Jessica was at the window, looking out under the curtains, when I woke up that morning. She doesn’t normally do that, I thought. Unless… yes, I was right – snow! Big flakes of snow falling outside. The back garden was already covered with a thin layer of freshly fallen snow. Daylight was only just starting to make an appearance, but my first thought was that we had to get out there – now – and enjoy the snow while it lasted!
“Wake up! Wake up!” I called to Sophie, “It’s snowing!”
We don’t often get snow where we live. The last time we had snow that settled was almost two years ago. The forecast for later that morning was supposed to be for rain. I didn’t want to wait in case the snow disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. We put jumpers and coats over our pyjamas, pulled on wellies, hats and gloves and ran outside.
Sophie was quite fascinated by the snow falling from the sky. I’m not sure if she really remembered the last time we had snow. Catching snowflakes is a magical experience though no matter how old you are. I certainly had just as much fun as the girls did holding out my hands and watching the snowflakes land on my gloves.
We managed to build a mini snowman (which looked more like a snowbird) before Jessica got too cold and wanted to go back indoors.
There wasn’t much opportunity to go back out in the snow for the rest of the morning. We had to go out to church later that morning. It was Sophie’s first church parade service as an Explorer in the Girls’ Brigade. She was very excited to be going to church in her new uniform although she did look very little next to the other girls!
I should have remembered to pack their wellies in the car really as their school shoes weren’t the best for playing out in the snow. Not that it bothered either of them in the slightest. As soon as church finished, they were back outside again, having a wonderful time. They brushed the snow off the bushes and threw snowballs. Jessica wasn’t very impressed when a well-aimed snowball from Sophie caught her in the face though. We stuck to throwing them at brick walls and car park signs after that!
We’d been invited for a turkey dinner at church after the service. By the time we’d finished the meal and headed back home again, it was starting to get dark. Jessica was tired and didn’t want to go back out in the snow. Sophie was eager to play in it for a while. She made snow angels for the first time and I helped her build a couple of snowmen.
Jessica had a snow day the next day. Sophie’s preschool was open and just a short walk away. She was quite happy to go off to preschool as normal. Jessica was quite excited at the prospect of having some “Mummy-Jessica time” – she doesn’t get me all to herself very often. The walk to preschool was quite slippery. I loved how Sophie took Jessica’s hand to help steady her – “Don’t worry Jessica, I will help you. Hold my hand.”
I had a little surprise for Jessica when we got home. I’d made “ice diamonds” (as Jessica called them” the night before by filling a balloon with water and food colouring and freezing it. While Jessica was warming up from the preschool run, I removed the balloons and put the coloured ice balls next to the snowman for her to find. She hadn’t been too keen about going back out in the cold but finding the ice diamonds made it more appealing!
It had started to rain and the snow in the garden was melting away. Jessica wanted me to put the ice diamonds in the freezer so that Sophie could see them when she came home from preschool. Thankfully there was still enough snow left in the garden to play with when Sophie came home and she loved the ice diamonds too.
The snow only really lasted a couple of days before it started to melt away into horrible grey slush, but it was fun while it lasted. I love how everything looks so pretty when the snow covers it. The girls had so much fun playing in it and it was wonderful to see the magic of a snowy day through their eyes.
Aww I love that you got them out while the snow was still there. We’ve been making the most of it too with lots of sledging, it was quite deep with us. The ice diamonds are a lovely idea and how sweet that Jessica wanted her sister to be able to play with them too.
Nat.x
Sledging sounds like fun – we didn’t have quite enough for that! 🙂
Love the snowman they made. Glad they both experienced the snow. I was patiently watch the window for some, but it didn’t really settle in Basingstoke which is a shame…maybe next year x Love the little way kids play in the snow. Popping over from #CountryKids x
Oh what a shame it didn’t settle for you. We hardly ever get any so it was nice to have fun while it lasted 🙂
Well done for making the most of the snow while it lasted. It is so magical for children experiencing it for the first time. The last time we had proper snow that settled my kids were about Sophie and Jessica’s ages! We bought them a sledge for Christmas and it is still in the shed unused as we’ve not had snow since. Looks like you managed a good few outings to play in the white fluffy stuff and ice diamonds are a wonderful idea.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
It was nice to enjoy it while it lasted! 🙂
We only had a few hours of snow before it turned to slush – not even enough to build a snowman – but the kids were still wowed. I love your ice diamonds idea – I may have to pinch that one ! 🙂 #countrykids
It’s a nice easy one to do – I made them in the freezer so we don’t have to wait for snow to do it again 🙂
Lovely reading this! Whilst snow can be a real pain when it comes to trying to get anywhere, it is so magical for the kids. Emily has been desperate to see snow and she was lucky enough to have fun in it last Sunday! So lovely that Jesica got to spend some quality time with you too. Hope you all have a magical Christmas x
#countrykids
It is magical, but yes not much fun to have to travel in! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too x
Bless them. Waking up to snow is so exciting. We got about 5 hours of snowfall where I am (Surrey) it came down as big snow flakes but unfortuantely didn’t settle much. Sarah #CountryKids
What a shame it didn’t settle. Still fun to go out when it’s snowing though 🙂
Those smiles tell a story of delight don’t they, I’m glad it’s gone, but my son had a grin just like the girls too #CountryKids
It was fun while it lasted but part of me is glad it is gone now too! 🙂
Aww I love the smiles on their faces – they looked like they had a wonderful time playing in the snow! Love the idea of snow diamonds – might try that myself too one time. #countrykids
It was lots of fun and the ice diamonds were a fun addition 🙂
We went straight out too. Looks like they had a fun day in the snow. We hadn’t had any for about 7 years. I love the snow diamonds idea. #countrykids
It was fun to have a snow day – definitely had to make the most of it while it lasted 🙂
It looks like you really made the most of the snow! We had a couple of days of it here and it was marvellous to get out and build a snowman. I love the ice diamonds I am going to have to give them a go.
I hope we get lots of lovely snow again soon! #CountryKids
Glad you managed to enjoy the snow too 🙂
I’m so glad you had some proper snow and that the girls managed to get out and have a good play in it! Love the snow diamonds… must do that for my guys! #countrykids
Thanks Sara. The snow diamonds were fun to make 🙂
Love how you went out initially in your PJs! The ice dimonds are a great idea. I am so jealous of all the snow pictures we completely missed it and I have a very upset little boy! #CountryKids
Oh no, what a shame!
Mine were so sad that the snow did it settle here. It looks like you guys had an amazing time in it though. #countrykids
What a great snow day. I love the ice diamonds. I’m so glad I’m not the only one that layers with PJ’s #CountryKids
Lol it has to be done! 🙂