Life is not measured ....

Our holiday in Finland (Lapland) with Helen, Mike, Isaac and Theo.

When we arrive, it's -6 deg C and the scenery is stunning. We are staying in a log cabin called Lomaset in Petsukkalampi near the resort of Levi. It's great for the kids, there is plenty of time for chilling out. By the end of te week the temperatures have dropped to -22 deg C.

Finland Photo Album

We head for the ski slopes. A few wipe outs later (including one with the instructor), Ben and Mike are well acquainted with the snow and head to the top of the mountain. Louise, Daniel and Isaac have great fun whizzing down the slopes at kids land and by the end of the week they are all confident, have mastered "snow blow" and are still fast but with enough control to stop at the bottom (rather than just sitting down). I am pleased that after ten years I can remember how to stay upright. We spend the last day on the slopes together - Helen is tempted too and Theo is happy to watch and laugh from the comfort of a sledge at the bottom of the slope.

In between all the skiing, we fit in snow mobiles, husky and reindeer rides. The kids (with some help from Ben) build an igloo outside the cabin and we all have loads of fun sledging.

It's not all cold though ... we enjoy our stops for hot chocolate and here we are after the husky ride enjoying sausages freshy cooked on the open fire.

A fantastic week is had by all. We are already thinking about skiing again when we get to New Zealand and as we arrve in autumn it won't be too long before we get to see snow again.

When we arrive back in Birmingham, we say goodbye to Helen, Mike, Isaac and Theo. Helen and I find it difficult even though we are already planning for the Woods family to come nd visit us in NZ. There are going to be quite a few of these over the next few weeks.

posted by Sharon, Ben, Louise and Daniel @ 3:56 pm