Snow in England!

It does not happen often, and never usually this much, but we were here for a big snowfall!  Usually 6-8 inches of snow would not be a big deal in most areas of the United States.  In an area of England where they are not prepared for this amount of snow, it was a very big deal!  The day before the big snowstorm, everyone went crazy and stocked up on groceries and petrol (gas).  The head teacher (principal) told everyone to check the website and the radio stations because they would most likely be closed.  The snow started early on a Friday morning and continued all day long.  We enjoyed our snow day!  Eric walked to work instead of riding his bike in the snow.

The view from our kitchen window that morning
 

The kids could not wait to get bundled up and get out in the snow!
 

The view from our front/playroom window

 

As soon as Cora went down for her nap, I took Dylan and Amelia out in the snow.

Hey Mom, let's have a snowball fight!

 

We did not exactly have proper snow gear for Amelia, but we layered up and made Dylan's old pants work.

Our driveway leading out to the street, which was never cleared. 

 

Making snow angels

Walking in fresh snow is the best!

  

This is my favorite picture.  Dylan was giving Cora a kiss.

Cora loved watching the two of them throw snowballs at the sliding glass door.

They spent the next day, Saturday, outside with Daddy.  The snow was perfect for snowmen, snowballs and even a snow slide!

Amelia and Daddy pushing a huge snowball in our garden (backyard).

They were proud of their snowman!

Amelia enjoyed the swing while the boys worked hard.

The early stages of the snow slide

The snow slide was lots of fun!

On Saturday, I drove to the little market just a few streets away from us.  Nothing was done to the neighborhood streets, so they were very slippery and icy.  The main road was salted, so it was not too bad.

I made it to the market.

 

Lots of people were out walking, as usual, but many of them were walking in the streets since the sidewalks were sheets of ice.

Yep, I was driving on ice.

Most cars were covered in snow for several days.

I only saw one person shovel his driveway.

I made it home!

Sunday morning, I went into town to run a few errands.  

The neighborhood streets were a complete sheet of ice!  Salt?  Anybody?

 

At least they salted the streets and sidewalks in town.

Not many people were out shopping.

The River Avon looked pretty with snow around it in downtown Chippenham.

On Sunday, Dylan built this snowman all by himself.  We were so impressed!

 

I wondered if the kids would be back in school on Monday since the neighborhood streets and sidewalks were a sheet of ice on Sunday.  Despite the fact that most students walk to school on those icy paths, they had school on Monday.  Here are some pictures of the conditions that morning.

I nearly bit the dust getting the pushchair (stroller) out of the boot (trunk).

Getting ready to walk on the icy path across the street to school.

We made it to school safely!  The students who brought wellies (boots) and hats and gloves were allowed to play in the snow on the field at recess.  There were about 15 snowmen in the field at the end of the school day.  I think it is great that they allowed them to play in the snow.

Cora was bundled up for the snow, but she did not want to smile for the camera.

Someone was sleepy!

There's my happy girl!

Here is Cora enjoying her bottle on Thursday, almost one week after the snow. 

Most of the snow melted, but our snowmen were still standing.  It was fun while it lasted, but I am glad it's gone.