TGIF!

It's Friday and I for one am very glad and not just for the ordinary reasons. While I'm happy that the weekend means playtime with Daddy, a birthday party on Saturday and a family adventure to the mountains on Sunday, I'm ecstatic that it's Friday because the weather forecasters have promised this cold snap will break for the weekend. It's been a week of temperatures dipping into the -40Cs with the wind and today is comparatively balmy at a -29C with the windchill. Don't get me wrong, I love winter... but I'd rather winter be -5C with lots of snow and sunshine.

I have learned two things this week. 1 - It's worth the effort to get outside every day, to enjoy the outdoors and interact with nature even for a little while. My son and I had some great adventures this week. 2 - It's exhausting. Playing outside when it's -39C is tiring... it takes more energy not only to play, walk through the snow and keep warm while outside but it also takes energy just to get ready. I'm ready for some sane temperatures... though the forecast of 10C on Wednesday seems a bit too dramatic a change... I do enjoy winter with snow and ice for sledding, skating and skiing.

It's all about being happy and healthy... and even though you can't see it, my son is grinning from ear to ear under all his layers. How was your week? Why are you happy it's Friday?

It's cold out there...

I just posted a photography post by the same name on braving the elements for my photography. While I love photographing in any weather, the other reason we were outside was to play and explore. I am a firm believer that we need to get outside everyday for a bit of outdoor play - though yesterday was limited and today even more so as the temperature dipped to -34C/-29F and colder with the windchill. My son and I had was the huge amount of fun in the snow and cold... we went for a walk and listened to the birds, we looked at the tracks from the neighbourhood hares in the snow and we used the diggers and dump trucks with snow instead of sand.

What do you do when it's cold outside?

Looking Forward, Looking Back

In the past few days, I've started planning some of our adventures for the coming year. As I was compiling a list of potential people, places and things for us to see and do it occurred to me that I should look at the adventures of 2011. From dozens of fantastic day, weekend and week long trips, there some that stood out right away such as my son's birthday at the lake with friends and our trip up to Jasper with my in-laws. There was joyous trips such as my mom's surprise party in Vancouver and sad trips such as my uncle's funeral. The weather was hot, cold, dry, snowy and everything in between. There was snow, rocks, sands, trees, mud and water. In the end, I've chosen to share with you five trips which demonstrate values that form "The Big Picture" - things that made us happy and healthy as a family and as individuals. I've listened them in order they occurred as it would be impossible to rank them otherwise.

#1 Family Day Weekend in the Okanagan

We headed down to Vernon for Family Day weekend to visit my mom and stepfather, go skiing and enjoy a weekend away.  I'll always be thankful that we took the time to visit my aunt and uncle nearby while we were there. Not only was it a great visit with them and a multitude of cousins, it was the last visit I had with my uncle who passed away not a month later. I'll always look back on the weekend with bitter sweet fondness. Family is important, and while they may drive you crazy, it's important not to miss opportunities to spend time with them.

#2 Winter Hike at Mount Lorette Ponds

This was a typical day out in the mountains for us. We often pack up our gear, pack some snacks and head out with no fixed plans. This particular day was snowy and in Kananaskis. We stopped at the ponds for a short hike and we had a blast romping in the snow and enjoying winter at it's best in the mountains. And as a photographer, I was also able to get some great photographs of my son and the landscape around me. This trip demonstrates that some of the best memories don't have to be planned or grand. We have to seize the moment and look around us.

#3 Upper Kananaskis Lake Photo Hike

I took this hike in June with a local outdoor meetup group and I look back fondly at this day out with fellow photographers. A beautiful sunny day, it was a day filled with laughter, photography and new friends - it was rejuvenating to spend the day out.  It was a solo trip but I feel that it clearly belongs on the list because it demonstrates that needs of the individual in a family dynamic... and individual trips for all of us should be on this list for the coming year.

#4 Back country camping trip to Laughing Falls
We joined two other families for the August long weekend for a back country camping trip into the mountains. Six adults, three toddlers and a baby in the back country of Yoho National Park, camping beside a raging river fed by glacier water. The weekend wasn't without its challenges - missing juice, clogged filters, night terrors, thunderstorms, etc. - but we proved it possible and had a great time doing it. A back country trip is a definite for 2012.

#5  Camping at Dinosaur Park

This was a short weekend trip that we decided on literally at the last minute. Within about an hour Saturday morning, we had packed up and were heading out into the crisp fall air. We avoided the main highway as we meandered to Dinosaur Park, stopping at several small provincial parks along the way to explore. We took the time to catch frogs, have a picnic and I got some photographs. At the park, we took turns playing with our son and making camp. We watched the sunset over the badlands and ate dinner as the sky darkened. Our son fell asleep quickly and easily in the tent. We enjoyed a last cup of tea under the stars. The next day, we hiked the hills of the badlands and learned about dinosaurs. We learned to camp simply and to play with our son instead.


Now what adventures lay ahead for us this year? Only time will tell.

Cut the Tree!

