Family Long Weekend

We took off for the cabin on saturday for two nights. We arrived at 3:00 and it took a few hours to warm up. When we get there, it is usually -5 inside and takes about an hour for every 3 degrees to heat up.

Mads got to have some special mini cereal boxes as a cabin/camping only special.

Bobs spent a lot of time on the ipad, so we had to get him outside the next day doing nature things.

We checked out the nearby ski hill. The kids have never downhill ski'd before, but I imagine next year or the following, they will hopefully enjoy it.

This place is small and has only two t-bars as far as I noticed. It seems perfect for kids.

The name Medicine Lodge - no relation to Medicine Hat. Our cabin is closer to Red Deer.

We did our usual swim drop in at the Sylvan Lake pool and had lunch at Beach Burgers beforehand.

This is the first weekend in awhile where the weather outside is tolerable.

The snow is packed down and much easier to walk and sled on, so we walked over to the lake and watched the snowmobilers and ice fishers enjoying their winter.

I am standing on this ice here, taking a photo of the playground and community where our cabin is.

This is the beach that I envision laying on as the high noon sun shines on me in mid July.

Who is coming to the cabin with us next time?

Photobooth

Preschool Fundraising Winter Festival

The boys had a sleepover the other night and did this set up by themselves.

On saturday, it was the annual winter festival for Mads' preschool. All parents had to contribute to the bake sale. I am horrible at baking so I made Valentine's Cupcake Popcorn. Soooo not good for you!

There was a magician, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, and some outdoor activities.

Some of our neighbours were able to come as well. It is quite cold outside, so we did mostly indoor things.

We didn't skate or sled, but we had some S'mores.

Swimming and Bow Habitat Station

The boys have swimming lessons every thursday afternoon and are still in the same class.

On saturday, we went to the Bow Habitat Station near Inglewood. Mads has been there last year for a birthday party. Daddy and Bobs have never been and quite liked it.

We learned that there are only about 800 lakes with fish in them in Alberta. And without fish hatcheries, the fish supply would be rather depleted. Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, have around 2 - 5 anglers per lake. In Alberta we have 320 anglers per lake.

At first, Bobs said he was bored, but then he got really interested, the further we got into our tour.

They got to feed the rainbow trout.

The station was damaged during the flood and the fish had to be moved to the Cold Lake hatchery. Half of the fish from the Bow hatchery were lost ( maybe they went into the Bow River prematurely? )

Day Trip To Cochrane

We took a day trip to Cochrane with the mini van we have as a loaner until our car is fixed.

We picked up some kids on the way and stuffed them all in the back.

We had lunch on the porch of a cabin.

We had to stop at McKay's Ice Cream on main street.

A Visit with a Baby and Snow

My old roomate that I lived with at the same time that I lived with Kristin, came by for a visit with her son who just turned 1.

He loved playing with the bigger boys and screeched happily as he followed them around. Mads enjoyed his company too.

Daddy knew my old roomate from Speedskating days before I even met her. And we met separately. Funny eh?

It's continuing to be a snowy year. The kids keep wanting to buy hot wheels and iPad apps, so we are making them earn money by helping with chores like shovelling, garbages, and laundry.

New Years at the Cabin

We made it out again to the cabin for two nights. We swam at the pool in Sylvan Lake and Sarah joined us for the last night.

The neighbours were saying that they haven't seen this much snow since the 1970's. In Calgary, we have had record snowfall for December.

As such, ( and likely other factors ), the car port/tent collapsed on our car over night. Sadly, it dented the top 4 corners of the car's frame. Insurance says they will cover it.

The driver side mirror was also damaged.

Uuggghhhhhh. Painful. At least nobody was hurt. It is still drivable as far as we know.

The festivities had to continue. As usual, we celebrated JJ's birthday as well at NYE.

JJ's dad came by with some presents after giving Sarah a ride to the cabin.

The weather was around -20 C, so only a few of us played outside.

The kids had a pizza party.

Then some sparkler crazy cupcakes that set off the fire alarm.

The grown ups had raclette. A cheese and grilling type dish that Daddy and I have never really tried before.

Nobody really made it to midnight, but we worked on a puzzle quietly while the kids slept.

Happy New Year! Wishing you health and happiness in 2014.