Christmas 2006

This year we spent Christmas down in Oregon with Kerstie and Thom and the lads for their first ever Christmas. At five and a bit months it was a little early for them to get too excited about the festivities however they did show a strong preference for chewing on tissue paper over the more traditional wrapping paper. We figure with a little more time they'll be moving on to events such as how far can we throw this box? mine mine mine! and what do you mean that's all there is???

It was actually pretty warm in Oregon which was a nice change from Edmonton and we enjoyed going out and doing some pre-Xmas shopping without having to put 3 layers of clothing on/off every time we left the car or store. We got to stay at Dan and Amy's place for the week which was super generous of them and their little nook in the basement of Dan's brother's house was a very cozy haven to return to after the long days shopping, drinking beer, eating chips, and of course playing with the lads. They're so much more coordinated and active than the last time that we saw them that it was quite a joy to hang out with them. Look, he's actually trying to roll over to get to that toy! He has a strong enough grip to pull beard hairs out by the root!

Col and I weren't exactly the most festive party goers though as I managed to pick up a head cold(again! every time I'm down there I swear I pick up some bug) and Col had a severe allergic reaction to some antibiotics that she was on, leaving her covered in red splotchy bumps. Still it was great to be with family for the holidays and getting to spend time with the lads was high on the list of best things you could do with your winter break.

Of course no Northern American Christmas is complete without making some gingerbread so of course once they came out of the oven we had to decorate them as well. There was only one anatomically correct gingerbread woman made and for reasons of dignity no photos were taken before she was eaten however we did manage to make a Prince of the Cosmos to keep the spirit of Katamari Damacy alive and well...


The boys decorating some of the gingerbread


Prince of the Cosmos

Early December = Bald Hills

The snow starts flying, the weather gets colder and suddenly it seems like a long time since we strapped the boots on and skiied up a hill and down again. The start of December seems to be the time that we go out to the Bald Hills near Jasper for a spot of early season telemarking as it holds the snow well, is not too extreme and has nice B&Bs nearby to recover in. This year there's no school keeping Col occupied at home feeling guilty for not studying, so she came along for her first ski in about 2 years. It was a beautiful day, the Karhu Bettys that Col rented from MEC were awesome and all in all we had a great time out in the snow. There's nothing quite like having the mountain all to yourself and getting fresh tracks on every run in deep fluffy powder.


Putting skins on the skis before the hike up the fire trail


There's a reason they call them the Bald Hills


View back up through the trees in Kenny's Bowl


The best tracks I've ever laid down (mine are on the right)


A rest after climbing back up the hill was definitely called for


Lenticular clouds above the Rocky Mountains in Jasper National Park (explanation)