It snowed! Your Mom loves true seasons. She’s disappointed when the moderate Pacific Northwest doesn’t provide hot summers and snowy winters. Well, this is your time, Amanda!
We’ve spent the past couple of days frolicking around the yard and neighborhood, enjoying all that is magical about snow in the lowlands. After the first dump of nearly half a foot, we got out in the morning for sledding (you kids and Mom) and skiing (me). I skied North 29th Street hill a few times and even got a neighborhood shuttle back up for a final run. The community really comes out with the snow hits.
We stopped at Nicole and Caleb’s on the way back so you could play with your school pod friends. The next day, Zach and Holly came over with their kids for an outdoor firepit hangout. It’s nice to see more friends (outside) where the pandemic has otherwise left us inside and keeping to ourselves.
Oh, we also had some work to do shoveling snow. That’s the thing about snow in town. It’s hard play and hard work. You and Matteo were all in on the shoveling though. It wasn’t super effective, but I appreciated the effort.
You have been totally elated by the snow days. I should also mention you wished for the snow in advance, upon seeing the forecasts on the local news, and credit yourself for making the snow happen. I guess I should say thanks! You so believe this dynamic that you also convined Matteo that you hold the power to all weather. You two were in a scuffle later and he said something about how you need to stop wishing for snow so he can play baseball outside. It was one of those moments as a parent when you break up a fight while holding a laugh.
In between all the snow play and celebration, you’ve been playing a lot of pretend: acting like a cat or setting up mouse traps with building blocks and baskets. You have the food chain in the right order.
I should also mention it’s been a celebration-filled week. We enjoyed a very low key Valentine’s Day (Dad excuse: snow), which was the same day as Greta’s 7th birthday. Your Mom only remembered in the final hours. I wasn’t too concerned about disappointing her. A snowy birthday is inherently the best birthday. Your Grandma Vicki also turned the big 6-0 and is celebrating in style in Lake Chelan.
Despite a generally chill winter (pun intended), it’s nice to have a few calendar days to celebrate and look forward to. Of course, I get to celebrate being your Dad every day.
Love, Dad