We don’t get too many snow days around here in Southern California, but when we do, we make every effort to get out there, celebrate, and enjoy them!

Thanks to the Rose Park Neighborhood Association (RPNA), local kids and families in Long Beach (CA) enjoyed a winter wonderland (for a few hours anyway) Saturday afternoon. A nice patch of snow blanketed part of the park at 8th and Orizaba, where kids of all-ages built snowmen, threw snow balls, and made snow angels. Even dogs got into the act and walked (ran?!) across the snow. It was also quite amusing to see everyone posing their kids in front of the large (what I can assume association-made) snow man for photo opp’s; of course, T was not exempt from that obligation either.

Yes, it was a wee bit chilly in the park that day. Then again, it’s not as though these kids – or us adults – exactly know how to dress for a snow event on a regular basis. In fact, T didn’t even have his sweatshirt on when C dropped us off at the park. We had planned to walk down the block later (this is the same park that hosts the Bluegrass Festival we enjoy every summer, so very close to home), but when we drove by the park close to the start time, we could tell that the snow literally wasn’t going to stick around as long as planned based on the weather (which was threatening) and attendance (which was happy and populous). And because we do live so close, C just dropped the car at the house and walked right on back to watch T having “snow” much fun with his new-found friends (and one we ran into from school, too!).

As I’ve previously indicated, T loves a good snow day. Whether natural or man-made, we’ve tried to get T to the snow every winter, and Saturday was no exception. We’re just glad that the snow day wasn’t rained out (yes, I’m serious, a threat of rain almost canceled the snow… ah, us funny Southern Californians!).

Also it was great getting together and meeting so many families in our immediate neighborhood over a fun and free community event. Seriously, it doesn’t take much to keep kids happy and entertained, and while we know that the snow wasn’t free (RPNA paid for it out of proceeds from a recent community auction event), it’s a small investment with great (and many happy) returns. We only hope that the Rose Park Neighborhood Association continues to utilize this park space in such a wonderful way.

Long Beach residents near Rose Park! Coming up on Thursday December 13 at 6p.m., the Rose Park Neighborhood Association plans to hold a community tree lighting in the park (800 Orizaba Ave)! This FREE event is open to the public, whether you live in Rose Park or not. Per the association’s newsletter, “This is an annual event is cherished among the residents of Rose Park. For a couple of weeks we get to drive by the park and see a beautifully lit tree. It represents to most of us that we love and care for our park. Please join the RPNA as we light this year’s tree for peace with the help of Commander Michael Beckman flipping the on-switch.  It’s usually cold so bundle up. This is not a community meeting, you can stop by, have a cookie, listen to some holiday music and go home feeling the spirit of the season.” C, T, and I hope to see you out there!