Did you get out in the snow today? Many of us had to address the snow in some laborious manner but it is hard to argue with the beauty and awe of a big snowstorm. My youngest child, not burdened by any pretext of labor, pulled me outside early this morning while it was still snowing.

Excited to help me shovel the driveway and sidewalks, Emerson grabbed his kid-sized snow shovel, and guided by wonder, helped in his own way. He took a couple of digs alongside the car, tossing each fluffy shovel full into the wind. This was gloriously light stuff.  Distracted by the depth of the snow, he headed out into the lawn to make a serpentine set of tracks.

Watching me shoveling on the driveway, Emerson soon joined me again at the task.  We created several mounds of snow at several locations along the driveway. Emerson tried to climb them but sunk into them as their light fluffy nature would not support his weight. He nestled in one of the mounds and together we modified it so that it became fort-like.

Thus went our day - the endless attraction of snow. We fed the birds, tossing seeds on the snow. We made more tracks. We dug and frolicked and made snow angels. We warmed up inside with tea (me) and hot chocolate. Returning outside we went sledding at the school. We saw someone trying their hand at kite skiing. We took a walk. We returned home and were soon found by a nap.

Next to my bed is a copy of Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day. This classic book was a Holiday gift for Emerson from his teacher. Thank you, Ms. Alecia! The book is simple and charming in capturing the magic of snow. In between snows we have been reading this book, over and over. I could not recommend a winter children’s book more highly.