Snowy Fun

It's been snowy here in the Midwest this winter – one of the snowiest winters we've had in a long time. We've enjoyed hearing about all the snowy activities our grandkids have indulged in, especially how our one-and-a-half year old grandson has taken over snow shoveling duties at his house!

Distance and ice-packed roads usually keep us from getting in on the snow-fun with our grandkids, so I've been wondering how I can share in their wintry pleasure. Here are a few ideas I've come up with:

*snowy stationery: a few cotton balls and scraps from my scrapbox are easily turned into snowmen and snow-scenes on a piece of stationery. At the bottom of your snow-scene, add a note about some of your own snow-adventures as a child, and send! (You might want to use a larger-than-usual envelope.)

*snow cookies: frost - or "ice" - some cut-out sugar cookie snowmen; add shredded coconut for textural interest. Miniature chocolate chips work for buttons and eyes, and whip licorice makes a great snowman mouth.

*popcorn balls make a great indoor substitute for snowballs – just don't start throwing them! Instead, serve them with a wintry movie on a cold afternoon. If your grandkids aren't close enough to do this, pack a “Snowy Movie Box” and invite them to enjoy a movie afternoon, courtesy of grandma and the United States Mail.

With a little thought you'll come up with your own ideas for snowy fun with your grandkids, even if you can't be there in person. Feel free to share them with us!