Yesterday we went on our annual forage into the woods to find the perfect Christmas tree. It was a great party with friends, fresh snow and much laughter!

Matthew got to pick out and cut down (with my hand over his only to guide and prevent an accident) the tree. Needless to say he was in heaven! "Cut the tree" was the chorus of the day. 

For those who live in Alberta that wish to cut down there own tree, a permit is needed ($5 for up to 3 trees). http://www.srd.alberta.ca/FormsOnlineServices/TreeCuttingPermits/ChristmasTreeCutting.aspx

Christmas Fun!

I write this post knowing that it will go quickly into controversial territory. Many people advocate that Christmas is strictly a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ while there are others that believe Christ should be taken out of Christmas (an interesting read http://www.buzzbishop.com/blog/2011/11/17/take-the-christ-out-of-christmas/). I'm not going to argue one side or the other as it is very much a personal choice. I will simply say that for us Christmas is a time to celebrate family and friends and, in combination with the winter solstice, winter and the lengthening of the days. 

The Christmas season is here and Matt finally gets it this year - Santa Claus, the reindeer and Christmas trees. He loves the Christmas stories and the lights and decorations that are everywhere. We want to get out and enjoy the festivities with him - there's so much to do that it's hard to choose. There are festivals, fairs, light displays, plays, skating, sledding, and the list goes on. But as time is limited, and choose we must. 

For the most part, we've been choosing activities which are outside, smaller in scale and relatively inexpensive. We love the outdoors and firmly believe that getting outside everyday is great for ourselves and our child. If there are going to horses they get specials consideration when planning - "horsies" are a favourite; any other animals are a bonus. Finally, since we want to enjoy it to the fullest, we have to make sure his schedule isn't disrupted too much. We're lucky in some ways that he is fairly flexible but on the other hand we can no longer rely on him taking his nap in the car. Generally we plan things for the morning and/or late afternoon, leaving the middle of the day for his nap - it just makes for a happier boy and therefore happier parents. 

This weekend we chose two festivals that had it all. They were primarily outside, had horses, could be attended before/after naptime, Santa would be in attendance and wouldn't be too crazy busy. Of course, since we planned our weekend with naps intact, in his predictably unpredictable ways, Matt put this planning to side by waking up almost 3 hours later than normal both days thus changing/negating nap time (of course this morning he was up by 6:30am as per his usual). Oh well.

On Saturday, we went to Banff for their Christmas in the Rockies and Santa Claus Parade of Lights for the second year in the row. It's a relatively small festival and we love seeing Banff all lit up for the holidays. Though we skipped many of the indoor activities, we had a lot of fun walking around the town enjoying the crisp mountain air. It seemed like the whole town was out on the streets, locals and tourists mixed and mingled and the kids all played in the street while waiting for the parade to start. Music, floats and big trucks - Matt loved them all. He laughed to see Santa's sleigh being towed by a monster tow truck (with the Grinch) and the firetruck... he's a two-year old boy, need I say more. I have to say that after years in Toronto, where you had get your place hours before the start of the parade, it was great to be able to take a spot at the curb as the police car leading the parade came into view. The day ended with a great dinner at St. James Gate Irish pub in Banff (yes, kids are allowed - the exception being in the evening on St. Patrick's Day). Half way home, we encountered the winter storm that pummelled Calgary with upwards to 35cm of snow in less than 24 hours, but got home safely after a slow drive.

Sunday saw us travelling the snowstorm covered roads down to Bragg Creek for Spirit of Christmas. The sky cleared as we arrived and Matt had so much fun tromping in the newly fallen snow, he walked the entire afternoon even though we had his sleigh. It was a little on the nippy side but many of the local retailers had crafts to make providing great "warm up" opportunities. Matt made a bead key chain, a bracelet, Christmas ornaments and a button - and we didn't even hit all the stores. Predictably though, the highlight of the day for Matt the horse-drawn wagon ride through the hamlet with Santa! While waiting for the "sleigh" to arrive, Santa mingled with the children, posing for photos and giving out treats. There were also reindeer to visit and activities at the community centre. After a couple hours we drove a tired little boy home, who due to fresh air and exercise was more than happy to snuggle down for a short nap, making for a happy evening at home. The festival runs the next two Saturdays (December 10th & 17th). 

At the end of the weekend, I asked Matt if he had fun - the smile on his face said it all, I didn't need the "Santa horsy ride" that confirmed  it. We had chosen well - though tired, we were happy and relaxed. Here's to many more days that are filled with smiles - sled rides, skating, Christmas parties, finding a tree, light displays and the requisite visit with Santa are on the list for the coming weeks.

The [selfish] photographer rejoices

It's a Sunday morning and Matt's finally feeling better. After a week of taking care of a sick child, I have cabin fever and the despite the blustery weather I'm determined that we're going to explore the lower part of Kananaskis Country before the area is closed to traffic for the winter. Thank goodness my husband loves the area as much as I do and readily agrees. The car gets packed with food, drinks, toys, snow, hiking and photography gear and we head off into the mountains (no we're not light packers). 

