John's dad happened to be over after school the other day, just as the kids (9 of them to be exact) were gearing up for snow play. By the time the last were bundled and out the door, the youngest ones were back in, peeling off the layers and begging for hot chocolate. As boots and mittens, scarves and hats piled up by the back door, cold hands found relief wrapped around a warm mug. Dad laughed remembering his own dozen fighting over boots (boys never wanted to wear red, girls never wanted black.) He admitted he'd forgotten all the effort that went into those few minutes of fun in the snow, and the mounds of snow clothes that landed in their laundry room when the play time was done. It was fun conversation and I'm glad he was there with us to remember and giggle about it. He asked if boots still slipped over shoes and fastened with a rubberband over a button. Nope, thank heavens for velcro, zippers and fur lining!
