You know what would be fun?

If me and my dog went outside to play in the snow.

Alison

Alison is prone to making profound and hilarious statements. I'm sure I've posted some of her classics in the past: like when we got the first snowfall and she thought aloud "Yesterday the world was gray, but today the snow has lit up the earth," or when she told me she would like to learn about how they design jails because kids don't usually get to see that stuff. She's been really bored in school this year, so we are looking at options for her. I met with her teacher the other day and the lady doesn't seem to see it.

So I asked Alison if she could think of ways to let her teacher know how smart she is.

"No," said Alison.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because I don't want to."

"Why not?" I asked again.

"That way I can slack off."

Racer

We are smack-dab in the middle of ski season and most of our non-working time seems to be spent on a ski hill (or preparing to go, or driving..).

Here's a couple of shots from Sarah's first race of the year.

Getting dressed beforehand...


At the end of her last race. Since Sarah is in her first year of K1 racing, her name was put in a draw with all the other first-years. She has no luck though, since she drew last, 3rd last and 2nd last for each of the three races that weekend. Oh well, she finished better than that.

Happy New Year

Things are still looking festive around here!

Christmas Eve

Yes, Santa Claus, these are two very good girls. Enjoy the cookies they decorated and the hot chocolate Alison left you in the thermos.

Merry Christmas!

Sarah's New Skis

Sarah showing off her new GS skis. Don't think Santa can top that!

Sarah's Birthday

Sarah celebrated her 11th birthday this week.


She had a bowling/swimming party with her friends and had lots of fun. Some of those kids were great bowlers!


Sarah opened her birthday presents at home in front of the Christmas tree. She loves when it is Christmas-y for her birthday. Not a pleasure many of us can share!

Happy Birthday!

The last day she's 10

Tomorrow Sarah goes to 11.

Cowboy Day

The girls' school has dress up days which are often the typical "pyjama day" or "crazy hair" things , but this month, they go a little bit Calgary-style creative and kids dressed up in their Western finest. The ladies borrowed our hats and looked mighty fine, I think you'll agree.

Cabin in the Woods

Ski season is quite definitely upon us. Last weekend the Women's World Cup Race was on and almost all the hotel rooms were booked. No room at the Inn for us!

We managed to sneak into the Baker Creek Chalets, a lovely spot that doesn't take dogs and usually requires a minimum 2 night stay. They only had one night available, though, and our neighbours were able to look after Rustle, so we had the pleasure of a little mountain vacation in a beautiful cabin in the woods.


Sarah looking over us from the loft bedroom, complete with Christmas garland.

The antler chandelier. Started lots of conversations, I'll say that much for it.

Alison at the breakfast table.

The little Christmas tree and the wood stove made for a picture-postcard setting. Too bad I was using the laptop camera instead of a real one to really capture the ambience. Bob lit a fire in the wood stove and it heated the place up instantly. So cozy!