snow day so cal style

Well you already know my stance on traditions. I am a freak, yes, I know. Along with my list of major traditions falls the "must visit snow once a year" tradition. The good thing about living in North San Diego County, is that we are within a 2 hour drive to the mountains, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and less than 30 minutes from the beach.

We are spoiled rotten and we don't take it for granted. But, we also know that we trade open space, slow pace, and cheaper housing as a result.

Julian is a very small mountain town within a short driving distance. We go up every fall to pick apples and usually once a year to have a snow day. It is at a lower elevation so when there is a storm we know we have to get up there within a couple of days before the snow melts.

We made plans with friends and headed up the mountain.

 You have to love the contrast of palm trees and snow.

 Am I the only one who has flashes of Ma and Pa shopping at the general store when I pass old buildings?

Once we found our spot, which was clearly marked "no trespassing" we jumped out of the cars and went for it. We figured a ticket for trespassing would be worth the fun. We live dangerously like that. Speaking of living dangerously, we go sans appropriate snow clothes. Much like the logic of using an umbrella in Southern California, if you only have to use it once in awhile, they really are not worth purchasing. So we let our kids freeze. It's okay, it builds up good character. Or something like that.

 You may notice that we don't invest in sleds either when boogie boards work perfectly fine.

Something tells me that this is how I'll always remember my guys.

FYI: soccer shoes are an excellent snow shoe replacement.

And the day would not be complete without a snowball fight.

While there were a few bumps and bruises, a kid who didn't care to participate, and complaints of frozen hands, it was still a day to add to out family tradition bank. Days like that are priceless.

Much love,
Katie