First Snow

Today, we had our first snowfall. There's a quiet peace that settles into the trees. The mountains disappear into a white foggy sky. And its blistering hot indoors. Kyra's running to every window of the house pointing out each snowflake that falls and naming it, "Snow!" She keeps telling me that she needs her coat and jacket and boots. Kyra's ready for winter and so am I. Some people think I'm crazy for loving the winters out here, but along with the bears, this is another reason why I love living in Alaska. Where our cabin is located, we actually get snow a month earlier than Anchorage. Thomas must plow the driveway with a snowblower because a shovel would take too long. We have to purchase very expensive snow tires for our cars so we don't slip and slide on Hiland Rd. And even then, sometimes the car refuses to make it up the driveway and we must hike our way to the house. (So far, the Michelin Ice-X tires are the bomb! I'm all about the gear, guys...and these tires with no studs can plow through anything. One time, we came home to find our driveway blocked by a wall of snow packed in by the street plows. Somehow, the tires muscled its way up through this wall which was as high as the hood of the car.) But it's all worth it, when behind a dense curtain of bejeweled falling snow, you are snuggled up on the couch in front of the wood burning stove and you feel all safe and cozy.

Thomas returned from Galvaston (earlier than scheduled) after he heard my terrifying voicemail the night Kyra locked herself in the bedroom. At daycare, when Thomas was gone, Kyra's teacher asked her why she was sad. Kyra answered, "Daddy left." Both kids seem calmer and happier with daddy home.