SLED [5 pts]

This year, Liam and Hannah received two new sleds as early Christmas presents. There was to be a cub family sledding activity and we were woefully unequipped. So, as dutiful parents we trekked down to Canadian Tire to pick out appropriate sled. There were several different models in varying price, construction, durability, ease of use and more- choosing one was somewhat more difficult than I originally hoped. (Pick up sled and pay.) Clark eyed the classic GT snow racer model, complete with steering, brakes and a handy tow rope. I preferred a newer innovation- the Zipfy mini luge. Guaranteed to send you hurtling down the slope at break-neck speeds, it was a sure bet for any races. (This wasn't for me of course, I could watch safely from the sidelines. Hannah would do the hurtling) Since we needed two sleds, we each took our choices home and wrapped them up.

Saturday morning, Liam and Hannah excitedly unwrapped their presents and set to work. Both were excited. Hannah initially was a little leery because hers was smaller and not quite as cool, but I knew the real test would come. I watched smugly as Clark and Liam set to assembling the GT- Hannah's was in one piece with no assembly required, so we were free to just hang out and watch. Once everything was finally assembled, (including losing and finding the missing lock nut) I waved happily to everyone as they tromped out the door to enjoy the sledding. I had Christmas wrapping to do.

Around lunch time, my red-nosed, happy family came back through the door. Hannah had won hands down. Liam's sled definitely was a good performer, but for sheer speed- the Zipfy was a winner. (Little victory dance for the girls!)

Now, I took the kids out again yesterday to the same hill to do some more sledding. Lest I sound a little too self-congratulatory, the Zipfy was a little tough to control on the packed terrain, and quite honestly, there was no way I was sitting on it. I took a couple of runs down on the GT, thankful for breaks and a modicum of maneuverability. Everyone had fun!

Snowy mama!

Beamin' Liam!

Happy after a good run.

TRIM [6 pts]

It's time to trim the tree!
Step one: Purchase one artificial conifer separated into individual branches and trunk.
Step two: Grumble at your unbelievable misfortune. Who knew a tree could have so many parts?
Step three: Step back and let your children assemble it for you.
Step four: Crawl under the stairs to find the most inaccessible, dusty corner surrounded boxes. Dig out Christmas ornaments.
Step five: Go back to the same disorganized corner for the lights.
Step six: Pretend the previous five steps were nothing (laugh modestly any time someone brings it up) and have a great time trimming the tree!!

Yea, the lights!

Did I forget step six? Wear a stocking on your head.

My expert tree assembler. 

Assembling ornaments is HILARIOUS!! (Or at least trying to avoid Mom's camera is

)

Star on top!

My proud helpers.

Our happy tree.

We had a fun morning setting up and decorating the tree, as well as setting up our nativities. I think that the ornaments we made last week turned out really nicely too! The best surprise was having Daddy stop in for lunch just as we finished up. Merry Christmas!!

CINNAMON [12 pts]

Ahhh, cinnamon wafting through the house. What could possibly be so delicious?? Couldn't we just try a tiny taste? Um...bad idea. We are baking ornaments.

I got the basic recipe from a couple different online sites, basically using cinnamon, applesauce, and the secret ingredient: glue. These are not for eating, folks. Despite their tempting aroma and cookie-shaped likeness, these are strictly ornamental. I had to laugh as one reviewer of the recipe I was using (and let's get this straight: these are clearly labelled as non-edible) complained of a stomach ache from these enticing little beauties. Thankfully, with Hannah's hands covered in the white sticky stuff during the mixing process, she was definitely NOT tempted.

Supplies ready!

Cinnamon, applesauce and GLUE!

Mixa mixa mixa!

Done!

 

 

 All we need now is some ribbon and a TREE!!!

HOME [9 pts]

For all those who have wanted to see: here's our new house!! We are really enjoying our new place here in Fort McMurray. We're in a nice new neighborhood (so new we're not on any maps) and have lots of amenities close by. I like that I've got a grocery store and the banks within a couple minute drive, and there's lots for the kids and I to do outside when the weather is nice.
Even though there's a few things that drive us crazy- doors sticking, troublesome bathrooms and a couple of other minor irritants, we love it here. And of course, because we're together, it home!!

I think there's an elf doing some pre-Christmas surveillance.

And one balloon left from the birthday.

This would be the clean part of the living room.