was glad of it mainly because I know so many kids who have to stand outside at bus stops or who walk to school--too dangerous in this cold.  By 8:00 last night, I received a similar call for today.  Plus, with a holiday Monday to observe Martin Luther King Day, I've just been given a second winter break.  5 whole days off in a row in January.  Wow!  I'll take it.

And in case you're wondering, this is what we do in the Swanny household on our snow (or too-cold-to-go-out) days:
Stay in your pajamas as long as possible

Read the newspaper....


Or catch up on the 2 weeks worth of papers you haven't had time to read yet


Play MANY games of Hungry Hungry Hippos


Finally apply and put up your new uppercase living decoration


Practice standing (and dancing)


Explore your new Moon Sand


Play on your Leapster before nap


Tantrum when you wake up from nap because mom's taking your picture not feeding you a snack!


Enjoy your afternoon snack (goldfish for Peanut....yogurt for Swanny Jr.)


Make cookies

Or play in the tupperware cupboard while sis and mom make cookies


Have a Light Saber Duel



Laugh a lot and play a ton!
Stay warm everyone!