Let It Snow!

Here in Beijing, we don't get much snow. In fact, today was the first time we had snow all winter! The winters are bitterly cold, but quite dry, so we don't get to have many snow days. Even though it was only a light dusting, today's snow shower was cause for celebration! Everyone bundled up and ran out to play. Here are a few pictures and stories from the day...

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Brett had such a great time twirling around, using his foot to trace patterns in the snow.

Cheryl caught on pretty quickly to the idea of a snowball fight. And she liked making big ones! She didn't enjoy being the target of a snowball so much...

At first everyone was a little unsure about the snow... after all, we don't see it much! But it wasn't long until everyone was squatting down and getting in the thick of it!

What snow outing is complete without a snowman? Ours was complete with a mitten for a hat, coal eyes and buttons, and a carrot for a nose. As someone said, this snowman was given a "mei guo ren bizi" which means "American nose." The Chinese like to tease Americans for our "big noses." All in good fun, of course...

Here are our happy snowman builders! Everyone worked so hard on the snowman that they wanted to take it with them back into the foster home. One nanny tried to explain that the snowman would melt if they moved it into the foster home.

But Cheryl insisted that the snowman shouldn't be left out in the cold... he needed to go with them back into the house! The nanny then told Cheryl, "But if we move him, we'll break him!"

Unfazed, Cheryl pointed out what was apparently quite obvious to her, "Well then, we'll just have to take him to the hospital! They'll fix him!"

She, along with some of the other children, attempted to move the snowman, and the nanny's warning proved true. The snowman crumbled. Most everyone was OK and happily scampered off to play in the snow some more...

That is, everyone but Brett. He picked up what was left of the snowman and cradled it, even crying because it was broken. Brett has such a tender little heart.

Good thing he didn't see the snowman melt...