Annual frost arrives at Hoag children center

Danette Goulet

NEWPORT BEACH -- Dozens of preschoolers bundled up Tuesday morning to

enjoy what was, for many of them, their first experience with snow.

For the fifth year running, the Kathryn C. Fishback Child Care Center

at Hoag Hospital had 10 tons of snow dumped outside the doors for the

young charges to enjoy.

Each year the center’s namesake, now 90 years old, makes a visit and

asks the children if they would like a load of snow to play in, said

Donna Ruiz, director of the child care center.

Although most of them don’t really know what it is, the answer is

always yes, Ruiz added.

And so their “Auntie Kathy,” who with her husband, the late Charles

Fishback, donated $1.5 million to build the facility 10 years ago,

provides a trailer of fun each winter.

“Mommy, could you make a castle for me,” asked Shea Sueda, 3, tugging

at his mother Mimi’s sleeve.

Having never seen snow before, Shea equated it to the sandy beaches

that have been his playground in sunny Southern California.

Other than wanting to build a snow castle, Shea found throwing

snowballs to be the most fun -- a favorite snow day activity for many of

the children.

Those without experience with the winter wonder quickly learned the

basics of snowball fights. If the tiny tots weren’t eating it, they were

throwing it.