The. Longest. Winter. Ever.

This has been a particularly harsh winter in Madison–we’ve had well over *double* the average snow fall, and each weekend seems to bring another huge storm and/or below-zero temps. Today we’re supposed to get another 10-12″, although right now we just have ice instead, covering everything. It’s impossible to drive or walk, guess we’ll be house-bound today. I’d prefer snow, actually.

Henry and I are headed to Florida on Wednesday to visit Grandma & Grandpa and take a break from this oppressive winter. In the meantime, here are a few snaps of Henry enjoying the snow!

Getting ready to go outside with a cozy fleece layer:

On his new sled!

Snow piled high:

On our commute to work:

The best part of daycare–friends!

Here are Henry’s friends at daycare.

Greeting Anya when she arrives:

Playing with Anya in the bus:

Cuddling with baby Zuly:

Pretend dining with Lilikoi:

His best buddy at daycare, Gavin:

Learning at daycare, pt. 4

Here’s Henry working on some other skills, like identifying colors, washing his hands and one of the kids’ favorite treats: getting an “ice” out of the fridge (good for teething and treating bumps!)

Henry’s saying, “Shhhhhh. . .” here!

Gettin’ into mischief here–daycare hasn’t figured out how to childproof all the doors!

Yay Henry!

Learning at daycare, pt. 3

And here we see Henry engaging in imaginative play, which ( i guess) allows kids to explore and model new behaviors.

Eating and playing in the “kitchen”:

Talking on the phone (he says “hello!”):

More playing in the “kitchen”:

Shopping!

Taking pictures:

Learning at daycare, pt. 2

This series shows Henry busy engaging in a number of activities designed to develop gross motor skills.

Playing with the bus, one of the kids’ favorite toys.

Working on the climbing the slide. . .

And the see-saw/teeter-totter:

Learning at daycare, pt. 1

Here’s a series of Henry at daycare during a typical day.

Our awesome daycare is structured around infant/toddler learning and development, and the kids get time each day to work on various developmental skills.

Here he is working at a number of different “small manipulatives,” such as puzzles, shape sorters and other toys. These help him develop small motor skills, which are needed for things like writing, using utensils, etc.