As we're leaving the winds are picking up steadily and there's a wind warning issued for Calgary - heavy snow is expected in the mountains. As we near the mountains, the rain starts and we know that it'll turn to ice before it turns to snow. This is an inevitability living in Calgary and the mountains where the weather changes every five minutes and around every bend of the road. It's going to be an adventure. Everyone was happy to be out. Matt is busily playing trucks on his tray in the back (or was it colouring at this point?) and looking for trains and horses out his window. So with the gas tank full and the car prepped for winter condition, we make the turn onto the 40 and head into K-country.

After a quick stop at the information to get an update on the area (high avalanche warnings have been issued - hmm guess we won't be hiking Ptarmigan), we continue to head south, and the weather does indeed become icy. We hope that it'll change to snow after the next valley and indeed it does. By the time we get to Highwood Meadows, the area is a winter wonderland. We gear up and have some fun in the snow.

When Matt is done, we pack back up, grab a snack and head further down the road. Now I have to admit that part of my reason for wanting to go to this area was to find a specific spot that I took this picture last fall.

We knew the general area but we hadn't been able to find the exact spot... it's down the hill from the road and we remembered stopping on the way north on the road when we had seen a women photographing the scene with her phone. This time though I had printed off a contact sheet with several photos that showed the topography of the spot. With the visibility poor it was hard to see the topographic markers I was seeking but conditions improved slightly just as we got to the area - and my wonderful husband stopped and turned around the car several times looking for the exact spot. Finally, we find it!

I'm ecstatic and head down the embankment to the ice covered wetland below. Despite the grey weather, I'm in photographic heaven. Selfishly I leave my husband on the roadside watching not only the truck with our son still playing in it but also myself as I descend the slippery snowy slope. For almost half an hour, I scamper around the ice and snow (and water) taking photographs. When I finally return to the truck, I'm cold and a little wet (my boots aren't waterproof as far up as I thought) but I'm happy. It made my day, my week. 

Onward we drive and head back to Calgary where we learned we had missed hurricane force winds. It was the end of another weekend.  Saturday had been spent ensuring that Matt had completely recovered - calm and lots of rest - frustrating to see such a nice day pass us by but for the best we hoped. Sunday despite the weather and despite (or perhaps due to) indulging in a little selfishness at the roadside in the middle of nowhere, ended with everyone was happy and healthy. That for me is the key to The Big Picture. 

How was your weekend? How do you balance everyone`s needs?

Winter's Arrival

It's been predicted that Calgary is going to have one of the coldest winters in a couple of decades. I shiver just thinking about it. I shiver even more knowing that it is currently -17C with a wind chill of -26C outside with the current weather listed as ice crystals.

I'm one of those people who'd rather see several feet of snow than the thermometer  dip into the -20s. I love to spend hours outside in the winter - hiking, skiing, skating, taking photographs or just generally playing. So give me the snow, but you can keep the bitter cold. Besides which it's a lot easier to dress a two-year old for snow than for cold and a lot more fun!

That being said we can't choose the weather, so just in time we've finished outfitting our son. Many of the blogs that I follow about outdoor adventures with kids have been blogging about how to dress your kids for winter. They all have some great tips and I've included some links to their respective blogs below. I want to emphasize the importance that you make sure that you're dressing your children to fit your lifestyle and your kids personality.

Matt loves to move, so keeping him mobile as well as warm is one of our priorities. So to that end, we've outfitted him much the same as we have ourselves. We found great long underwear for him which not only adds a layer of warm but is wicking so no moisture stays close to his skin. We have a warm fleece layer - simply cosy and warm. Then we have a layer to protect him against the elements - wind, rain, snow, cold - a winter snow suit which is waterproof-breathable and we also got him a pair of fleece lined snow pants (no bib) which are proving to be great for hiking in cold weather (if it's a mild day we also have his rain suit at our disposal). Add a choice of mitts, both waterproof hiking boots and snow boots, winter (wicking) socks, hats and balaclavas and our son is ready for any weather and activity. I've deliberately left out the brands as so much depends on your kids - not all brands fit all kids - find stuff that fits your child. We love Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) and have bought a lot of stuff over the years there, including one of Matt's new pairs of mitts. We also find that North Face and Columbia fits our son very well. You can find a lot of good fleece pieces in many of the stores including Children's Place and MEC. If you're in Alberta and you make it down to Pincher Creek, The Outdoor Outlet there that has great stuff not only for adults but babies, toddler and preschoolers. Consignment stores as well as online classifieds such as Kijiji are also great sources for good clothing.

If you still need to outfit your child for the winter, please take sometime to read some of the blogs below, because, as I can't emphasize enough, every child is different and everyone's lifestyle is different - the clothing you choose needs to reflect that. Keeps reading reviews and blogs, talking to other parents and talking to the experts at the stores and make a choice that's right for you.

Family Adventures in the Mountains

Adventure Tykes

Active Kids Club

Get Out With The Kids

The Kid Project

One last question to leave you with. Would piece of gear do you deem essential?