Let it Snow

Finally! Jacob got to see a real snowfall! Since he was born 3 1/2 years ago, I believe we've had two light dustings of snow. Nothing like what we woke up to this morning.


This morning, Alex woke up earlier than usual while Jacob slept in. Normally, Jacob wakes up around 7 when Jeff crawls out of bed (after pushing snooze for 45 minutes- but that's another story). I can't complain too much because Jacob will either lie in bed and watch TV or hang out with Jeff in the bathroom as he gets ready for work. He gets very upset when he doesn't get to say goodbye to Jeff as he's leaving for work. And, by sleeping in today, he missed Jeff's departure.
So, when I heard running footsteps upstairs, I knew what was in store for me.
Jacob: "Where's daddy?" He had just come out of the bathroom after searching for Jeff.
Me: "He already left for work, honey. You were asleep."
Tears threaten to spill over.
Me: "It's alright. We'll call him and say hi. But, guess what? I have a surprise for you."
Jacob: "What 'prise?" And, I knew I had him. He was instantly curious & immediately brightened up.

So, I carried him down the stairs, careful to keep him from peeking out windows. And, as soon as I grabbed my camera, I pointed outside the back door. He was ecstatic.



Jacob: "It's snowin'! Mommy, look! Snow! I LOVE snow! Can we go outside and play in it?"
That question was repeated many more times throughout the morning.
Me: "Sure, we'll go outside in a little while. And maybe we can make a snowman!"
This thrilled him in a way words cannot describe.
Alex sensed Jacob's excitement, and he, too, had to come check out the source of all of the commotion.


We spoke with Jeff on the phone a few minutes after that, and I overheard Jacob relaying the following information.
Jacob: "We goin' out in da snow and makin' a snowman! And a Spiderman snowman!"
This was news to me.
Me: "Buddy, I don't think Mommy knows how to make a Spiderman snowman."
Jacob: "Dat's OK. How 'bout a Peter Parker snowman?" (Peter Parker is who Spiderman is under his costume. I'm sure that would be easier to create in snow form.)

Later on, we bundled up, donning layer after layer. I was able to enjoy one of my favorite tasks: putting gloves on small children. Alex thought his mittens were socks, and could not understand why I was putting them on his hands. He kept yanking his hand away and shoving a foot in my face. And, with Jacob, we were finally able to get the job done when I asked him to stop moving his fingers. Next time you have a spare moment, try putting gloves on someone who alternates between wiggling their fingers and making a fist. It's great fun.
I realized yesterday that neither of the boys own snow boots. So, we had to get creative. Or tacky. You decide. Over their socks & sneakers was their very own plastic boot. If you're interested, I found these at Food Lion. I believe they also have them at any local grocery store.
Also, please take note of the enthusiasm on Alex's face. This is his expression whenever we're heading outside to play. You'll observe quite a contrast when scrolling through the pictures of him out in the snow.


We were invited to play with Daniel & Lainey in Uncle Scott's & Aunt Tricia's backyard. Unfortunately, the snow wasn't packing very well, so no snowmen today (and I was so looking forward to posting pictures of my Spiderman & Peter Parker snow sculptures). But, Jacob still had a blast! We used boogie boards to pull the kids around in the snow, which is great fun for them, and good exercise for the adults.


Tricia plopped Alex down on Lainey's boogie board, and was able to drag them a whole foot before Alex started to fuss.


I'm really not sure why Alex didn't enjoy our playtime outdoors today. He loves being outside. Maybe it was too cold. Maybe he didn't like the snowflakes hitting his face. Maybe it's too tough to walk with plastic bags on your feet. Whatever the reason, he remained motionless in the exact same spot in their backyard. The only time he moved was when Scott's & Tricia's dog knocked him over or when he was picked up and carried to another location.

"I will stand and not move for 30 minutes. Don't believe me? Watch, and I will prove it."


Not a snow lover, I suppose. See for yourself.

Scowling at the falling snow.


Mommy trying her best to coax a smile out of him.



Jacob, on the other hand, ran, tackled, and rolled around like a dog in the snow. Boogie boarding down the hill was also a big hit.

After anticipating it all morning, finally getting to play in the snow was not disappointing for a moment.


And, finally, a hint of something on Alex's face...a potential almost grin- maybe. I don't know if my antics caused it or if the kids' activities sparked his interest. But, I adore this picture of him.


After about 45 minutes of enjoying the snowy weather, it was time to come back home for lunch. Hopefully we'll be able to do it at least once more this winter. But for now, I'm just grateful we were able to play in it today. The battle with the gloves was worth it.