Snow Angels

Ever since Allison’s arrival to the Windy City, she’s been looking forward to a proper Chicago winter. Specifically, playing in the snow that accompanies a proper Chicago winter.

Today during work, she and Ben were heading out into the storm snow to play. And hearing that this would be Allison’s first ever snow angel? Well, how could I not go with?

Finding a large patch of untouched snow is tricky in downtown Chicago. Since we were along the river, we had a few places to check out that might be somewhat out of the main walkways.

We walked across the street to the east side of Orleans, and found a spot near the picnic tables where the ducks sometimes like to gather.

Ben had Allison’s camera, helping to document the auspicious occasion.

Allison, trying to hop the fence.

Allison sets up next to the river. Photo by Ben.

Allison, post-angel. Photo by Ben.

Not too shabby for a first timer.

We then trekked across the river and went down some stairs.
Along lower Wacker and the riverbanks, we found a few stretches of untouched snow. Not super deep, but… well, deep enough.

Ben starts up angel #2.

Photo by Allison.

This dismount is the most important part of the process…

Ben’s angel.

Me, exhibiting all the balance and physical prowess people have come to associate with my name. Photo by Ben.

Wheeeeee!

I’m quite fond of this angle. Photo by Allison.

What form, what style!

You can’t see it, but there is a lot of snow that found its way into my coat sleeves.

My snow angel. I honestly can’t remember the last time I did this.

Ben and Allison contemplate exploring further along the river for another spot.

Upper Wacker provided a nice frame to this shot. The snowfall, while not huge, made it seem like all of downtown was stuck inside some large fogbank.

Like me, I’m guessing you’re thinking of the word “jauntily,” when looking at this photo.

Ben and Allison, double angels.

Allison took this shot of me and Ben. With all the snow, we look like old men or arctic explorers.

Ben’s hair is fantastic in this shot.

Snowy self-portrait.

It was great to head outside this afternoon. I’m so glad I did. Being around Ben
and Allison’s energy… it felt good to play like a kid again. While growing up has left many of us without the possibility of snow days, where school is cancelled… it doesn’t mean we can’t go out and enjoy the weather a bit.

I felt a little silly, but that’s mostly because I’ve gotten older and have forgotten what being young feels like. Today, playing with Allison and Ben, I feel like I added two years to my life.