Winter Storm and Blizzard, but still outside playing

On the Weather Channel this afternoon: Dubuque was reported as 12.1" of snowfall (and STILL SNOWING!) while having 2 and 3' snowdrifts with WINTER STORM DRACO.

We woke with 6" on the ground this morning and experienced additional snowfall, wind and blizzard warning for the duration of the day. We were QUITE THANKFUL that we have a snow thrower this year!!! (Mike used it after he got home from work.)

The boys and I dressed to venture outside on this SNOW DAY! (That's no easy feat; it takes a while to get mom + 2 boys dressed and out the door in full winter gear!)

Poor Silas, our thumb-sucker, didn't want to leave his mittens on. He insisted upon having a shovel, but kept falling face-first into the snow, trying to walk with it! With the boots, snowpants AND jacket on, he moved like the StayPuff Marshmallow Man (Ghostbusters!) and resembled a turtle, trying to get up.

I insisted that we go inside; Silas' cheeks were turning red. Sydney had HOPED to stay outside... afterall, we hadn't done any sledding yet.

UPDATE: Local news reported Dubuque's final snowfall at 14.1" from this storm.

Drawing our fun day of playing in the snow.

SO THANKFUL that we have a snow thrower!
This snow (12+") was HEAVY!!!