Waiting....

Feb. 4...that's the date baby is supposed to arrive but we all know how well babies follow schedules!!! So, it's the waiting game. I've only been off work for a couple days - Friday was my last day, but technically, today is - due to PD, etc. I made up some time and got an extra 2 days. There is tons of stuff to do (as always) - cleaning, cooking, organizing, but I'd rather baby just arrive. Still no idea what it is going to be - I've had 2 "girl" dreams, but they are only dreams. The other night my friend Judy had a dream that I delivered a 10 lb 2 oz girl - Lord, I hope she was wrong - on the weight at least!

Alyssa is excited. I think she will be fine, although I'm sure there will be a little upheaval. Hayden on the other hand, we're not too sure. He says he doesn't care if the baby is a boy or a girl, but it better be a boy when it grows up...sigh, the flexibility of a gemini...

Ole Uffda X-Country Ski Loppet

This year the Camrose Ski Club celebrated 100 years. This made the Ole Uffda Loppet on Jan. 21 that much more special. Before the skiers began, they gathered for a group shot with Ole. This is just part of the group, otherwise you couldn't see Alyssa and Hayden.

This first big ski race for Alyssa and Hayden was a cold one. Being that I am very pregnant, I didn't think skiing was a great idea for me, so Steve volunteered to ski with Hayden for the 1.25 km loop, then to catch up with Alyssa and finish off the 2.5 km with her. Turns out I was able to meet them and they were pretty close together so I walked beside Hayden to the end and the other two continued. Although it wasn't a warm day it had warmed up considerably from the -47C we had earlier in the week. It was a balmy -17C plus wind chill. As you can see, the kids are quite bundled up. I'm surprised (and proud) that the both braved the cold temperatures and finished the race. Hayden was grumpy after (as only Hayden can be), but Alyssa had a great time and really enjoyed it.

...and they're off....

moving along, keeping warm!

Hayden crossing the finish line...

...and receiving his medal from Ole. He thought that was pretty cool.

Alyssa moving it for a strong finish.

Alyssa getting her medal from Ole.

So proud of both my kids for finishing and braving the cold!

Happy New Year

Last year we rang in the New Year with fantastic friends in Sri Lanka...beautiful people, beautiful weather and tons of fantastic food (including a dessert room - yep, a whole, chilled room dedicated to unlimited desserts). This year was a little different. While not cold by Canadian standards (barely below zero), we celebrated with just our family...and no one made it even close to midnight. I thought of making fondue as a treat, but decided instead to go into work during the day and get a few things finished up for my quickly approaching mat leave. Looking for a quick, easy, special tradition, I stopped on the way home for supplies for "make your own sundae". The kids loved it...can't say I would have tried either of their concoctions. For the next week they asked if they could make sundaes every night - guess it was a hit.

Models

Hayden models his cool "aviator" hat from Grandma Isy (it's his fav and he wears it all the time)

Amy modelling her Nepalese purse from 10 000 Villages

Alyssa looking very sullen in her new hat from Gramma Isy. She does like it, honest.

The "show-stopper" for Alyssa was her guitar. She was SO excited and gave multiple concerts.

Mini Santas

Alyssa and Hayden played "Santa" and made sure everyone got their "loot"...secretly, it was a reading activity :)

Hayden and Grandpa Vinny

With Grandma Isy and Uncle Nathan "set up", Alyssa made sure Auntie Amy got hers.

Christmas Morning

As usual, the kids war up at some ungodly hour...I think the rule was we could go downstairs at 6 and open one present and stockings. We managed to find two gifts of interest (opening a gift that was clothes at that hour may have been disastrous). At least they had some new things to "build" while they waited for everyone to get up.

Impromptu Christmas Concert

Another highlight of being home? Super Cool Cousin Sarah was home too. It's been a couple years since the kids have seen their 'idol'. I'm not sure whose idea it was but the three of them came up with the idea to do a concert.

Alyssa didn't want to participate in the singing, but she wanted to make sure things went her way...

Hayden and Sarah sing Jingle Bells.

What's up next...?

...the two of them "Rocked Rudolf" with this crowd participation original.

Dukie

As most of you know, when we went to Malaysia we had to find someone to look after our dog (first child), Duke. While it was hard to leave him, we left him in the very competent hands of my aunt, uncle and cousins. He's still on a farm, but has happily adjusted to being primarily an inside dog. He is 10.5 yrs old and his age is starting to show, but he's happy as a clam and doesn't complain even if he is in pain. We all love visiting him, but especially Alyssa. Thanks John, Jo, Sarah and Micheal for being Duke's adoptive family!

Elijah

One of the highlights of being in Manitoba for Xmas is that we got to finally meet my nephew, Elijah (he's already 15 months!!). I must admit however, it made me a little fearful of what I'm in for over the next few years...how quickly we forget.

A winter walk - Amy, Mom, Nathan and Elijah in the sled.

Watching "the cousins" tobogganing.

Alyssa LOVED helping out ~ wondering how long it will last in our house.

Elijah and his daddy.

Tobagganing

Before there were ski trails, there was a great little toboggan hill. The kids had a great time on the little sleds...

...small and big kids alike. Hayden and Auntie Amy became a team in the race.

...and the winner is...

Laughter all around...and the weather was great too!

All Dressed Up

Forgot to post this picture from Hayden's Christmas Concert. He just looked so big in his "fancy" clothes. Alas, none of Alyssa as being 1/2 hour early means you are sitting in the back 40 of the gym!

Skiing in Manitoba

We've been lacking snow in Alberta, so the kids were quite excited to get to Gramma Isy's and go for a ski. There are no trails this year so Gramma broke trail and the kids followed. Alyssa LOVED skiing with Gramma! Thanks Gramma!

Steve snowshoed beside Hayden so he wasn't left behind. I took over that job in subsequent days (which was good exercise, even if only for 1 km) and Steve found some rental skis so he could ski a little. I didn't feel up to skiing...

Grampa Vinny pulled out his snowmobile and track to make a short 1 km ski loop for the kids in the ravine. A little more snow and a track and the kids (and adults) were off. Alyssa and Hayden skied almost every day. Hayden was a 1 km max kid with mom snowshoeing beside, but Alyssa must have done 2 - 3 km each time.Thanks for the trails Grampa Vinny!