Practice Makes...it a little less hard each time

Every time we lace up Liam and Casey's skates they improve little by little, it's pretty cool to see.  It's hard work (not just for them) but we're all really enjoying this new family activity.  A couple weeks ago we went out for a skate on Lake Louise...

Casey hauling our skates...he offered.

Casey on the ice standing up on his own

The Pro

Liam making a hockey snow angel

Design made from the puck

Liam the goalie

Casey...he was attempting to get to the other side of the lake to see the "barn" - which was really the boathouse

Liam in the ice castle

Liam

Casey

On Valentines

This is a little late but here was our Valentines...

There were conflicting work schedules so I didn't get to see much of my big Valentine so it was a good thing I had these two little cuties to love me up (and vice versa)...

There were cupcakes...

There were flowers...

There were even Valentine treats for Jack, that lucky dog...

And there was love...

That's all you need. 

A Visit to Daddy's Work

Tobogganing, skating and skiing, oh my!  It was a super nice warm sunny day so I packed up the van with every possibility of winter activity and we went to visit Daddy at work.  The tobogganing and skating were short lived due to the temptations of marshmallows and a camp fire near by....but after a marshmallow sugar high they were ready for some cross country ski action. A first for Liam!  

Liam and Daddy

Liam

Two little nordic ski bunnies

Liam

Casey

By the end they were even attempting a few hills!

Skate Number 2

The second time we went out skating we went to the Banff hockey rink where we got to skate on the same ice that Daddy plays hockey on...we had two very proud boys (and parents) to say the least!  

We started out the morning that day with a requested guitar sing along.  One of the songs I played was "This little light of mine" and Daddy changed the words to say "This little Liam of mine, I'm gonna let him shine" ...and he sure did that day!  (as did Casey)  But compared to our first attempt, it was great to see Liam out there with a smile.

Liam, Mommy, Casey & Daddy

Hockey Mama?

This morning I had a request for a new blog post, so here it is!  I've been meaning to get this one out for  a while now but sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day...or week...or month, you get the drift!

Anyway, last month using the money we got for christmas, we splurged and bought new skates, hockey sticks and helmets for Casey and Liam. We've been a little hesitant about introducing hockey to the boys for a number of reasons but soon came to realize there's no stopping them.  So, with an 'all or nothing' attitude, we went to the city to the hockey store (yep, there's a store just for hockey) and got them fully outfitted.

At the hockey store! Casey left, Liam right

Our first time out on the pond was quick and painful...Quick because it was 3 o'clock and Liam really needed a nap; and painful for Rob and I...that hunched over position isn't easy on the back. 

Liam getting laced up

Lacing up was about as far as Liam got that day...like I said, he really needed a nap. 

We didn't have one of those skating aids at first so it was pretty difficult but Casey did really well and was just starting to find his balance by the end.

Casey

More to come on this... :)

Making Tracks

There has been a bit of a lull of outdoor winter activities latley, due to everyone getting hit with a bad lingering cold (except for me...somehow).  But a couple weeks ago one out two boys were feeling better, so Casey got to experience making fresh tracks with his strap on skis!  Liam -who still wasn't feeling well- stuck to riding on mommy and daddy's shoulders.

We went to one of my favourite winter spots...just down the road at the golf course.  It's quiet and beautiful and you'd never even know underneath all that snow was a putting green.

Then a few days later Casey tried out some groomers at the nordic centre (Daddy's work).  Casey and Daddy had fun skiing in the tracks while Liam and I mostly just watched from inside (...he still wasn't feeling up for it).

One happy little ski bunny so far...

Warmth of Winter

One of the nice things about winter is getting cozy!  Here's how we've been cozying it up around here these days...

Hot Chocolate "Tea Parties"...

Casey

Chili for dinner...

Lots of blankets handy...

Socks...handmade socks at that!  Upcycled from the boys clothing that doesn't fit anymore.  (I'm kinda excited about these!!  The best part - if they loose one, I can just sew up another!)

Oh man, I wish this fire place was in our house!  Thoroughly enjoyed our time spent by it though while having appies at the Juniper hotel in Banff.

Stay warm out there!!