Embracing winter

After more than two weeks of vacation, kids in Spokane County are getting yet another snow day .

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich and mayors Mary Verner of Spokane and Rich Munson of Spokane Valley urged schools to stay closed because they were concerned about kids walking to school or waiting for buses behind snow berms.

I know some families are beginning to suffer from cabin fever, but many others are reveling in the snow.

This weekend, more than 80 youngsters gathered at the Selkirk Lodge up at Mt. Spokane for Nordic Kids , a program organized every year by the Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation to teach kids how to cross-country ski.

This is my son’s second year in the program and it’s been a wonderful experience for the entire family. Kids not only learn how to feel comfortable on skis; it’s also a way for children and their families to gain an appreciation for winter and the outdoors.

I have to admit that it’s not always easy to get little ones dressed for the weather. There are days when we struggle to get our kids in snowsuits, hats, gloves, boots, etc. (For some reason, one of them often has to go to the bathroom right after we suit up…) But most of the time, the effort is worth it. And the reality is, we don’t have a choice. Winter is here to stay.

How has your family spent these snow days? Any advice to keep the little ones safe out there in light of all the berms? (My husband thinks it’s time to put a transceiver on our 2-year-old…)