teamluguy

Not too many photos of the morning, since we were busy opening gifts. But we had a super time and the girls received lots of great (small!) pressies. Amazingly enough we were able to cram everything into our suitcases to bring it all home. Thanks to all the tired grown-ups for getting up early with us. A junk food breakfast on Christmas morn!

We prepared some grain and hay for the reindeer, and a glass of milk and cookies for Santa. All was gone in he morning... Hmmmm.

Pépé's horses which we frequently visited. Alice was very at ease approaching the horses, chickens and cats, and even feeding hay to the horses. She is going to be a great junior farmer whenever she visits Manitoba. Scurrying about in the St-Pierre museum cubbies (The old town convent) Janette folding the girls' laundry and giggling the entire time. (everything is so small and puffy!) Watching old family slides

Baking gingerbread cookies Making gingerbread houses Glitter Glue Homemade Play Dough

With the obligatory reluctant approval from mum, the girls each got a short ride on the ski doo with Daddy. It was chilly and fast but the seemed to enjoy the ride. Alice was especially excited to have her picture taken so that she could show it to her friends in the new year.

It isn't a true Manitoba winter vacation without partaking in an outdoor wiener roast over an open fire. A temparture of -12 seemed like the best we would get, so we bundled up and headed out with hot dogs and hot chocolate. So yummy and we were hardly even cold. Dave teaching the girls how to make spider dogs. Scary! For dessert - marshmallows

Alice was able to help Pépé collect the eggs from his chickens. What a great little farmer!

On second thought, let me ham it up for you:

Alice was so excited to play with all the other Desharnais grandchildren at the family Christmas party. She even received a beautiful handmade card from her special " cousine " Katrine (they are closest in age, and Katrine is wearing a brown- ish plaid shirt, centre stage) (and one little boy)

Hurry Pépé , I've got work to do Help me put the angel higher, Uncle Dave Low-level trimmer Just one more on this branch...

After months of hard work and busy schedules, we were able to pack up our snowsuits and head west. We're spending the holidays with Mémé , Pépé , Matante Janette, Uncle Dave, and (soon-to-arrive) Monocle Sol. Alice was a little jealous of some of her classmates who would be vacationing at Disneyworld , but they had no idea she would be the lucky one. Just wait 'til you hear about the adventures to be had in marvelous Manitoba. Waiting for our West Jet to arrive in Montreal A row to ourselves, and Guy on the other side of the aisle My own TV screen? Heaven! Bun-Bun is along for the ride

new smile new blanket

Our sweet baby Estelle, so full of life, smiles, and silliness is already growing up. Thank-you for hugging us so tightly, sharing so well with your sister and most of all, letting us put your winter gear on! You are wonderful. We promise to keep you safe and sound for ever and ever. xxxxxx Mummy & Daddy

Estelle and Alice very excited about Estelle's new bed. Of course the "no jumping" rule is strictly enforced... First night. Snug as a bug.

Dressing my new dollies Alice deep in conversation with Grandad Estelle and Unky G putting together the flute

(Estelle was a little shy of the snake... don't worry it won't bite; you will!)