Fox and Rabbits

This week has been a perfect example of how unpredictable March can be. On Tuesday it was gorgeous! The sun was shining and the temperature reached almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It felt like spring had arrived! Then Wednesday happened. We had the biggest snow storm of the season. During the course of the day just over 16 inches of snow landed and then blew around a lot. The roads were awful and everything was shut down. 

I still maintain that I love the snow, but I also definitely loved Tuesday! It was so nice to get a good dose of sunshine! Today has been cold cold cold, but the sun is shining again. So I did what I do after a good snowfall; I went cross-country skiing!

However, as I was skiing it occurred to me that a lot of my friends do not have the freedom to just strap on some skis and go. They have children, and when children are added to the equation everything becomes a little more complicated. So as I enjoyed my nice, quiet leisurely skiing I was thinking about the activities I enjoy doing when there are children around.

At this point in the winter you have probably built about 50 snowmen, a bunch of forts, a few dozen snow angels and cleaned enough snow out of the boots, necks and sleeves of crying children to make yet another snowman. So, I was trying to think of something new to make this latest snowfall a little more exciting (or at least less depressing??).

What I came up with is a game I call "Fox and Rabbits." I have no idea if this is a real game or if it is one my friends and I made up, but I can remember playing it as a child. I have taught it to a few groups of children over the years and it is usually a hit. Basically it is a winter twist on the classic game of Tag.

So, here is your step by step guide to enjoying this latest snowfall and any more March decides to send your way.

Step One: Gather a bunch of children

Sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, children you babysit, children you teach, and all of their friends. This game is best with at least 4 but if you're short on children a couple of energetic adults will do.

Step Two: Prepare for the snow!

Boots, snow pants, coats, hats, scarves, etc. You know the drill.

Step Three: Form a line

To prepare for the game you need to form a line and march around the yard single file. Start by making a nice big circle (the more children involved the bigger the circle should be). Then cut through the middle and divide your circle first in half then two more cuts dividing it into a total of 6 slices. When you're finished you should have a well stomped path that looks like a giant pie in your yard.

Step Four: Pick a Fox

Using whichever method of selection you prefer choose one child to be the fox. If you have a very large group you can try using two foxes.

Step Five: Don't get caught!

Everyone who is not a fox is now a rabbit. So, with everyone staying on the track you just made, the rabbits must now avoid the fox!

Step Six: Last Rabbit Standing

If you chose a quick fox your rabbits will eventually be caught. When a rabbit is caught (like in Tag this is just with a touch), they leave the track. When there is only one rabbit left on the track he or she is declared winner and becomes the next fox.

Step Seven: Return to the Warren

Which means go inside, take off piles of wet snow clothes, and sit down for a cup of hot chocolate while reliving the excitement of your game! If you joined in, add a couple of extra marshmallows to your cup when the kids aren't looking. You earned it!

If you're a parent, or other caregiver of children, I hope this game gives you one more way to get a little more fun out of winter. You never know what March will do next but at least if this snow sticks around you'll have another option to try!