Snowy Laughs and Toddler Chants
As the winter wind whispers through the trees and the world dons its snowy blanket, there’s something about the crisp, cold air that beckons the outdoors, inviting us to relive the joyous, unbridled fun of the past. Recently, a simple family gathering turned into an evening brimming with laughter, playful competition, and the kind of pure joy that you typically only see in children. It was a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to reconnect with our youthful spirit is a snowy hill, sleds, a snowboard, and the company of loved ones. The night was a magical blend of the present and the past, with my daughter Hannah, son Andrew, his wife Crystal, and their fearless 20-month-old toddler Emery.
The stage for our winter wonderland was set at Hannah's backyard hill; blanketed in a fresh coat of snow, which was the canvas for creating new memories while reliving the old. Although Andrew and Crystal had taken Emery sledding in their own yard, this was her first experience with a bigger hill. Bundled up and beaming with excitement, she embarked on her maiden voyage down the snowy slope, snugly secure in her daddy’s lap.
However, it was Emery’s solo adventure that truly captured the essence of the evening. Each time Andrew gently released her sled, her tiny voice would echo down the hill, "Got it” and “Hang on!" And at the bottom of the hill, her gleeful chant of "more, more, more!" was a clear sign, she’s definitely her daddy's daughter.
As the evening unfolded, the sibling rivalry between Hannah and Andrew, reminiscent of their childhood days, rekindled. Whether attempting to race down the hill standing on sleds or daring each other to tackle the man-made jump headfirst, their playful competitiveness was a joy to witness. The laughter reached its peak when Hannah, arms spread wide, approached the jump with a penguin-like elegance, only to meet the snowy ground with a resounding thud. Andrew, seeking speed, tucked in his arms and zoomed down the slope. Watching them, I was transported back to the days when their biggest challenge was who could build the best snow fort.
After the outdoor adventures, we gathered inside to warm our chilled bones and fill our bellies. Supper was more than just a meal; it was a continuation of our family bonding. The table was a place of warmth, not just from the food, but from the stories, we shared and the memories we recounted.The evening concluded with a game of pool, where the friendly competition continued. The clack of the balls and the strategic moves were a testament to the fact that while we may grow up, the child within us never really fade, it just waits for moments like these to come out and play.
As I reflect on the evening, I'm reminded that being together with family is everything. It's not just about the activities we do; it's about reliving the memories of the past while creating new ones. It's about watching your children play and laugh, and seeing in them the same joy and innocence you remember from their childhood. It's about cherishing each moment, each laugh, and each playful tumble in the snow. It's in the moments of snowy laughs and toddler chants, and genuine connections that life finds its sweetest expression.
xoxox…..Sheryl
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