baby its cold outside

you may think that 14-19 degrees Fahrenheit isn't that cold.  But with the wind chill from the bay, that just honestly bites your nose and stings your toes, it is absolutely FREEZING!  

Any kids we see at grocery stores or outside are in full on snow suits.  Any time anyone goes outside it is full on snow clothes.  For a reason.  I used to think they were just wussies.  But now I know better.  It stings.  But people here just embrace it.  They still go about their days.  They even just go on walks like its no big deal.  So, because we're trying to fit in, we tried that too.  I lasted about 10 minutes.  Just enough to go around a block.  

Life has been different because this was Eric's first week back to work.  Although Tuesday but Owen and I were sick so he stayed home with us to take care of us.  What a sweetie.  It really has been lonely.  I've never known what it has felt like to have no grown up interaction all day - until now.  Its not that fun.  I have a hard time trying to entertain a one year old all day when he only has a handful of toys!  We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of his toys.  and my crockpot and kitchen aid.  Then all will be right in the world again. We try to go outside at least once a day.  and at least for 10 minutes.  pathetic i know. but I cannot be inside all day. and I don't have a car.  Owen LOVES going outside.  He'll always just grab his shoes and bang them on our front door.  And then he'll sit down and try to put them on.  and when he fails at that he'll bring them to me for me to put on him.  at least he is embracing the cold.

i do get awfully lonely.  thus the over-instagramming and facebooking.  and pinteresting.  pinning i guess.  and I've been watching a lot of Lost.  I mean a LOT.  Its all i think about!  i need to get some hobbies.  again, things will get better once our stuff arrives.  like my sewing machine and crafts.  

Milk comes in cardboard boxes. It took me a week to open one all by myself.  I was nervous about the milk but it actually tastes the same as in the states.

We get bored so we take pictures of ourselves.

On Wednesday we went to a town called Boden to get our "person numbers".  They are like their social security numbers. We can't get a bank account here until we have them. It was quite a trip. We spent 2 hours in the migration office with some SMEEEEEELLLLLLY people.

I took this on our way to Boden.  Its gorgeous here.  You can't tell in this picture but it was a snow storm.  It was crazy!  Good thing we have studded tires to keep us safe. 

Wednesday was sunny so we decided to go for a walk.  It was so sunny so I didn't think it was cold so I didn't wear gloves or a hat.  I learned the lesson the hard way.  I thought my hands were going to fall off.
Mom, the roads and sidewalks are covered in snow and ice.  Thats how all the roads are.

I made this Swedish dessert called kladkaka meaning "sticky cake".  It is SOOO good.  It was an Elder's birthday so we made him desert.  You put whipped cream (or ice cream) and berries.  Can't wait to make it for ya'll when we come back.

I know its blurry but Owen followed Eric to the door.  He wanted to go with him to the store.  See his shoes in his hands?

Then he sits down and tried to put them on. 

I didn't buy Owen a snow suit until we moved so he has never really played in the snow until now.  

He LOVED it. 

He loves pushing the buttons on the elevator in our building.

At the grocery store last night.

I LOVE this picture.  Taken at breakfast this morning.

 

His cheesy smile.

I miss you guys.  I miss my friends and family and having things to do during the day.  I miss target and taco bell.  and zupas.  the restaurants here are NOT good which is such a bummer.  Going out to eat isn't even fun anymore.  They have a TON of pizzerias so we've had pizza twice already and that has been good.  Miss you guys and love you!  Please feel free to email, comment, text (if you have an iPhone or iPad or iTouch).  I love hearing from friends and family!
Tonight Eric is taking us 45 minutes south to Pite havsbad (google it).  Its a hotel and resort for the family.  Today we're going to go to a show where they serve dinner and then we'll spend the night and in the morning I'll go to the spa and then we'll go swimming at the indoor water park!  He spoils me!  Happy Birthday to ME!!!  I'm way excited.  

Love you all!  XOXO