Sarah Super Skier

Our super skiing Sarah received her certificates for completing the first two levels of the new Nancy Greene "Snow Stars" program. Bob and I aren't actually sure what some of the lingo means in the next section ("straddle brush dual", anyone?) but the head coach says it takes a lot of practice and a lot of testing. So, Go Sarah! You rock!

Kindergarten Skating

Alison's class went skating on Wednesday. It was a great time, we walked to the C-train station from the school, rode the train to the arena and skated happily away for an hour. Tired and happy children returned for a snack at school before heading home.

Alison thought it was one of the best days because there was no school work to do all day. How great is that?

Here is the class in a group lesson.

And here is Alison practicing what they were teaching.

Rustle goes to Brownies

As part of their Chinese New Year celebrations, Sarah's Brownie group invited all the puppies to help them bring in the Year of the Dog.

Of the 10 or so dogs present, Rustle was the only misbehaving puppy. The owner of the 5 year old golden retriever assured me I only have another year of the exuberant, jumpy pup to go, then he'll settle down. The scared little Brownies and I only hope he's right.

An Ali-Conversation

J: "Alison, the camera is cold."

A: "Give it a sweater, Mommy."

J: "Maybe I should give it a nice warm bath."

A: "Now that's just plain silly."

Walking the dog

How is that puppy training coming along? Well, Rustle is not about to win any well-behaved dog contests, but he is getting better at heeling, which was my main concern.



Here's a shot of Alison walking Rustle home from her school bus stop. See how loosely she can handle the leash? Good job, puppy. Isn't it also impressive how she can manage to walk with her big sister's hat hiding most of her face? Apparently, both of them have things to learn about taking a walk.

Alison the guitar player

Alison got a new guitar for Christmas. She has learned to strum along with the beat while playing a G note. So we can sing "Brother John, Are You Sleeping?" while Alison accompanies us on the guitar. Yippee!

Surviving Puppy School

Well, last night's class was not the most fun Rustle and I have ever had. Apparently acting like a puppy is not good. He needs to read the mind of the trainer and know that he's supposed to lie down. A lot. And she told me he's too fat. Then nearly called me fat too.

On the positive side, Rustle is very smart and is catching on to the staying calm and even leaving treats alone tricks. And I'm sure my tongue will heal from all the biting.

Puppy School

Tonight will be Rustle's first behaviour class. I'm really hoping he learns to heel, because I'm actually shocked that he hasn't choked himself yet. Other than heeling, and the occasional refusal to come when called, he's a pretty good dog.

Pretty good, but he can do better.

Ski demon

Sarah is now into a month of the Lake Louise Ski Club and has so far skied off every lift on the mountains. Yesterday was her first trip up the platter to the summit of Mt. Whitehorn. It's really a quite tricky lift, the platter fits between your thighs and it tows you up quite a steep hill. And then the runs down are nice and steep, which was lots of fun for Miss Sarah the Super Ski Demon.

But wouldn't you expect a bigger smile?


Only if Daddy carries her skis.

I Can Tie My Shoes

Will you just look at what Alison can do now! That little girl has learned to tie a beautiful bow in her very own shoes.