LATHROP – Rosi Jordan thought about driving up to the mountains to play in the snow Wednesday. 
That would have meant gassing up, packing the car and making the long trek from Modesto to somewhere in the Sierra where they could hunt for a hill suitable for sledding and tubing – not necessarily the easiest task. 
And then there was the trudging through the snow all day long. 
So she and her family did the next best thing – they headed out to Lathrop to Dell’Osso Farms’ “Holiday on the Farm” and enjoyed the snow in relative comfort. 
“We’re so glad that we chose this instead,” she said after making a run down the tube slide. “I enjoy being here with my family and getting my money’s worth. 
“And this little escalator that takes you to the top is just the icing on the cake.”
She wasn’t alone in her excitement about having a convenient winter getaway in her backyard. 
While there are ice skating rinks in places like Long Barn – the winter hamlet just past Mi-Wuk Village on the way up to Dodge Ridge and other Highway 108 destinations – people like Christine Murguia didn’t necessarily want to spend a quarter of their day driving to them. 
Murguia spent most of her time making sure that her young daughter Skyy didn’t fall on the slippery ice, but took the time to relish in the fun that she was having despite her struggles. 
“It’s so slippery,” her young daughter said. 
Mom was just happy to be soaking in the moment. 
“It’s our first time here and I enjoy seeing my daughter ice skate for the first time,” she said. “She’s having such a good time. 
“I love this time of year – I love the weather and it just seems like the people are more friendly and it’s when the whole family always gets together. And then you get to do things like this.”
Those who haven’t had the chance to take in the fun that is the Dell’Osso  snow on the farm – the manmade hill that is a huge draw for kids – as well as the ice skating rink have only through today before the attraction closes for the season.
Jeana Woltjer wanted to make sure that she and her family got their excursion in just under the wire – regardless of whether they had to learn on the fly. 
“It’s a lot closer than going to the snow,” said the Ripon resident. “My daughter just learned to ice skate today and she loves playing in the snow and seeing the animals. 
“My daughter is out of school and it’s great to spend time with her doing things like this and to spend time with the family. It’s fun being out here so close to home.”
To get to Dell’Osso Farms take the Highway 120 Bypass east towards I-5 South. Take I-5 South and get off at the Manthey Road exit. Turn right and the entrance will be on the left. 
For additional information visit www.holidaysonthefarm.com.