Fresh Snow in CA? Let’s Play!

Some folks think that California is just one big sun drenched beach, but that is not the case, especially lately, and my family took advantage of that. On a recent impromptu day trip to the mountains, we had a chance to play in the white fluffy stuff. Since we only seem to make it there about once or twice a year it’s always special, especially with a little one whose last memory of it was a whole year before.

1) Putting a nose on the snowman 2) Sledding with Mom 3) Measuring the snow wall

We met up with some cousins that are locals in Tahoe City, California. We only had about an hour or so to play, but with a borrowed sled, we hiked through the snow off the side of the road. Through dumb luck we found a run that someone had already made with twists and turns. My husband tried it out first to make sure it was okay for the little kids and then the fun began. Lilah went down at least 20 times and each time pulled the sled back up the hill on her own since both daddy and I were taking turns at the top (helping her on the sled) or bottom (helping her up). We even did a few runs with her. She caught air more than once, but always landed in the soft snow. Maybe I should have brought a helmet. Next Time! Whenever she complained of being “too tired” to pull the sled up the hill, we told her that if she wanted to play, SHE had to pull it. No pain, no gain is how I was raised! I guess the excitement overcame her exhaustion UNTIL she asked to go home. It was so much fun! Hopefully the snow will last a bit longer and we can do another quick trip.

1) Lilah and Daddy after a wipe out 2) Putting Lilah to work

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“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house All that cold, cold, wet day…” *

Our sales representative in Philadelphia sent us some pictures of the recent snow storm that hit his area, closing many government and civil offices.  We hear that a big part of the country is having a snow day!  What fun! 

Here in California, we don’t get “snow days” – we mostly experience many “rainy days”.  I remember while growing up here in the Bay Area that on rainy days we would come up with great games that kept us occupied indoors while the weather was storming outside.  One of my favorite things was to take apart the couch and raid the linen cabinet to build a fort.  I loved creating tunnels and rooms.  My sister and I would play for hours on end in our forts, while my mom maintained her sanity – a challenge with two very active little girls cooped up indoors!

What indoor activities do you use to keep your little ones busy on rainy or snowy days?

*From the Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

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