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!