hanging with the all-stars!

Wow!  This has been quite the week!  First the kids get into the Calgary Herald, and now, to round out the week, they are hanging out at the Travelers All-Star Curling Skins Game in Banff, and getting up close and personal with some favourite faces.  Hello Mr Jeff Stoughton!  Ok....maybe not the kids favourite, but he is definitely one of mine!

It was great to see a different side of these players, and see just how funny they can actually be!  One thing I have learned since Aidan has started to curl, is just how friendly this sport is.  From the parents to the spectators, and then over to the players of all levels, there is just a great sense of camaraderie amongst everyone.

Maelle met her two favourite players of the day....Ryan and EJ Harnden, both from Team Jacobs who by the way will represent Canada at the upcoming Olympics only a few weeks away!

Aidan meets up with one of his all time leading faves....Brent Laing!  You may remember that Laing's jersey hangs proudly in our basement after last year's Brier in Edmonton.  Aidan was lucky enough to meet team Howard and get a signed jersey from Mr Laing!

I think the highlight for everyone on this day, was not only meeting and seeing these players, but witnessing a live event on TSN!  It is amazing how much behind the scenes action goes on!  It was great being on the other side this time, and not to mention, being on tv many times throughout the game!  Truly a great day, and the perfect end to a great week!

famous for a day

Never wake up on any day and assume that it will be normal!  Such was the case early last week, when we received an email from a dear friend (thanks Lisa!) who had received a tweet about backyard rinks from the Calgary Herald.  Fast forward a few hours, several emails later, and interviews over the phone, to approximately 3:45 that afternoon when the photographer is in our backyard taking shots of the rink and the kids, and Brent.  The next day.....you get this:

Not only a fantastic article and a picture of our rink (and Brent and the kids) but Aidan made it on the front page!  The front page!  How awesome is that?!  The kids were famous at school, and copies of the article hang proudly in the gym, and each of their classrooms.  And we just might have a few dozen or so floating around the house....just sayin'!
Here is the link if you would like to have a read: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Backyard+rinks+make+comeback+Calgary+across+country/9356146/story.html 

Christmas

Well, Happy New Year!  A big welcome to 2014, and the start of another year.  I do hope everyone has had the merriest of holidays.  We have been doing just that around here....trying to extend our holidays for just a few more days, before the routines commence once again.  We are squeezing in a few more pajama days (these days have been my absolute favourite!), visiting with a few more families and friends, and having just a couple more late game nights with the kids.  Let me tell you, Settlers of Catan (and Seafarers - thanks Auntie Ky!) have been an absolute hit.  We are big fans around here!  Have you played?
Christmas break has been fantastic.  We have had a great balance of visiting, and baking, and cooking, and just good ole' r & r!  Lots of family time over the past two weeks has left us feeling rested and ready to see what this next year has in store.  So without further delay, some pics of Christmas Day at our house.  They speak for themselves!  It was loud, crazy, energetic, and merry...all wrapped up (pardon the pun) into one festive and fun day!

All right 2014.....Let's do this!