Phew. January who?

{warning: longest post ever}

2011 started off with a bang and has not let up since. Busy must be the word of the year, at least if January is any indication.

{dj granny}

And then it snowed (and snowed and snowed...you get the picture)

Yes, that is the saddest little snowman ever. Remember, we are in the deep south and have little experience with such matters.

8 plus inches!!! (remember, we are in the deep south and have little experience with such matters)

After a week's worth of the white stuff enough was enough. We headed further south. To Hogwarts. Bet you didn't know it's in the sunny state of Florida.

Mmm, their first butterbeer. Yes, they're of age.

Yes, that's my son, a bra, and a dog. Sounds like the punchline to a risque joke. No, he's not of age.

Yes, that's an orangutan. Long story.

Scared outta his pants? Uh huh.

A fairytale ending.

So that was January. February, be kind. Mama's tired.

Winter White

Growing up in the South, I have seen only a handful of snowstorms and even then, what we consider a serious snowfall is probably a small nuisance to most. So whenever my husband suggests a ski trip, I laugh. We don't have the gear or the clothing, and when I peer into my crystal ball I can predict with certainty a trip to the emergency room after a day on the slopes.

But if this were the destination, perhaps I'd reconsider. Pretty amazing, no?

{images via Erik Olsson}