There is 26 inches of snow in New York City and we are kind of sad we missed it.  Snowstorms are great fun in the city, because for a few hours, everything is forced to a standstill, and the snow is white.

But here in Indiana, there is still a decent amount of snow on the ground, and today the kids were treated to an afternoon and evening with their Uncle Doug (my brother) and Aunt Wendy.    In the past they have gone to the movies together, but they’ve never just gone up to their house and hung out.    I was excited for them, because Doug is a great uncle – the kind you always wish you had – and Wendy, I suspected, would be every bit as fun an aunt.     My excitement was not unfounded.   Maya and Wendy made, at Maya’s request, chocolate Rice Krispies treats, which Maya decorated with icing and candy, and Doug and Ben did some woodworking with the tools Ben got for Christmas and a kit Doug got for the occasion.    Then they went sledding.   Maya was almost giddy describing how Doug would give them a push at the top of the hill, counting, “Eins, zwei, drei, AHHHHH!”   They rarely get to see this side of their uncle;  the funny, playful and endlessly energetic side, which is the brother I know and love.   By the time they were done sledding Joshua and I had arrived (Joshua was supposed to fly back to New York today, but 26 inches of snow thought otherwise) with Chinese food, but before dinner Doug and Ben made up a bucket game, in which they used Ben’s new bow and arrow to try and arc the arrow into a large plastic bucket from various distances.   They even coaxed Joshua out into the snow and cold to give it a try, and he admitted it to be much more fun than he was expecting.  (My husband hails from Israel – anything that takes place in the cold and snow is not usually his idea of a good time).

Then there was food with all of us together, a funny game of Hedbanz and then about 30 minutes watching “Midnight Express” which was an old late night musical variety show in the 70’s.   Let’s just say Steely Dan was a great band, but oh the teeth on the lead singer!  (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, look them up on YouTube.  It’s enough to give you nightmares!)

It makes me happy to spend time with my kids, husband, brother and his wife.   Doug and I have always been close, and when I see that closeness extending to my kids and Joshua, it gives me a feeling that is hard to describe.   It’s a warmth and a kind of belonging only found among family or friends you’ve known forever.

So we missed the blizzard in New York, but it was worth it.   I’ll take a day like this over 26 inches of snow in Central Park anytime.