Savouring a Kiss from Mama

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Dangers of School Recess

Gabriel was pinched by a crab on the beach yesterday during recess at school. You have to be living in a place like Vancouver Island for something like that to happen! Last year while we were living in Costa Rica, a boy at school got bitten by a snake during recess. Our kids have a different reality than I did growing up in a big city – my biggest worry while playing at school was scraping my knee on the pavement.

Ice Capades

Our kids had their first opportunity to skate outdoors while we were in Quebec.

On the subject of skating, Naimah fits into Mélanie’s figure skating dress from over three decades ago!

Skiing

During the winter holidays, we enjoyed skiing as a family. It was Naimah’s first time and Gabriel had only been on skis once before for a mere half hour when he was 4-years old.

Snow Angels

Gabriel loves spending time with his cousin, Sabine.

During a short break while dogsledding, Gabriel and Sabine found some fresh snow for making snow angels.

Spending time with family over the holidays

Over the holidays, we got to spend quality time with family.

Livia – our new niece

Noah – Still little but seems big now compared to his baby sister, Livia.

Granddaughters learning the tricks of the trade while preparing turkey dinner.

Ninnie holding her youngest great-grandchild.

Learning violin from Marlee, the kids’ great-aunt.

Jammin’ together

Zaidie with all his grandkids

Dogsledding

We went dogsledding one afternoon in Quebec.

The experience began with the sound of the dogs barking as they begged to be chosen to pull the sleds. We were involved with putting together the dogsled teams and bringing the dogs out to be attached to the sleds.

I was selected to bring out the exceptionally strong dogs. Here I am pretending to be in control while I get dragged along.

Nothing gets the heart pumping more than to be strapped snuggly into a dog sled being whisked away by 6 truly excited canines who live to run.

Mélanie in the passenger seat below. She normally likes to be in the driver seat for gasoline-powered vehicles but when it comes to dogs, she prefers that I take the helm.

Léah and Naimah wrapped up tight.

Gabriel and Sabine, warm and cozy in their sled.

The athletes

Dogsledding in Mont Tremblant