Needless to say, we didn’t use them last winter, what with a newborn and naps and simply adjusting to life as a family of four. The winter was over in the blink of an eye, which is typical of life with a new baby.

When this winter rolled around, however, I was determined to go snowshoeing as a family of four. Maverick in his carrier and Archer on a nice new set of showshoes to call his own.

We had planned to go with some friends in January, but as the date approached, I rethought our commitment. We were having a hard time with Archer. Meltdowns, tantrums and a deep-seeded desire to do nothing unless it was his own idea.

I cancelled on our friends, suggesting that we postpone to another date in February, once we had had a chance to take Archer out on our own.