The Great Blizzard of 2016

Last post, I talked about January being our calm after the holiday storm.  The ornaments and decorations are all packed away.  The toys have found a new home on shelves and in storage containers.  The parties, concerts, and holiday traditions have all ended.  We are thankful for the quiet time spent at home again, soaking in the simplicity of routine and structure. But, the January of 2016 had a little extra special something planned for us.  If there's one thing that we remember the most about January 2016, it would be the "storm of a lifetime":  the fierce blizzard that dropped over two feet of snow here at our home, right outside of Washington DC.  

Right in the middle of the month, we went to bed with a simple snowfall.  In this area of the county, the simple sight of snowflakes brings excitement.  With just a small bit of snow, the possibility of snow day lingers in the kids' heads.  They excitedly put on their hats and gloves just for the simple excitement for catching snowflakes on their tongue and running around in their new winter boots.

Well, it's safe to say that the kids were not disappointed when they woke up the next morning.  There was snow.  And more snow.  And more snow.  Enough snow that we were stuck at home for several days, unable to get out because the snow plow had yet to go down our city street.  School was cancelled for over two weeks so we had ample amount of time to play in the snow and play in the snow is just what we did.  The kids loved the giant snowfall and it brought memories of a lifetime to our family.  

Any one that knows me knows that I'm not a huge fan of snow.  I would much rather be bundled up under a blanket by the fireplace reading a book then outside shoveling and playing in the snow.  To be super honest, I really would rather be laying on the beach under a hot sun with a drink in hand than trekking around in the cold, white snow.  But, watching my kids delight in the simple joy of snowfall once or twice a year is pretty awesome.  The simple excitement that they get from playing in the winter wonderland is a memory that every parent cherishes.

So January 2016, thank you for giving us the gift of snow.  A snowfall to remember.  It was one winter wonderland memory that will never be forgotten in our memories.