THE CLAN'S CHRISTMAS

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! - or at least the type of Christmas or holiday that you planned and hoped for. 

The Wood Clan had a very quiet easy going Christmas - just the way we like it. Oh sure - if we had family around we would have been more then happy to spend it with them - but since we don't - we enjoyed our days like all the others have been. Hanging out, enjoying each others company - the three of us have fun together and enjoy 'a life made simple'. 

So - even though it was our first Christmas home in years, it wasn't a crazy over the top event!

This is how it all went down......

Christmas Eve - homemade hot chocolate, popcorn and a movie - The Polar Express! Here's my assistant - errrr - product controller I mean.

Thankfully Cassia let us sleep in until 7:30am. Two things she had to wait for - the fire to be started and coffee - then we told her let it rip - literally.

This wasn't really a surprise for her - she chose this puzzle. I mean what was a parent to do when faced with the huge selection at Vernon Teach & Learn where we purchased most of Cas's gifts. 

From Grandma - this gift went over really well. 

As did Candyland which was completely unexpected.  We also got her Scrabble Jr. which didn't get a positive reaction. However, interestingly enough now that she has played them both she prefers Scrabble. 

And ... the gift of gifts.....

the 85 piece Mega Dinosaur Park set up!

Here's a picture from yesterday - the set up is a mobile Park apparently, as it seems to move around the house. 

With a nice blue sky - Christmas Day meant an afternoon walk to the lake.

The rose hips really stand out against the dormancy.

A guy and his dog ... it reminds me of the one I got of the two of them in Zihua - remember?! Ha! We only looked slightly different a year later!

I was trying to take a picture of this branch in the water - nice of Cassia to haul it to shore for me.

A photo op not to be missed - right?! I mean - amazingly beautiful!

I was completely left behind while I was taking the ice photos - I may have gotten a bit carried away. Cas is always a good sport though - she waited ahead for me in the trees so she could jump out and scare me!

Then ..... we got a dump of snow overnight! Derek always goes for a walk in the morning. He headed down to 'the road' for this picture. Actually, he's a real trooper - he didn't have the camera the first time so came home and went back - which is really saying something - it's not close...

So obviously Derek had his afternoon's work lined up. We weren't going anywhere but better to get the driveway clear.

30 seconds into our afternoon walk and the first time Cassia has worn a snow suit - she finally decided that it was time. I guess the ability to maneuver in a snowsuit is a learned skill - not based on the genetics of Canadian raised (in snow) parents! 

Our winter wonderland here at Fintry.

It is actually snowing pretty good still which was beautiful - but - you can't really tell.

Lots. Of. Snow.

Not many people visiting the park these days!

The fir and pine trees in loop one look amazing with all the snow!

Lovin' it!

Cassia just can't seem to stay out of trees - she definitely gets that from Derek.....

Lots of pictures of Cassia in the snow - it's hard to pass up so much excitement!

I don't think I've mentioned that just before Christmas she lost a second tooth.

And then..... going.....

going.....

gone.
I'm impressed looking at the pictures now that she had a smile throughout. She did hurt her head though but one thing about Cassia - she is a trooper.

The next best thing to watching your kid play in the snow - is your Husky ....

The first time the creek has completely frozen over.

Yesterday, Derek took these next few shots on his early morning walk. It's been pretty cloudy here the last few days so nice to see some blue sky.

The majestic Manor House. 

More tree climbing yesterday afternoon....

Ha!

So - we've been snowed in of sorts and have been really enjoying it. Thankfully it's been snowy but not too cold - hovering around 0°C during the day.

Tomorrow, or the next day, we'll have to head back into the real world .... it's been two weeks since we've been to Vernon. Our grocery supply has definitely dwindled. 

See you next year!

Teresa

And by the way - we'll be looking for Volunteer Park Hosts here at Fintry for the 2016 camping season. The term runs from April 1 to mid October. The hosts need their own RV but are provided with full hook ups. If you are interested or know someone shoot us an email - alifemadesimple3@gmail.com! More info is at Kaloya.

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