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Early in the winter season, each time it snows creates a "flurry" of excitement at our house. The kids dance around begging to go out and play in the mostly wet, not-sticking-to-the-ground snow. We dig out snow pants, boots, mittens, scarves, and hats and they usually spend about 10 minutes before declaring it is too cold and they want hot chocolate. I suppose they aren't used to the cold weather as they are by January or so. One of the best outdoor activities in the snow when there isn't much snow on the ground is snowflake watching. It's easy and more fun than it sounds--trust me!

To go snowflake watching, you need kids with warm clothes, a magnifying glass, and some patience. Make sure you have a magnifying glass that doesn't require fine finger movements to open and close, like those fold up kinds. They just don't do well with mittens. I purchased some bug magnifying glasses this summer and they work great for snowflakes as well. While you are waiting for it to snow, have the kids check out objects around the house, like coins, the curtains, the corners of the cabinets, etc.

The best snowflakes fall during a cold gentle snowfall with little wind. Less wind usually means a more intact crystal. It should be more of a fluffy snow rather than a warm wet snow. If your child has a dark coat, simply letting the snowflakes fall on their arm makes a good observation spot. We've also taken pieces of dark or black cardboard to catch snowflakes.

When you are examining the snowflakes, point out that snowflakes all have six sides, and each one is unique in pattern and size. The neatest thing about snowflake watching is that each one seems more lovely than the last, and you can share the ones you find with each other. Beware not to breathe warmly on the snowflake, or it will melt before you can admire it.

When you all come inside for some hot chocolate after your outdoor activity, try recreating the snowflakes you saw by making paper snowflakes.

*15 Minute Moment* Look online or in a library book to see what the Pilgrims and Indians really had for Thanksgiving dinner. You and your child might be surprised at what traditional foods were not included in that first celebration.

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