While it has snowed in Annapolis a couple times this winter, it has been hardly measurable and we haven’t taken the time to introduce Ryder to the snow. During Presidents’ Day weekend Lois rented a cabin in Canaan Valley West Virginia at Black Bear Resort where Kris and I stayed a few years ago. So the three of us, John & Lois, and Camille with the kids all came up for a couple days of skiing. We weren’t overly optimistic about the skiing as the valley appears to be lacking the usual snowfall totals. But the morning after arriving, it started snowing and we were treated to around 5 inches followed by a few more inches two days later. All in all, we got 3 days in at Canaan while Graeme and Vivian received lessons.
In the meantime, the snow outside on the deck was the perfect place to let Ryder experience his first snowfall. Before taking him outside, I’m sure he was thinking the attire was a little unnecessary, as we had found all the appropriate attire including snow boots, bib, parka and gloves. So he sat in the snow for a few minutes, playing with its texture and squinting in the bright light, but he seemed enamored with the foreign surroundings…. Right up until his glove came off and he reached for a large handful of the frigid snow. That was a rather uncomfortable surprise that brought out the tears.
Once warmed again, we bounced him around in it and provoked the giggles once again. I can’t wait for him to really play in the snow and experience the joys the simple pleasures can bring.
