How many here have built ice castles, and fortresses?....then the snowball fights begin!
And your favorite winter scenes~Just because I live on the south side of the castle, where sunshine warms me all year, doesn't mean we have to ignore the fun we can have in the snow, on the north side of the castle!
Living in Utah, where it has the best snow in the world, and where skiing is beyond anywhere else, always gave me a thrill to see our street in the winter, it was out of a Currier and Ives card! The street and house lights at night, shown a beautiful winter wonderland. Do you have pictures or memories of those? Post them here!
I used to teach PE in Utah, and the kids loved to build fortresses on the playground, and I'd let them have snowball fights, too! Of course, I would over-see that these fights didn't become REAL fights, 
...and the kids and I had so much fun in the winter months. When it was time to come in to class, it seemed as those the last snowball that was thrown, was at me! But, it got their arms and bodies all warmed up for baseball season, even if I did look like a drowned rat scurrying down the hallway, coming in from outdoors!
Speaking of Currier & Ives, here's a picture of An American Homestead Winter, and Here is a link to more beautiful scenes.
Mother,
I'm much excited to see you enjoying the winter snow as much as you are. Aidan has been having quite a bit of fun himself. I'm actually thinking about taking him for a sleigh ride tomorrow around the grounds if you would like to join us.
By the way I saw these two walking by the side of the orad today and when I stopped by magic carpet they asked me directions to the palace not knowing I was the King. So I told them to hop on board and I just dropped them off with Chilly Willy. They seem like two sweel guys so I think it will be quite fun to have them around.
Well it's been a long day so I think I shall retire for the evening with a nice cup of blueberry tea. I would be most enjoyed to have you join us tomorrow.
Your Loving Son,
King Ryan the Bibliophile of Wordsmithonia
Good morning, my son!
It is such a nice surprise to see you up and about. I know you've been over-worked, as of late, and I haven't wanted to disturb you with all the activities that I've arranged for this winter wonderland of festivities. I felt we needed something to revive our mundane lives, and a little romp in the snow covered hills and lawns, seemed a good idea.
I am so happy to see our little Prince having fun in the snow. I heard a splash against my windowpane this morning, and just knew Aidan was outside throwing snowballs. He always has a creative way of rousing me from bed. Ha! Children are so invigorating to this old soul of mine, it just makes me smile to watch their little faces having fun! I waved back, and smiled to him from my window. I would very much enjoy a sleigh ride with you and Aidan. It is not very often that we can spend time together like this. And I welcome it as often as possible! I will get myself ready, and be down to breakfast in a flash. Then off we will go, into the countryside for a ride. Be sure and pack plenty of blankets, and I'll have cook pack us a lunch, and a thermos of hot chocolate, as well. I remember what a big appetite you had as a child, when playing outside in the snow. And hot chocolate hits the spot to warm the tummy. Aidan is just like you, when you were a growing boy!!
Also, it was very nice of you to offer a ride to these two gentlemen, and I'm sure they will enjoy everyone who has already joined in our festival. Just remember to tell them that the pools are heated!
See you soon.
Lovingly, Q-mummy
Ryan_G wrote:Mother,
I'm much excited to see you enjoying the winter snow as much as you are. Aidan has been having quite a bit of fun himself. I'm actually thinking about taking him for a sleigh ride tomorrow around the grounds if you would like to join us.
By the way I saw these two walking by the side of the orad today and when I stopped by magic carpet they asked me directions to the palace not knowing I was the King. So I told them to hop on board and I just dropped them off with Chilly Willy. They seem like two sweel guys so I think it will be quite fun to have them around.
Well it's been a long day so I think I shall retire for the evening with a nice cup of blueberry tea. I would be most enjoyed to have you join us tomorrow.
Your Loving Son,
King Ryan the Bibliophile of Wordsmithonia
Gracious Sovereigns,
We simply Must have a Snow Sculpture Contest! This was a Memorable part of Winter Carnival at my College. I remember one Year the Theme was Record Albums, and we made the Spaceship from Boston's album. Another Year, I remember most a Sleeping Dinosaur or Dragon made by one of the Frats. I wish that I had the Photo that my boyfriend took of me patting its Nose.
