We explored some one of the local parks on the weekend, which of course was completely covered in snow. We were looking at a huge lake and were assuming that it was completely frozen. We could see some reeds coming through, so guessed it was shallow. While we were there, a group who unusually, were speaking English, came and made their way onto the ice. We watched with interest and then decided to strike up a conversation. They were scouts who were doing some of their winter adventures. We decided if they were brave enough to go out onto this frozen lake, we were too! It is a surreal feeling walking on a frozen lake and I wasn't brave enough to stay out very long. The scouts were cutting holes through the ice, with hand held drills, to go ice fishing. We had a peak and then took off. One of these photos shows Lach on the ground (not on the ice, but in the snow) - he really can't help himself! Its irrelevant if its -10 degrees ... he constantly wants to climb, crawl and explore! Yes, his head is under the railing of the bridge. He's trying to work out whether the snow ball he just threw into the stream will freeze instantly or not. (It didn't, but it did form icy clumps). The photo of us walking shows me being hit with a snowball. Throwing snowballs is a favourite activity ... the children just love picking up the fresh powder. 
The children have continued happily at school. We decided to move Sophie as we discovered that kindergarten here is not compulsory and is a year focused on emotional and social development (like preschool in Australia). They have activities that focus on early literacy & numeracy skills, but having done a whole year of school, Sophie needed something more formal. So we decided to change here into Yr 1. This also meant buying her a school uniform. Sophie finds change challenging, so it was unfortunate that she had to settle into a new class after doing so well in Kinder. She was a bit wobbly & there were some tears but she is much happier. A reader came home on the first night & she is enjoying using her brain again!
Sophie also lost her second front tooth this week so we had to write to the Canadian tooth fairy. Luckily, she delivered so that was exciting for Sophie.
Olivia had several days off school as picked up strep throat, which is going around school. This meant that we had to negotiate the medical system as she needed a doctor. It is a drop in system, but you go to the doctor to get your number & then wait. Or, you can pay a fee of $3, go home and get hourly phone calls advising of your progress in the queue. Best $3 ever spent. We were number 285 & they were up to 227 as we left! They rang each hour, then ring 20-45 mins prior to the appointment. So while we were daunted by the wait, at least we were able to go home and get on with our day. We got our number at 11:45 and were seen at 4pm. Imagine sitting there for most of the afternoon. Tony thinks this is a fantastic business idea and is trying to work out how to import it to Australia! Imagine how it would transform Ginninderra Medical Centre!
There has been one day of snow this week (Monday), which was exciting and made walking to school fun! It refreshed the environment & looked beautiful. I love how the snow is so light it rests on the leaves of the trees and every surface. I'm not sure if you can enlarge this photo of our house, but its on top of the lamp and letterbox. It is just beautiful. But once it stops snowing, the snow quickly gets very dirty. Salt is spread regularly on the road, to stop cars from slipping around. It doesn't melt as the temps are still below zero, rather it just gets dirty and sludgy, then freezes again. And, it ruins your shoes! Shoes get covered in the salt and get wet, so you have to be particular about what type of shoes you wear. These photos show how thick the sludge is: it is on the edge of the road near the curb, but it also is on stairs, footpaths and everywhere else that is commonly tread. We try to mainly wear our snow shoes when we go out. 
Today has been a pupil free day for the children. As I write this, Tony has just returned from taking Lach and Sophie skiing for the day. We had planned to all ski, but Olivia being sick changed that plan. Tony decided to still take the others but go a smaller ski field closer to home. Well, they loved it. This is their third ski and each time, we find a new favourite! We are hoping Livvy is well enough on Sunday and we hope to all go back there again. Lach and Sophie made great progress and for those up with ski knowledge, both did black runs today.
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