Return of the Bog

On December 30th, we decided to hit up Zoo-lights at the Calgary zoo before it closed on January 3rd. We knew it was a pretty cold day, but we didn't want our kids to miss the experience. We headed to mom and dad's house to link up with Mike and Tammy, and after their home teachers paid a quick visit we all piled into our vehicles and headed to the zoo. We only had about 45 minutes to view everything before the zoo closed, but it proved to be the perfect amount of time. The announcement over the PA system that the zoo was closing came only moments before Lucy and Emma told us they were cold and ready to go home. We walked through the park and saw a lot of really great displays. The kids enjoyed touching some of the light displays and cozying up by the fire-pits they had dispersed throughout the park. I was impressed with the snow leopard display and took pictures all around the park, but it didn't really do justice. Lucy was very excited the entire time to head to the "Tunnel of Love". We took a few pictures there and by about this time we were ready to head home. Mike and Tammy had parked at a separate entrance than us, so we parted ways at the tunnel and went to our vehicles. The kids were cold and tired by the time we were done, but it was a pretty cool experience. Next year we'll definitely time it better and go on a day that's not so cold. We were surprised by how busy the park was despite the weather, but I guess a few more people were in the same predicament as us.
On New Years Eve we were back at my parents house for the day. Lucy and Tyler went tobogganing with Mike and Emma, as well as Cheryl, Dave, Braysen and Sadie Walker, while Tammy and I stayed back at the house to watch over the little ones (Ashley, Max and Gracie). They had a few mishaps, but the kids still enjoyed themselves. (I'm sure the major mishaps are already blogged on Dave and Cheryl's site). We came back to the house and played awhile and then headed out for dinner with Tyler's family to celebrate his Grandma's 80th birthday. Then everyone (Williamson and Bourne families inclusive) were back at Bourne's to watch the Hockey game and play games. We left around 11pm and had our kids into bed as quickly as possible. Tyler wished me a Happy New Year as we left my parent's house and I commented that he was early. He said, "You'll probably be asleep before midnight anyway." I tried my hardest, but he was right...as I cuddled Max to sleep I fell asleep in the rocking chair in his room for 20 minutes and woke up at 12:03am. It's been pretty quiet around here since then as the holidays have come to a close. Last night as Lucy went to bed, we told her that Christmas Holidays were over and dad would be going back to work in the morning. She got upset and said she wished Christmas Holidays never had to end...I agree, but it felt good to get back to laundry and cleaning the house today after our long winter's nap.