there she goes!

So, I am not sure exactly how Mother Nature runs her business.  In fact, I am sure (at least this year anyways) that she really has no clue.  I am also not sure how one week it can be -40, without the wind chill, and then merely days later, I think it's spring.  I mean seriously folks!  Today I walked over to get Aidan from school, and I wore a hoodie and no mitts!  It's almost February!  I know. I know.  We will pay for this....and in a very bad way I am sure.  I mean who doesn't love snow in April!?  It happens every year. 
In the meantime, between bouts of cold and weeks of warmth, we are trying to enjoy our beloved winter activities.  One in particular....bobsledding....Snider style. 

the faster...the better!

So I learned yet a little something else about Bree and Jenna today.  One likes speed, and the other one, not so much!
Finally...finally...finally....warmer temperatures have arrived!  Woot! Woot!  We spent a good part of the morning sledding, thus the exact place I learned that Jenna (whom I thought was the more adventurous one) doesn't really enjoy the speed factor that comes with tobogganing.  Her counterpart, however, could not go fast enough.

The look of sheer terror on Jenna's face...

And the look of pure adrenaline on Bree's face.

Hmmmph.  Who knew?

Poor Jenna.  She was a real trooper though.  She said the "hill was too big....go too fast."  Bree on the other hand, was quoting words like "awesome" and "big hill, so much fun!"
All in all, at least we got outside....finally.  I will also mention here that it was Jenna who actually picked up a hockey stick this afternoon (while on skates mind you) and was shooting balls with dad by her side.  Awesome!

first skate

A big day around here this afternoon!  Before the temperatures literally plummet this evening, we took advantage of perhaps the last outdoors day for a while, and got Bree and Jenna on skates.  Yes, skates!  These little ladies were so excited to get out on the ice instead of always watching from the sidelines.

Now, teaching twins how to skate is going to be quite the endeavour I think.  It requires both Brent and I to be out on the ice at the same time to not only prevent a fall but to control the ladies giggles and make them focus.  Focus?  Yeah, right!

I have never taught any of the kids how to skate.  I have always left it to the expert....dad.  So, it was a learning curve for me today as well as to how to go about teaching kids to skate, and what steps are necessary first. 

The girls both passed the first step with flying colours...just standing in skates, on ice.  Overall,  they did better than I would have thought.  Jenna seems like a natural, while Bree, well she tends to be a little more how shall I say it...fleet footed!  A little impatient with the "process" and I think she assumed she would be skating with a hockey stick shooting pucks with the older two.  So not the case!  At any rate the girls did great.  They were totally comfortable on and with the ice, and that my friends is the most important thing.  Phew!

After about an hour of skating (yes, they lasted that long) it was time for a little family curling.  I think I may have two more curlers in my midst.  Now, all four of them have shown a love for this sport!

It will be all about indoor activities this week friends, as we will finally get our winter!  Highs are expected to be in the minus twenties and that's not including that lovely wind chill.  I see lots of soups and chili's this week, and tea and hot chocolates to stay warm!

holiday recap

Phew!  What a busy holiday season!  I have spent the last few days trying to get caught up on the things that I had set aside before the holidays had begun.  There was something so very calming about making a pile of "stuff" to deal with once the Christmas holiday's were over.  Now, as I slowly work my way through that very pile, and slowly start to come back into a daily routine, I often find myself reflecting back as to how much fun the holidays were this year.  Relaxing.  Enjoyable.  Entertaining.   And all thanks to letting things go that weren't necessary, and focusing on what was necessary instead.  Family.  We were lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Werkman join us to celebrate the last half of the Christmas week and to welcome in a brand new year.  Happy New Year by the way!  There was a lot of activity at this house of ours...from puzzles and knitting, to Ollebollen and thrift stores, everyone was kept hopping.  Brent and I even managed a little mountain escape....snowshoeing in Kananaskis!  And yes, as fantastic as they are, Grandma and Grandpa Werkman held down the fort in style.  They had the kids busy decorating the house with paper chains and streamers, donning crazy-colourful hats, and ready to ring in that new year when we returned home.  Fantastic!
Here are a few highlights of the last half of our holiday celebrations!

Dakota knows one is for her / Maelle opening a beautiful scrapbook / Bree & Jenna's Raggedy Anne dolls

were HUGE hits (thank you Grandma for your amazing talent!)

Christmas dinner later in the week / quiet time spent with

a new puzzle / learning how to knit / learning the art of corking

Once again we find ourselves being very thankful for the love and support of our family.  We are very lucky indeed! 
As the new year is now upon us, we have lots of exciting things going on on our agendas this year.  Brent is now finished his sabbatical and has returned to teaching, the kids are entering the longest and perhaps the toughest stretch of school, camping plans are in the works, and me...well....I have a potentially fantastic job opportunity that is currently in the works!  It may even involve a little travelling abroad!  Yay! 
So here's to a fantastic up and coming new year.  One which I hope and imagine will be filled with many new stories, exciting new memories, and especially many, many, fun times ahead. 
From our house to yours....all the best for 2012!