Ski weekend

We took part in a couple free ski days for locals this weekend, the kids' first time skiing!! It was a big success in that they did well and really took a liking to it! The hot springs following Day 1 in Fairmont were a big hit too, as always :) Day 2 was spent at Kimberly, where we met up with a couple friends who watched the kids so Kevin and I could ski. A great weekend!!

2011 Christmas Photo & Newsletter

Once again, we're sorry we weren't able to mail this out to everyone. If you prefer to sit down infront of the tree with newsletters and mug in hand like I do, feel free to print this out by clicking on each page (or photo for your fridge). We pray you each have a Merry Christmas and the New Year brings blessings of every kind!

Christmas begins!

I think it's safe to say that the Christmas season has officially been rung in this weekend! Yesterday was the annual Invermere Light-up with the winter parade, bonfires and hot chocolate. This morning we headed out (post rain) to find a tree for our livingroom... it was an interesting experience in mild weather with little snow around (all melted). Infact, we got all bundled up in anticipation of cooler weather & wind higher up the mountain road, only to find the perfect tree about 30 seconds after leaving our house. No joke. Kevin said, "hey, look at that one!". It was a "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" moment where the tree sings a perfectly pitched "Aaaaaaaaaahhh!!!" and you just know it's the one. BUT - the moment passed in a flash with the realization that our tree hunt would be cut violently short and really no fun at all. Seriously, 20 minutes of bundling up for 30 seconds of driving? I think not. So on we drove! The roads proved to be a challenge with watery ice but we eventually found another perfect tree (not quite as perfect to be honest, but still great!). Without further ado, here are some pics from the day: Tadaaaa!!! We had to re-arrange our house a bit but found something that works.

2011 Summer Vacation

What may not seem like a very far distance to most, we took the plunge in driving 3+ hours (plus a 35min ferry ride) to our vacation destination this summer: Kokanee Creek Provincial Campground in the beautiful West Kootenays. It was a "plunge" b/c our 15 month old Isla is our cry-la, our screech owl, our Ring Wraith (Lord of The Rings, if not familiar), our youngest and most neediest fuzzy duckling. She does not like to travel. Especially when tired. Period. We're hoping next year will bring change for our baby duck, as this destination was a HUGE hit for us all and we hope to make it an annual visit!!! Definately worth the torture we endured allll the way home in our extended cab truck, where the young wraith was mere inches from all ears... anyway, that's that. Onto the pictures!!!!! Kokanee Salmon Spawning Channel, a 5 minute bike ride from our campsite. The kids loved watching the fish so, needless to say, we did this one quite a few times. Daddy and his girls hangin out by the creek. This little boardwalk likely isn't for bikes, however it was a favourite for Aiden b/c you could go "really fast!". It wound up over the creek (spawning channel) and into the woods, only for about 1 minute worth of walking distance. The beach was beautiful! It was about a 5 minute walk from our campsite... warm, shallow water and fine white sand perfect for castles and mermaid legs! The playground was fun but we spent most our time biking and hiking. This was the best nap she had... slept through every noise and bump, which is VERY unlike our light tummy sleeper!! Playing mini Snakes & Ladders in the trailer. A hit! A little fall at the top of one hike. Spirits of adventure lead the way! One family photo that sort of turned out - shocked! Camouflage boy pushing log. Too funny Aiden, you're such a card pal. Happy hikers :) Gluten free pancakes, blueberries & bacon. Mmmmmm! The beautiful Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park (Gibson Lake loop). Taking a break after 20 minutes of "hiking" our lake loop trail. What's a walk if you can't stop to smell the flowers?? Cute little boy pushing very large rock. Funny guy... :) Our campsite! Too close to the washrooms for comfort but at least the kids went by themselves every time they needed to (and we could hear them yell if they needed help)! You win some, you lose some. All in all a georgous campground and we hope to make it an annual event!! One downside was the last half hour of the drive as our oldest two munchkins began feeling sick as we winded (reallllly winded) around the lake road to the ferry point. Crazy curvy!!!!! Georgous park though!!!!! So relaxing. And fun.

1st day of Kindergarten!

Atalie was very excited to wear her new clothes and snap the clips on her new backpack this morning as she headed out the door! She's quite cool about the whole thing - excited but not jumping up and down kind of cool. We buzzed away in the van at 8:19 to take Atalie to school, 9 minute later than I had hoped to leave b/c we had hoped to walk to school! Oh well, there's always tomorow right? :) Attie was thrilled to see that she had her name above a little coat hook for her sweater and backpack right outside her classroom. She was a little shy as she walked into the class but seemed like she had done it before and soon found a spot on the rug by her friend. I could have left at that point without her even noticing but of course I would have noticed so I had to go over for a hug and kiss before sending my little girl out into the real world.... bittersweet. ps. I didn't actually shed a tear, somehow. It's a momentous occasion though. That's for sure.

Summer in one big nutshell!

June was a month around the house and yard... July was packed with birthday parties (1 bowling party for the girl I watch, 1 pirate party for the boy I watch and 1 party for Gramma Dyck!) as well as typical summer fun... August has been flying by, with one (Israelson family) camping trip down, one (Dyck) wedding, one baby shower (for two families) and plenty more summer fun... Moose (Alces) Lake, Whiteswan Provincial Park (half hour SE of our house). Ryan Dyck & Stephanie Pigeon were married August 6th in Okotoks, AB. Indian Battle Park, Lethbridge (post wedding day, before heading home again) My first baby shower cake, for Alena Baltrus and Sofia Huscroft. Sitting on hay bails at Nana & Papa's as we pack to go home. The remainder of summer will include one (Aiden's 4th) birthday party, one final camping trip (likely West Kootenays) and plenty more memories to sort through before beginning a new chapter in fall (Kindergarten for Atalie and a possible, very part-time job for me - to be determined)...