Hello Snow.
6am and the school district website says “no school.”
“Hey Simon, guess what?”
“What?” he asked in that sleepy morning voice while still snuggled under the covers.
“You don’t have school today.”
“Isn’t it Monday? No school on Monday?” he sat up quickly, super interested at this new development.
“Go look outside.”
He scampered over to the window and peeked through the blinds. He sees it. Just about 4 inches of it. There is one of those great squeals of delight that come only from the realization that it is indeed a snow day.
And oh how I know those feelings. I remember them all too well. I also woke up about three times last night to check and see if it was really sticking and then had a hard time going back to sleep because I was getting way too excited. Snow is infrequent around here so when it comes it is cause for a big celebration if you are a kid or one of those grown-up kids who loves snow.
Simon spent the first bit of the morning watching cartoons before finally pulling out the snow gear – including snow pants that are just a touch too tight but definitely wearable. Long underwear, socks, turtleneck, snow pants, fleece, snow coat, snow mittens, snow boots and a good hat. An amazing amount of excitement was found in the simple actions of getting dressed.
I did a lot of watching Simon play with the neighbor kids in the snow today. He is finally to the point where he can be outside on his own without one of us outside as well. I still sit in the window and watch while reading or working on my laptop.
He is growing more and more independent all the time.
Many times in the past he has done lots of running back and forth while playing outside to tell me many little important things – updates on what the kids are doing, who said what, etc. Today he stayed longer and played more; coming back only to show me an icicle or when I called out to him to come home for a snack.
It’s in those quiet moments sitting at the window watching when I can really see how much he has grown. It is so cool to see him interested in the other kids, wanting to play with them and be part of the larger neighborhood experience. I love that.
December Daily post coming later today.
we had just a skiff of snow down here 70 miles south of you. So happy to hear that Simon is becoming more able to be part of the neighborhood scene of kids. He is really growing and maturing. You are Chris are such great parents for him.
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I'm with Kristi and Heather - up in the northland (Minnesota for me) we haven't had a snowday for years. My kids are always praying for one - today they were hoping that the windchills (a mere -23) would cancel school!! But no go!
Enjoy the smiles - snowdays are sort of like a bonus vacation and that's always a blast for the whole family!!
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So happy for Simon - glad the social skills are improving so immensely. We were at -30 celcius yesterday with a wind chill at -40 celcius and the kids still had to go to school. Today it is only -15 at the time - balmy!!
Have a great day
Nicky from Alberta Canada
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What a wonderful accomplishment for Simon (and you!), what a heart-warming day!
Glad you had a fun snow day:)
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Love your post today. Brought back my own snow day memories!:)
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We raised our children in Tigard Oregon and remember so well the excitement of snow days!! We talked to family on Sunday and my daughter that lives here in the bay area near us said, "I'm jealous. I want a snow day." Even into adulthood we know the excitement of snow; love going out for a walk after dark especially now with Christmas lights on the houses. Enjoy!
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I miss those snow days when we lived the midwest ...here in FL though, we have on the ac today. *Sigh*...no snow here.
I always feel a little heart tug when I realize that they are becoming more independent...all the while being thrilled that they are coming into their own. Gotta love all of those mixed emotions that come with parenting!
Stay warm*!*
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I love this post. So sweet. We had a snow day, but we didn't get as much as you. We spent Sunday playing in it and Monday hunkered down staying out of the cold wind.
Enjoy your day!
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I love what you wrote about Simon's excitement upon seeing the new snow. I had to chuckle though because where we live, 4 in. of snow does not a snow day make. We got about 2 feet of snow in Feb. and we only got a late opening of the schools. So, 4 in. of snow here is nothing. :) But, I'd love to live where you do, in OR, because it's beautiful and because of the fact it doesn't snow much there. ;)
I love it when kids are gleeful about the snow and scramble to get their gear on to see who will get out the door first to make the first prints in the fresh snow. :)
Enjoy your snow day, Edwards' Family!
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Living in Canada, we have had many snow days and you know, it doesn't matter how old the "kids" are, we still love a snow day. I LOVE the way you journal about these little bits of your journey. Thanks again for sharing with us.
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My heart was really warmed by reading this post today. Thanks.
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That was such a beautiful post, Ali! The photo is wonderful, but the picture you painted with your words is enchanting.
Thank you for sharing!
Joni
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Wonderful stuff. :)
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Hey Ali,
This is so awesome for you and Simon and family! How great! These simple joys make my heart happy and makes me happy you are happy! I live in WI and I can definitely send you snow anytime you want some! Don't be afraid to ask! :)
Blessings,
Stacy
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Ali, so glad your family is getting to enjoy the snow! I was in Portland over the weekend for Crafty Wonderland and it was fun to see it (not so fun to drive in it). I grew up in the midwest, so the snow definitely made me smile. Its great to hear stories of how Simon is growing up and maturing - so great!
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Thanks for sharing that great stoy. As a mom with a kid on the spectrum I can really relate to those moments when they want to play with others and sharing the experience with you. Here in No. Cal we have some snow on the hills too!!!!! How fun wish it would
stick :) Oh Happy Day
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What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing.
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Living in the Midwest we get ALOT of snow and ice a cold. Because I work outside of home, I have to drive in the weather and tend to dread snowy days. Thank you and Simon for reminding me the fun of snow and SNOW DAYS!
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You all have way more snow than we do -- how exciting! Duncan is loving the little we do have, too -- but, WOW, is it cold! (I'm so glad I have a hat -- just like Simon's -- to keep my ears warm!)
Happy holidays and winter to you and your family!
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OH lucky! I miss snow. And I loved the way you recounted your Simon story. Makes me simultaneously miss being a kid and wish that I was a parent!
xoxo
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Wonderful to hear how Simon is maturing!
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This post made me smile Ali. How I remember those snow days. Simon is such a cute little guy- he will be a perfect big brother.
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whoo hoo...a snow day! it is coming down now here in the chicago area...they are calling for 3-6 for us! hope i get a snow day tomorrow ;)
have fun in the snow!
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No snow here in Fl....it is 80 degrees outside!!!! It feels like summer! My kids would LOVE to have snow and everything that goes along with it! I think the best part about snow (besides sledding on it or skiing) is coming inside to warm up and drinking some yummy hot chocolate! Enjoy your day today!
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i can relate to the excitement of snow... i've lived most of my life in TEXAS... and in a few days i will be travelling to Park City, Utah with my husband and child to visit his parents for the holidays... i'm soooo excited about the snow, the skiing, the need for mittens and scarves... the hot-chocholatey weather.... (squeal!) thanks for all of the inspiration and excitement for snow.. have a WONDERFUL day!
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