Winter Weather Memories

A couple weeks ago, I found myself checking my weather app more often than usual as we braced for a large snowstorm. As the storm drew near, I was conscious of how excited I get when snowflakes appear in the forecast. Growing up, the prospect of a snow day was always a welcome occurrence during the winter months. My parents, brother, and I would stay warm around the wood stove, eat comfort food, and play board games while watching the snowflakes fall.

While my brother, Brian, and I may have dreamed of building snow bases as if we were part of the Rebel Alliance on an icy planet in the remote Hoth System, we happily settled for sledding and trying to make snowpeople. He and I still talk about sledding adventures from our youth. There was the time when we were sledding at night with the sleet falling and the prickling sensation on our faces. We also remember another time when the farm was covered in a heavy layer of ice and our dad made it by sled from the upper corner of the field beyond the barn, which was at least 300 yards. No matter how much we got (though we always wanted more), snow was always welcome.

Our snowpeople were less Calvin & Hobbes, and more lumpy Cousin It.

Once I had my own children, I hoped to recreate those many fun childhood memories. I still get emotional thinking about when they were younger and how their faces beamed with excitement when the snow was falling. They were always up for adventures in the snow, making for some awesome memories of winter walks, snowpeople, sledding, and a few fire pits.

Photo from the Park at Night

We did not have the same access to hills for sledding as I did growing up on a farm; however, we were fortunate to live within walking distance of a park that had trails with a couple pedestrian bridges crossing a creek. Most importantly, it had one hill that worked for sledding. On a good snow, Cade, Liberty, and I would go multiple times a day. There was one storm that occurred late on a school night that was more icy slush than snow, but we still seized the opportunity. We had so many happy memories from those experiences that I know will stick with us for years to come.

On Our Snowy Walk in the Woods

One time, when the snow was very pretty but the roads were clear, we decided to drive to a nearby waterfall to see it in the snow. As we drove north, bundled up, we hit a small snow squall. Cade and Liberty loved it, while I was feeling a little anxious. We made it to the park, yet the entrance to the falls was closed. As we were driving back a little bit dejected, I saw a cleared parking area on the side of the road, yet still in the park. We pulled off the road and forged a new path in the snow. Liberty led the way with Cade close behind her carrying a backpack full of assorted survival gear. I followed with immense joy and pride. After our walk, we loaded back up in the van and headed home. Disappointment forgotten, we had gone for a walk in the snow. As we were reflecting on our adventure and I was sharing stories from my childhood, they mentioned how much they wanted to be at my parents’ farm in the snow. I promised to look for the right opportunity.

Sledding at the Farm.

Three years later, during a cold snap, we found that perfect opportunity. Everything was covered in snow, but the roads were clear and there were flurries in the forecast. The three of us drove up to the farm so they could enjoy the snow with their cousins. It was an amazing day. We went for walks and did some sledding. Brian and I lost sight of them more than once. Once again, Liberty was leading the way with Cade right behind her. Brian and I were enjoying our proud-dad moment watching our kids play and have fun in the winter weather, just as we had years ago.

Sidewalk Art by Mara from Our Sunday Morning Walk

Back in the present, as the snow began falling a couple weeks ago in the wee hours of Sunday morning, my wife, Mara, and I went for a walk through the neighborhood with childhood excitement. Regardless of my age, I am still filled with wonder when I see the snowflakes start to fall and even happier when I see them land. I hope the same for Cade and Liberty.

Please be safe out there.