Snowed Out

Last week, the Washington DC area received a forecast of four to eight inches of heavy snow. While the Sandell family was home and safe (at the time), much of the area faced severe traffic, accidents and power outages as the snow quickly accumulated. Here are pictures outside of our condo (this was only after a few hours of snow). 

The snow was very heavy and weighed down the trees.

Holden and I watched the snow from inside. I don't think he quite understands what snow is, yet. By next winter I am sure he will be running around in it!

At one point, we let Lyla outside. She explored the snow for a minute, but then desperately wanted to come back inside! Holden loves the cats, so he was eager to let Lyla in too.

Nathan and I tucked Holden in for bed and we were about to start our Bible study. I wanted to make some delicious hot cocoa, and document the moment - hot cocoa during a snow storm and a sleeping baby. Heaven, right?

Just as my drink was ready, our power went out. I started to panic because a power outage means no heat. Normally, that would be no big deal for Nathan and me, but I can't just wrap Holden in layers upon layers. He would not stand for it!

We decided to wait until he woke up (3:00 AM), and we brought him to bed with us. In the morning, we headed out to my mom's (Nonna) house because she still had power. On the way over, there must have been at least ten abandoned cars on major roads (Braddock and Roberts). Tree branches littered yards and side streets, some of them fallen on parked cars. We drove slowly and safely and arrived to a warm house. Holden, Nathan and I enjoyed the day with my mom and after dinner, we headed back home because, praise the Lord, our power came back on!

Our area is forecasted to receive a wintry mix tonight and tomorrow, so we are praying that the power does not go out again, or there might be another round of, "to grandmother's house we go!"