Revelstoke

The day after Christmas we packed the car up and headed for our 6 hour drive to Revelstoke. This year the kids were free from naps and we were able to get so many activities in. The first day the snow was too dry to build a snowman so we settled on playing in the white stuff and trying to build a hill for sledding. The kids were fascinated by the icicles growing everywhere and loved to tap them to watch the icicles shatter into many pieces. On the second day the snow was a perfect for snowmen, and so arrived "Charlie". We didn't get to time to try skating at home during the hectic holiday season so we tried it while in Revelstoke. Maddy did great and learned how to fall and get back up on her own. Ethan was just happy with using the bars for balance. Revelstoke Mountain Resort has a great magic carpet on the beginners hill and a tubing run on the other side. It was an activity that was fun for both adults and kids. The best part, you don't have to walk up the hill. By the end Ethan was asking to go on his own and asking the lady for 'fast spins'. I loved hearing his little screams of "weeeeeeee" as he disappeared down the hill. We also took the kids skiing for the first time this year. I was a little nervous since I haven't been on skis since before the kids were born. Luckily it's like riding a bike, except now you are hunched over, carrying a 30lb child and snowplowing the whole way. Ethan loved it and wasn't phased at all but the speed. Maddy did very well and tried a few runs with Josh just holding on to her jacket. On new year's eve Oma made Olie Bolle again, actually she made baout 100 of them! We are still making our way through them! Nothing beats a fresh, fresh olie bolle with powdered sugar. We celebrated Christmas with everyone on new year's day. Nothing beats watching the kids' eyes light up when they open a special gift! On the last full day, we had a family portrait session out in the great outdoors. I can't wait to see the full set of pictures. The rest of the weeks was sprinkled with baking cookies, lots of crafts, walks, icing sugar cookies and even two nights out for mom and dad!! Couldn't have asked for more. Enjoy the pictures!!

Christmas Day

Christmas day was awesome. Ethan woke up around 7am but I think he was staying in his bed because he knew Santa was coming! I listened to him singing to himself in his bed for almost half an hour. Finally we woke Maddy and the kids ran to the living room to see if Santa came. We had a great morning with a special bacon, eggs and hashbrowns breakfast followed by general lazing about until it was time to go to my parents' house for the Christmas there. The kids all played so well together. Frances, Pippa, Maddy and Ethan practically took care of themselves leaving the adults to enjoy the snacks. Josh and I are definitely notice the shift over to this side as the kids get older and more independent. There are no complaints about this new era coming from us! Soon it was time for presents and it's amazing how well the kids will pose for a picture when the idea of opening presents is looming over them. After dinner we played the present game for the adults. The kids got right into the game. So much so that Ethan was sure the Goldfish crackers were his and promptly took the bottle of oyster sauce to Gong Gong and said, "Me think, me no like dat" while asking for a trade.

 

Frances with a Canadian International School uniform for her Maple Lea doll. 

Cousinly love.

Love, love, love his expression.

Ethan and Josh at the dinner table. 

Ethan very happy with his 'stash' after playing the present game.

Philip and Pippa