A White Christmas

Christmas Day

Yesterday’s snowfalls ceased overnight and the temperature dropped to -24, but Santa wasn’t deterred and managed to arrive sometime before the boys woke at 3.00 am.  After some gentle persuasion from their father, sleep returned until a more appropriate time.  Santa presents were opened; amazingly the fat man in red knew the boys needed gifts which could be used in Canada and would be easy to transport home.  Our resident chef prepared light and fluffy pancakes (with maple syrup, of course) for breakfast.  Then it was time to open the presents under the Christmas tree!  I received the biggest surprise when I opened the gift from Dave – a hat identical to the one I bought myself yesterday afternoon.  We gave the boys a toboggan each for Christmas and it didn’t take long to add all the layers of clothing and head out in the -22 conditions for a spot of sliding.  The skies were clear, the sun was shining and there was no wind – conditions were just perfect.

We parked near the Bow Falls, with its absolutely stunning scenery, before walking to the toboggan field near the Banff Springs Fairmont Hotel.  The site was picture postcard perfect, with a lodge, ice rink, the toboggan bank, gorgeous scenery …  Lots of squeals, big smiles, lots of photos and some very exhausted people after a couple of hours.

We had a very light lunch at home, played Aidan’s new ludo game (thanks to Aunty Di) – fortunately Aidan won – and then it was some quiet time before we need to prepare to head outdoors once again for our Christmas Dinner at the Banff Springs Fairmont Hotel.

Santa's been

The chef

Enjoying pancakes and maple syrup

A test run in the driveway

Bow River

Bow Falls

You'll be okay, Grandpa

OOoooooooooo

An elegant halt

This is the best way!

Do I have to pull it up myself?

Come on, then

Wheeeeeeee

Snow bunnies

Helping Grandpa ...

... end up way apart

Last minute instructions

The race is on!

One very happy chappy