Canadian Christmas 2008

This year we decided to fly home and spend Xmas with the family in Saskatchewan. At first we were all gung ho, but then we were a little leery once we say some of the weather updates. We quickly got over it and were prepared for some fun, festivities and family. Spencer and Abigail were quite excited to go on vacation, and kept asking when we were going to wake-up super early to fly on the airplane. We had to leave the house at 4:30 am and our neighbour Andy was kind enough to drive us to the airport. The airplane/airport experience was relaxing and smooth. The kids enjoyed all the perks of flying, and had fun discovering all the plane had to offer. We arrived without a hitch and our vacation officially began. After a few short visits and errands, we were off to my hometown of La Ronge. A thermometer reading of -32 C greeted us once we arrived, but that didn't lower our enthusiasm for winter/snow fun. The very next day we were off and running. Clearing the ice rink at the Alicia and Mike's, and prepping the hill for sledding. It turned out to be a beautiful day, and the kids absolutely loved it. Neither Abigail nor Spencer had ever been on ice before, so this was pretty special. Abigail was trooper, even through all the slips and falls. Spencer preferred sledding, but also enjoyed the ice for awhile. Spencer and Abigail continued to play with their cousins Parker and Morgan every chance they got (especially on the swing in Grandma and Grandpa's basement), and we got to enjoy to child-free hours entertaining ourselves with cocktails, Wii, old friends and the odd puzzle. I was lucky enough to be invited a jam session with my bro that lasted a total of 6 hours. Many a good tune was played that evening. Finally, Christmas had arrived, and it was utter chaos with four young kids frantically ripping through anything in their path. It didn't take them long to demolish the pile of presents under the tree. Abigail kept opening every present and commenting that "I've been waiting for this." Even though we're pretty sure she didn't even know what she had before saying it. Later we got to enjoy a traditional Polischuk Xmas dinner consisting of lobster and crab, and afterwards enjoyed some Wii for a nightcap. The kids got to strap some skates on and try them on an official ice rink, which was pretty cool. Both did very well considering where they're from, and have shown a serious interest in skating and hockey ever since. They also got to take a ride on Uncle Mike's snowmobile, and if it were up to Spencer, we'd still be driving on it. They loved it. Unfortunately, our trip drew to a close and we had to say good-bye, but it turned out to be a great trip with lots of fond memories made.