This morning, shortly after emerging from our bedrooms, the snow began to fall. Very slowly at first. The flakes coming down a few at a time, melting as they hit the ground. I called Finn over and we opened the door and peeked out. Soon we were pulling snowsuits on over pj’s and running out into the snow. For a moment we stood silently by the pond, listening to the chirps of many baby birds. Their new voices calling out to their mamas. Finn said they were excited to be catching snow while they waited for their mamas to bring them food. I picture them all in their nests, tiny beaks open, faces to the sky, tongues out licking up the snow just like Finn. I think that’s how he sees it too.
In and out we went. Coming in to eat or take a break and then back out again. All the while, the snow kept falling. It didn’t take long before it started sticking and then, accumulating. I love playing in the snow. I love playing in the snow with Finn–getting cold, knowing there is a warm home to come into and the likely possibility that we will enjoy a mug of hot cocoa.
The afternoon brought us outside again. This time to sunshine and melting snow. We played in puddles. Watched as the melting snow formed rivers, which in turn filled the craters in our driveway. We made baseballs out of the remaining snow and threw them at trees. Our snowman melted and turned into a walrus, which turned into a house. We played. It was a great day. And, as the sun set, our boy all tucked in bed, Kendall and I watched from the front porch as the last rays of sunshine peeked through the trees; pink and gold and full of glory. The light reflected off the pond and I thought about our day, my heart warm, full, and content.
