Family Winter Picnics!
~ A fictious account of a Family Winter Picnic… ~
This story is a fictious account of a Family Winter Picnic that took place a few years ago. We had so much fun, lots of laughter and snow activities, and of course, a great lunch dined on snow covered park picnic tables. I hope that this article will encourage you and your family to take the leap and go on a family picnic adventure. Note: most of the photos, and all of the videos were taken during our picnic. If you do go on your own family picnic, please send a photo of your adventure to me at gary@ontariovisited.ca. (Family Winter Picnics)
Family Winter Picnic
The morning sun glistened on the freshly fallen snow, giving the world a soft, sparkling glow. From our living room window, we could see the entire park blanketed in white, its winding pathways and tall pines transformed into a winter wonderland. My parents had promised a day of outdoor fun, so we set about gathering all the essentials for a truly memorable winter picnic. (Family Winter Picnics)
Off to our family winter picnic!
Mom and I assembled a hearty lunch in the kitchen: thick roast beef sandwiches, hot tomato soup in sturdy thermoses, and a tin of buttery cookies that had just come out of the oven. The smell of fresh pastries mingled with the brisk winter air creeping in through the slightly open window. My dad sorted out layers of clothing, thermal long johns, fuzzy sweaters, and insulated snow pants, to keep us warm all day. After a quick check to make sure we hadn’t forgotten anything, we loaded the car with a small sled, a bright red snow tube, and our picnic basket of goodies, then set off to find the perfect snowy spot. (Family Winter Picnics)
All packed up and ready to go!
Upon arriving at the park, we were dazzled by how different it looked under a thick layer of snow. Trees stood like tall, elegant sculptures coated in white, and the winding paths disappeared into rolling drifts. We trudged along, knees sinking into snowbanks, laughing at one another each time someone lost their footing. Finally, we spotted a wooden picnic table whose top still emerged from the snow, the benches piled high with soft mounds like nature’s cushion.
We’ve arrived at the park.
With gloves on, we cleared the benches as best we could and spread out a thick blanket to sit on. The thermoses were popped open, sending clouds of hot steam billowing into the crisp air. There was something magical about sipping hot soup in the biting cold, our breath mingling with the steam as we relished each comforting spoonful. The sandwiches disappeared quickly, devoured almost as soon as they left the picnic basket. A round of hot cocoa with marshmallows was the crowning moment, warming our chapped lips and rosy cheeks. (Family Winter Picnics)
Ready to eat!
Once our bellies were full, we scampered off to explore. The playground was nearly buried, but the swings remained visible, beckoning us like old friends. My sister and I brushed off the seats, hopping on with shrieks of delight. There was a childlike glee in soaring through the cold air, our boots kicking up puffs of powder as we swung back and forth. (Family Winter Picnics)
But first, let’s play
Next came the sledding hill. We dragged our red tube and small sled up the gentle slope, bundled so tightly in coats and scarves we could barely bend our knees. One by one, we took turns launching ourselves downhill. The tube spun in circles, the snow spraying across our coats and hats. The world blurred around us with each exhilarating descent. Our laughter seemed to echo through the silent trees, a joyous sound in a landscape of white. (Family Winter Picnics)
Going up and down, so much fun!
Eventually, we decided to build a snowman. We piled up three enormous spheres of snow, each one heavier than the last, and fashioned them into a perfect frosty figure. Mom procured a carrot from our picnic supplies for the nose, Dad offered up a couple of spare buttons for the eyes, and I found two sturdy sticks to serve as arms. Our new friend stood proudly, topped with an old woolen cap that my sister deemed “Snowman Chic.” (Family Winter Picnics)
So much snow, lots for snowmen and snowball fights!
As the afternoon sun began to dip behind the tall pines, we realized the day wouldn’t be complete without one final bit of fun: an all-out snowball fight. Dad was the first to strike, discreetly scooping up a handful of snow and tossing it at my brother’s back when he wasn’t looking. The shocked expression on my brother’s face turned to gleeful determination in mere seconds. He retaliated with pinpoint accuracy, sending a snowball sailing right between Dad’s shoulder blades. That was all it took. Suddenly, everyone was dashing for cover behind drifts or scurrying behind the snowman, hastily scooping and shaping frigid, powdery orbs.
Crashing at the bottom!
Mom let out a triumphant whoop as she scored a perfect hit on my sister’s leg, leaving a round white splatter like a medal of victory. My sister shrieked in response and took off running, snow flying in every direction. The trampled ground quickly showed evidence of battle, riddled with footprints and mini craters. Our giggles filled the frosty air as we charged back and forth, snow missiles streaking overhead. (Family Winter Picnics)
Looking through the family bridge!
When we finally called a truce, we were breathless, exhilarated, and dusted head-to-toe in fluffy flakes. As we trekked back to our picnic spot, cheeks flushed, we all agreed that there was something profoundly joyful about a day spent outdoors, no matter how cold. Packing up the blankets and empty food containers, we gazed at our snowman one last time, feeling every bit as content as our frosty friend appeared. (Family Winter Picnics)
Food at last!
Climbing into the car, we gave the winter wonderland a final look, our hearts full of laughter and warmth. Despite the chill in the air, this snowy picnic had been the perfect way to savor the season, swings, sleds, and a spirited snowball fight all wrapped up into one unforgettable winter day. (Family Winter Picnics)
Nap time!
