Hello Snow.
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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.
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67 comments
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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I grew up in Oregon, so as I've heard of the snow there, I've been excited all over again for the kids who are getting snow days. I've even been checking to see which schools are closed. Now that I'm in Utah, nothing shuts down when it snows unfortunately. I would love to have a snow day for my kids to enjoy!
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My kids are loving this weather front.
Isn't the sunshine today amazing?!?
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It's so great to read about Simon's progress. I know you must be so proud and thrilled to see this. Our former pastor's daughter just got married in October. She has Asperger's Syndrome. To see the progress she has made and to see the love and understanding her husband has for her is wonderful.
We just moved to Arizona to get out of the snow. I will miss it on Christmas but other than that must say it's no longer the fun it used to be. Grin.
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Such a beautiful shot of Simon trekking through the snow!! Thank you for sharing with us Ali.
Ali, I know you have mentioned this before but what paper trimmer are you currently using? My son took mine to school and he thought he brought it home on Friday but we can't seem to find it & I can't work on my December daily. I liked the one I had and I still have blades for it - any recommendations?
Thanks for your help.
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Ali, As the Mom of a daughter recently diagnosed with Aspergers, I know exactly how you feel about watching Simon playing with friends. Such a simple pleasure, but one that should definitely be celebrated.
Happy SNOW Day Simon! and Mom!
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Monika - I love the Fiskars trimmers that I use here at home. Here's a link: http://store.scrapbook.com/f-9902.html
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Yea for snow days! We lived in Eugene when my children were Simon's age. Your photos brought back sweet memories of walking along the Williamette River after a rare and welcome snow storm. I hope it stays around for a few days. Enjoy.
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I loved this post! I live outside Salem and was waking up through the night on the look out for snow... we didn't get enough to build a snowman or go outside and play like Simon did. Thank you for sharing this sweet story of how Simon is growing up and how you are enjoying watching him.
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That is so beautiful...
NOT just because I have NEVER seen snow like that before (lots of beach though) but love the image of you watching from your perch in the window... know that 100%.. but that white stuff... ????? NO CLUE ! Do snowmen REALLY exist? ... snowball????
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very awesome!
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