Is this normal???

Had some overnight snow in the UK and just tried to take a couple of piccies of the back garden using "Snow/Beach" scene mode on my E-PL1.

First time I have used it, and I was just curious as to what results it would give.

Seemed like the lens (standard kit) had a problem focussing. It initially focussed and was then hunting back and forth very slightly in a regular way. I was able to fire off a couple of pics (which wouldn't have happened had it not been able to focus at all) but just wondered if this was normal?
Rob