Our First Snow Day

Okay, it wasn't really a snow day because nothing was cancelled or anything like that but because it was a Saturday, and we were able to take it easy this morning, it felt like one.  It was officially cold with snow on the ground, streets, etc and icy all day.  We probably only got about an inch or two of snow but it does look pretty and makes it truly feel like winter.  Max immediately said, "Wow, it makes everything look lighter, less darkness" which is exactly what everyone has been telling us that they love about the snow.

Tabitha had spent the night at a friend's house and Calvin had tennis lessons so they both had to go out this morning, but the rest of us stayed indoors until after lunch.  It was a big Lego day for Max!

And, a big snoozing day for Coco!

We quickly discovered when we did head out, that they don't salt the streets or sidewalks and they really don't clear them.  They do spread gravel on everything which helps to make it less slippery but boy, our floors are going to be dirty for the rest of the winter!

We also saw all cars and bicycles just operating as usual, at usual speeds.  Everyone has studded tires and is not afraid to use them!  Actually, for cars, it is a law that you have to have studded tires but then there are certain roads that you are not allowed to travel on with studded tires.  A bit confusing and difficult...

Of course, I had to make a grocery store trip as usual.  The other night, I had made lasagna but was unable to find tomato paste. After having asked around, I now know that tomato paste comes in a tube in the ketchup aisle, so I was able to find it today.  I have sort of noticed before that Swedish grocery stores are full of tubes, but while looking for tubes today, I realized that they put everything into a tube! Caviar, cheese, ham, pickles, mayonnaise, salmon, garlic, etc, etc.  From now on, if I can't find something, I will look for a tube!

This evening, Calvin played in his first tennis matches since we moved here.  They play in a long term tournament sort of format by age group.  He has missed most of this tournament season but still had the opportunity to play against two different opponents tonight.  It was fun to watch and he played well.  He lost his first match but won the second.  He was excited and ready to play more!

While we were walking to the bus stop after Calvin's match, I had to take a quick picture of one of the many ice skating rinks around town.  The outdoor soccer fields have been turned into ice rinks.  So fun!