Winter Storm of 2011!

Austin, Texas was hit by a blizzard on Friday Febrauary 4th. Close to 2 inches on the ground! Local weathermen became celebrities and the Gap sold out of sweaters by noon.

As a verteran northerner from Wisconsin, it was time to teach my boys a few lessons on snowball etiquette...

First, a family hug to foster love before the snowballs start to fly. (Note: One son is missing in this picture...more on him later.)

I begin to analyze the situation. You can see that I gave them false hope by allowing them to hit me with one right below the chin. I stayed strong and held onto my snowball.

Kai was first to learn how to build a snowball. He wasn't sure at first...But once he found out that our main target was older brother Jake, he couldn't wait...

He took the glove off for better grip and aimed at Jake...Kai nailed him from close range and you could see Jake's knees start to wobble.

Instead of retaliating on Kai, Jake did the honorable thing and picked on someone his own size. I have to get him while I can. I predict Jake will be taller than me in 3 years at the age of 14...

And down goes Bieber!

Theresa, always on the camera, caught my victory pose. I am humble in victory.

Jake couldn't feel his hands and toes right now. He's smiling because he is in shock. Next, Jake will shoot his eye out.

As the snow started to thaw, Jesse learned the best snowballs come with the help of a little wet snow...

He was more focused on his form than the other boys. I taught him that technique helps keep your feet firmly planted on the ground so you don't slip when throwing. Slippage can make you miss your target.

Solid form in tack after a lesson from Dad, he decided to launch it at my car...




















When he missed the car...he decided desparate measures were needed. I had to stop him from going Winter Power Ranger on us all.

And remember the one boy who was left out of the top picture. Well here is our new 18 year-old Julian smartly staying out of the terrible blizzard and in the cozy confines of his room.

I did put a snowball in his mini-fridge in case any aggression from the video games neeeded to be taken out by throwing a snowball.

Until the snow falls again in Austin, Texas!