Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Return from Thetford Mines

February 24, 2013
Samuel and David had a good trip / good time on their visit to Maman's friend in Thetford Mines.  When Grandpa, Barbara and Uncle Grant returned a very tired Boots (long walk today) to his family late Sunday afternoon, we had fun together.  First. a snowball fight led by Papa who ambushed us.



Then a visit with David - a very happy boy bouncing in his Jolly Jumper. 
 

 
Check out an action video:


 
More fun outside... more snowballs and a BIG snowman! Boots explored the quinzhee. Sam enjoyed his
play structure in the snow.
 





         
 
Grandpa held a very happy David. David was fascinated with the stuffed bird that Barbara held out for
him.  Then he tried his swing while Sam played with Uncle Grant.
 



 
A nice family supper and a play with Sam in his "blue" bath  ended our evening together .
 
   

 

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Chinese Dinner in Chelsea

February 22, 2013

Grandpa, Barbara and Uncle Grant planned a Chinese food take out dinner on Friday night. The Chelsea Bowmans were planning a trip to Thetford Mines for the weekend (Karine was meeting a friend from Benin she met on a student exchange). When we arrived, Samuel happily introduced us to Thomas the train. Then he joined us for dinner.




Our 18 lb. baby happily practiced his kicking. Soon he showed us his interest in birding!





 
Sam put together a puzzle with Papa then did some drawing with Grant. Soon it was bedtime. We would miss our ski time together this weekend but he was off on an adventure. Boots would be entertaining us at home for the weekend.


 

 
 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Ski Trip - Fortune Parkway / Huron Trail to Huron's

February 16, 2013

The Chelsea Bowmans planned a supper ski to Huron Lodge. They invited Barbara and Uncle Grant to ski with them (Grandpa was camping with his Venturers at Otter Lake). For the trip up the Fortune Parkway and along Huron trail, Samuel and David travelled in the chariot. Grant took a turn pulling the chariot on the trail hills. As it was 5:30 when we reached the trail turnoff, Barbara decided to take the parkway and Ridge Rd. route. It would take awhile for the half moon to rise and provide much light. She made it all the way to Huron Lodge without a headlamp, arriving shortly after 6pm. Trail conditions were excellent - it was the Gatineau Loppet weekend.




 
The Huron chalet was full - a large group of OrleansVenturers assisting with the loppet were preparing dinner. They would sleep in tents and get up early to feed the skiers coming through.

 
When Sam arrived about a half hour after Barbara (their route was much longer and hillier), he was happy to settle in at a little table and light dinner candles. Then he helped Uncle Grant crack some walnuts. David seemed to like the noisy chatter in the cabin.




 
Karine and Kirk had brought some red wine and generously shared it with Barbara who only had water. They enjoyed their homemade pizza pockets and carrot cake. Grant and Barbara heated their zucchini sticks and vegetables on the woodstove. Sam tried out a few Hershey's kisses which Barbara brought. David had a feeding and a diaper change, still enjoying his time in the chalet.





 
David soon fell asleep in the chariot - he really likes being rocked.  Sam skied all the way back to the car. He loves his headlamp! First Papa and Grant held his hands, later Karine and Grant. He loved seeing the track setters pass by. He tried holding on to the back of the chariot for awhile but slipped under it and decided the hand holding way was better.



 


 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Ski Trip - Kingsmere to Keogan's

February 10, 2013

Karine and the boys joined Grandpa and Barbara for play and lunch at Chamberlain's Lookout on Friday, Februray 8. Now it was Sunday,  a perfect day for skiing. Lots of fresh snow. Kirk`s friend, Ross, had got new skis for his birthday yesterday, so Ross and his parents, Faith and Jim, joined the Chelsea Bowmans, grandparents, Uncle Grant and friend, Jodi, for a good ski together. Although Sam and David travelled to Keogan`s lodge in the double chariot, Ross hung on to the back of his chariot and tested out his new skis.



 
 
We all got together at Keogan`s for lunch - check out the woodstove for sandwiches toasting and Chinese noodles warming up (first day of the Chinese New Year). We had snacks and drinks while the woodstove was doing its job. David happily played with a drinking bottle lid.





 
Soon the tin foil packs arrived the table and we all dug in. A special treat was some of Ross's leftover 'lion' birthday cake.





 
David gave us a big smile.


 
Sam and Ross checked out the action at the bird feeder.

 
It was time to ski back. The three year olds worked hard.






 
Check out a 'downhill' video:

 
Ross hopped into his chariot.



 
Jodi gave Kirk a break from chariot pulling.


 
Kirk and Sam skied down Excelsior and back to the parking lot together.




Grandpa followed close behind with the GoPro running.  See the video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV6JmCq2RwY&feature=youtu.be
 
High fives at the end of the trail!




 
Time to load up and head home.