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Grace came to visit for some fun over the extended Christmas break. Here she is out for a walk
where it was a balmy -30 deg C.
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Here are Walter and Henry having a donut at the Donut Mill in Red Deer after selling Natalia's car.
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This was the note that Grace left for Henry after her visit.
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We took the boys out cross country skiing to try out the tow-whee with Walter. Amazingly, this
was one of the few days in the winter when we had enough snow to ski in town, and this is along the
Bow River.
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The word with young kids on xc skis is not to give them poles so we didn't.
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While he doens't love the pink ski boots, he does just fine on them.
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Part of the bribe with xc skiing (all parenting is bribery) was to offer some sledding at
Jumping Pound, which the boys love. Here's Henry with his Mom.
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Here's Walter and I playing with shadows in the play tent from my Mom.
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Here's Walter playing the piano and enjoying the sounds.
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And playing with water dripping from the eaves.
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We took a skate on the new outdoor rink in town. Here's Walter loving life and enjoying
a session on the ice.
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Natalia and the boys skating as a family.
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Natalia and her friend Stacey having a rare moment with no children.
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Walter and his friend Grayson skating at the outdoor rink.
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Henry and I decided to make a rocket since he found the starter kit I had in my lab. Here he is
adjusting the stickers for the tail fins.
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We took a family stroll at the William Bagnall rec area near Water Valley. Here's a look at the tiny
trailhead that can manage maybe ~8 cars.
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The boys walking with me around our biking trail.
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After a ~3km hike, the boys made it back to the creek. To be fair, it took a lot of carrying Walter
but they did enjoy being out in the woods.
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This gives an idea of how high the water level freezes in the winter.
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We then went to a bday party at Ty's, which Walter loved the sledding. Zoom in on his happy face here.
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Until he fills his face with snow that is.
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We finally had my friend Jenny over for a mixed grill dinner of lamb, lamb ribs, and steaks. Here's
Jenny and Kevin's son Torin enjoying crushing a donut.
The Hangar Aviation Museum in Calgary
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I took the boys for a Saturday outing to the Aviation museum in Calgary since Walter had never been there.
Here they are getting a look at the starting area.
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Henry pointed out this Saturn V rocket and said 'Daddy, that's not right. It shouldn't say Canada on it.'
As usual, he's right.
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Having a picnic lunch in the sunshine is always nice. Especially considering it could be -40 on this day
and instead didn't required mitts or toques in January.
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Henry even made it to the back side at Temple Lodge. Here he is studying the map and ensuring that
we get a chance to try all of the areas he wants to see.
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The big icicles on the front side lodge were a big hit for Henry.
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Henry and the Victoria Glacier and a huge icicle.
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Henry found the Top of the World a bit too steep for him, but he made it down anyway.
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Henry did SO WELL on this day, I was so proud of him. After he carried his skis all the way to the
parking lot at row 12, he finally called it and dropped his skis for a breather.
