Let it Snow—in Pacific Palisades

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

One young Palisadian got to experience snow for the first time—and he got to do so right at home on Sunday, January 15.

In celebration of their son Banks Barncastle’s first birthday, Jessica and Ryan Barncastle brought snow to their Marquez Terrace home.

“We had our son … during COVID and he didn’t get to do as much, even as a baby, in terms of socializing,” Jessica explained to the Palisadian-Post. “When we were thinking of what to do for his birthday, we wanted to do something fun that incorporated the neighborhood and his little playgroup … We thought how fun it would be for everyone to experience snow for the first time together.”

The morning began with eight tons of ice being delivered to the family’s home, which was put through a machine to create fresh snow on the driveway. Jessica said higher areas were made for the children to make snowmen.

Of the snow, Jessica said Banks was “more perplexed than anything.”

“He didn’t really know what to do,” Jessica said with a laugh. “He was holding a bit of snow in his hands and rubbing his fingers on it. He didn’t cry, but he was like … ‘What is this cold, flaky thing in my hands?’ It was funny.”

The neighborhood was also invited to enjoy ice cream, pizza and a photobooth.

“We had my parents in town and my in-laws in town, we had such a fun time,” Jessica said. “The snow lasted for another couple of days, so even the next day … more kids came over and we played more, ate the leftover cake and made a weekend of it.”

Having lived in the Palisades for the majority of her adult life, Jessica spoke of how special the town is, and how she hopes her son revels in all the town has to offer someday.

“There is something that is so magical about being in the Palisades,” she said to the Post. “But it’s at a whole different level when you have kids … It’s been a great experience for us, and I hope our son enjoys all the Palisades has to offer because I don’t think we’re going anywhere.”