Yesterday I shovelled all the pathways, the parking spot and dug out the wheelie bins. Perfect. Overnight we had another 20cm so I had to do it all again. This time, the boys came out to help.

It was quite warm today, a top of around -1.5. Light jacket, T-shirt and jeans, no thermals. It hasn’t been above 0 in over 6 weeks, which is unusual for a coastal town like Helsinki. It’s a proper winter and the locals approve. I haven’t experienced +30 degrees in 18 months (except in the sauna).

First Felix had to shovel a path to Roald’s swing and dig out enough room to swing a 2-year old. Roald was appreciative but impatient.

P1010164

Then the boys did some snow-swimming and ended up in the deep end.

P1010174

Coco and Elli did their usual 20 laps of the house. Elli gets knocked into the deep snow sometimes and all but disappears.

P1010157

The snow fort’s walls have been growing, and they are big enough now for a tunnel. Roald thought the tunnel was just for him, and delighted in crawling in and out of the fort. He loves snow and exploring, just like his namesake.

P1010182