morning snow

 we woke to more snow layering the tree branches and footsteps in the yard.

 the sledding was fast and fun and we all took a turn before heading to nana and nonno's for breakfast.

 it was thirty degrees warmer driving home then what it was driving out and fog hung over the river.

driving on a sunday

chanda and i were up and out early this morning. she had her interview today at sturbridge. we first drove to my sister's house for lunch before continuing north.

her backyard was swathed in snow.

we pulled out the sled!

and had a few quick spins before traveling on . . . .

sledding!

 for this year's snowfall we went sledding in central park. i missed our usual brooklyn prospect park run, but . . oh well . . sometimes you have to try something new. yves liked this hill better because it was steeper, longer and with this slick snow . . faster. they all enjoyed going down together on our friends' long sled. i enjoyed finding a quiet little hill all to myself . .

 sophie came to join us . .

and then morgana went home with her to help our friend olga, and to babysit. the rest of us boarded the c train, happily and tiredly, and rode home.

second day: sledding

yes! we decided to go sledding.

we stopped on greenwich street to meet up with our special sledding friends, and then got on the 3 train to brooklyn. the train moved very slowly, and there weren't many people traveling. it felt very quiet and holiday-like with everyone on vacation.

into the wilds of brooklyn . . prospect park.

gael couldn't ask for a nicer or more fun sister . .

this year the snow was blown completely through the tunnel . .

i love this view after coming through the tunnel. here it is from last year: 2010; and in 2009. both were snowier days, but today was the most windy and the most cold! the wind was brutal and would blow in gusts that took your breath away.

first ride!

we have two sleds, and one toboggan. two of them broke as soon as we got there. this one survived and chanda, gael, gabriel and i took turns riding down on it.

everyone capsized a second after this shot was taken. i think i was in the way . . . 

every once in awhile the wind would whip by, and you would have to turn your back for a good while to shield your face.

tea break. time to warm up. bagels and lox. biscotti and panettone and alpine berry tea. oh! and french chocolates!

well, we tried to warm up. but the wind was "vicious" as a few of us said, and our fingers and toes were icicles. when i said "it's time to go," others answered, "yes!" (can you imagine how cold they really must have been to agree with me!!!!) anyway, the sun was setting . .
 camille's toes were very cold . . luckily, the train was very warm! we melted and left the seats damp and on the floor: a puddle.

everyone was hungry and any leftover food from the snowy tea break was consumed. i think we will all sleep well tonight.

at home, morgana made hot chocolate to warm us up. 

after watching bedknobs and broomsticks, we had leftovers and perogis for dinner.