The Big Freeze

The new year brought us lots of snow here in Swindon. Some were very happy about it: for example the children, who didn't have to go to school and could build snowmen instead. Some were less happy: such as the people who were struggling to get to work or who were relying on services such as post delivery or rubbish collection. Lindsay managed to work from home and Kerstin and the girls went out for a few nice walks through the winter wonderland.

Our house all covered in snow.

The path leading up to "our" playground.

Lindsay and Yana's snowman.

Christmas

Our Christmas was pretty quiet this year, because we couldn't spend it in Germany. It was the first Christmas, however, that Yana was really able to comprehend. And the first Christmas as a family of four. We celebrated Christmas Eve with biscuits, mulled wine, presents, and Raklette.

Yana really admired the Christmas tree ("meinabaum" from the German word Weihnachtsbaum) and the decoration that we had made together.

Among her presents was a backpack, which she has been filling with snacks and turning into a baby-carrier for her doll ever since.


On Christmas Day we went for a walk in the (remaining) snow. We really appreciate our new doubledecker buggy, which allows us to go for longer walks without being cruel to poor little Yana.


On Boxing Day we did a trip to Reading, where we walked along the river and through the shopping streets. We didn't do any shopping ourselves, because everything was packed with bargain-hunters.


We had a nice meal at a running sushi restaurant. Yana liked to play with all the little plates and lids.