Anticipating Your Consent, I have Rallied my Cats and Citizens, and we have Produced this Sculpture:
I thought that it was Appropriate for Wordsmithonia!
Obeisantly Yours,
Dame Dulcinea
Oh, my heavens! I've never seen anything like this! That grandson of mine most definitely does have a grand imagination! Nanny is a wonder with him, don't you think? I shall tell them how beautiful it is!
As I was returning from outside, after some minor supervising of the snow people, in their snowball fights, I noticed those two gentlemen, the ones your carpet picked up, working on their own sculptures. I haven't figured out, just yet, what they will come up with. They said it will be ready tomorrow. Their contribution to the festivities. I think that was very nice of them to do this. So, we shall see what we shall see, shan't we?
Tell my little Prince, again, how much fun I had today, and that I will see you both later in the Family Room. I'm anxious to see what changes have been made to that room. Thank you so much for having my favorite chair placed there. I am also enjoying one of my teas that was so kindly made to order. I am so partial to Earl Grey and the English Breakfast, these days, that I had ordered a special mix of these two fine teas, made decaffeinated, sweetened, and with a small essence of orange peel. It is heavenly on a cool evening such as this. But I am toasty beside my fire. I may doze a little before we dine.
Oh, I was wondering, before I forget, may we watch the Olympics in the Family Room tonight while we dine? I know television is not allowed while gathering at the dinner table, but you know how Aidan so loves those sports. I don't think it could hurt, just this one time, do you? I know, I know. I spoil him. Forgive an old lady her little joys?
The snow people will be gathered around the large screen, outside, since they will not be able to come into the castle. The cold is not a problem for them. Actually, they love, love, love it! The colder the better, they informed me. Many large igloos were built for them, so they will be very comfortable in their sleeping arrangements this evening.
Until later,
QMummy
Ryan_G wrote:
I had to show you the sculpture that Aidan and Nanny Poppins came up with. It's quite remarkable actually.
Mother,
I am so glad you are joining us for dinner, and I was alread planning on watching the Olymics. Julia put a rather large flat screen above the fireplace for us to enjoy. That's part of the reason I thought we could have dinner in that room. Plus it's just so cozy.
I invited the Olympic Masocts to visit with us here in the palace tomorrow so I know everyone will be excited for that.
Your Loving Son,
King Ryan
Oh, how thoughtful of you, my son, and the mascots, too. I can't wait!
I was thinking of what I wanted to eat for dinner, and it was tomato soup, and a grilled cheese sandwhich. And to my surprise, Cookie said he was fixing that for dinner, for me. He reads my mind, I think. What were you and Aidan having tonight? Something yummy, I suspect! I think caramel corn while we watch the Olympics would be fun, too!
After dinner, I must show you what Queen Pollenaise sent over, contributing to our Ice Sculpture display.
Ryan_G wrote:
Mother,
I am so glad you are joining us for dinner, and I was alread planning on watching the Olymics. Julia put a rather large flat screen above the fireplace for us to enjoy. That's part of the reason I thought we could have dinner in that room. Plus it's just so cozy.
I invited the Olympic Masocts to visit with us here in the palace tomorrow so I know everyone will be excited for that.
Your Loving Son,
King Ryan
How gorgeous! Thank you so much for this special gift to our Kingdom's first Winter Festival. I hope one day you will come back soon, when you are ready, allow us to give you a title and a key to the Kingdom of Wordsmithonia. Thank you, thank you, Luanne. I will always remember our trip! (how could I forget it!)
QM, Kathy
pen21 wrote:From anonymous in the Bahamas. We miss you.
The cabana boys sent this ice sculpture to you as a remembrance of our trip.
A heads up to all nobles.
The east section of the north gardens have been set up with oposing ice fortressess and phunmatic snow ball launchers. The Trolls had great fun designing the tube launchers, half of the time launching themselves more than snow balls. 
So if anyone wants to join us. Watch out for flying snowballs and well.. flying trolls. 
