Come on in, let me show you around

Since the kids are done with school at noon on Wednesdays, we had great ambitions for the day: I've had my eye on the Zürich Zoo. But we were held back by poorly timed toddler nap, and, more so, icky weather.  It was hailing periodically all day, and none of us wanted to walk around in the ice and wet.

Well, aside from Alex, whom I couldn't have kept inside if I'd tried.  He ran out into the courtyard with a little cup every time the pellets started, darting around, trying to catch them. I think he was planning on making ice cream, but he got distracted by the general fun of running wild.

An enthusiastic Alex

Joey and Ella preferred to collect their hailstones
from the safety of the covered balcony.

While it was only hailing here, ten minutes away, up on Üetliburg, it was definitely snowing. I understand that we're supposed to get more snow tomorrow: hopefully the boys and I can go and investigate with our sled after lunch.

When he wasn't playing outside, Alex seemed to want to spend the whole day in my lap.  We read lots of stories, and he brought me board game after board game.  (Luckily Ella was happy to take my place when it was time to make dinner.)  I mentioned to Alex that maybe he could video chat with his friend Kevin soon, and he perked up immediately, started rattling off a list of people with whom he’d like to talk:  "Is grandpa on the computer? Are grandma and grandpa there? Oh, Kendra is on the computer? Can I talk to her? Can I talk to Sydney because I really miss her."  I think I may have a lonely little boy on my hands.  But Ella's being really nice to him, and that goes pretty far.

Since I spent so much time at home today, I thought maybe I’d give you a little tour.  So here it is, my ode to Swedish furnishings, with your host, young Joseph:

Our living room, in the far corner of the house

Alex's and Joey's room, from the East

and from the West

And there's our room.  You wouldn't believe how heavy
that wardrobe is.  IKEA calls it the Dömbas; we called it
that and many other choice names during assembly. 

And this, of course, is Ella's room. I'm sure this is as neat
as it will ever be.

The kids call this the quiet room.  They love their little desks,
something they've never had before.

And then there's the dining room and kitchen.
The tiny fridge and dish washer are hidden away
in similar cabinets.

I’m planning on giving away quite a bit when we return to Seattle: I love our streamlined home.