Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas at home in Saskatchewan with family. The trip didn't start out well as we had some difficulties with our tires on the way to Regina. We made a number of stops along the way including the first in Medicine Hat at Kal-Tire to get the valve stem replaced. Shortly after that, another tire was giving us trouble but nothing was open as we were traveling on Christmas Eve day. We made many stops along the way to refill the tire and keep it as inflated as possible on the way. Kal-Tire was great though and came through again after Christmas to replace another valve stem and reseal the tire. After that we didn't have any more problems.
Due to getting away a little later than planned and all the problems with the tires, we didn't make it in time to join my family for the candlelight service at church. We were disappointed by that but we were able to get the vehicle unpacked and we were ready to enjoy Christmas Eve by the time everyone returned. It is tradition in our family to open gifts up on Christmas Eve, which is what we did. This is followed by stockings and gifts from Santa on Christmas Morning. Jaret got very spoiled (Elmo, airplane, safari set, lego, videos, portable dvd player, videos, and clothing - the list could go on), as did Mom and Dad. Jaret enjoyed being around his cousins and having a chance to play with Justine and Ayden. Although, he had been sick just before Christmas and it wasn't until a few days after Christmas that he was completely himself, with his energy having returned. In some of the pictures, you can see how tired he looks - he's missing his enthusiasm.
After Christmas we drove to Humboldt to spend a night with Terry's brother and his family. It was a relaxing evening. Jaret enjoyed the visit, especially playing hockey in the basement with his cousin Justin and Justin's girlfriend, Vanessa. Jaret also really liked Brandi, the puppy dog and insisted on following her almost everywhere; which of course Brandi didn't like quite as much.
From Humboldt we were on to Saskatoon for a quick overnight stop. We were able to see Ruth and Sean and their little guy Clive. The boys all went swimming and watersliding while Ruth and I sat and visited. Then Terry went out for supper with them but I had plans to meet up with a few of my girlfriends. It was wonderful to catch up with Andrea, Kelli, and Pam. I just wish we could do it more often. I cherish the friendship that I have with my girlfriends. The next day Jaret and I spent time with my grandmother while Terry met up with Dale for coffee. Jaret loved Great Grandma's baking, especially the scuffles. After the short visit, it was back to Regina. We unfortnately didn't stay as long as we had originally planned. One other highlight of course was supper at Fuddrucker's! We sure miss the burgers from there and ensure that we eat there each time we are back - lol.
We spent the next couple of nights in Regina with my parents. During this time I was able to meet Sandra for coffee and it was so good to reconnect again. Jaret was back to himself and loved the time at Grandma and Grandpa's. The highlight for him was probably playing with the many toys they have, including the train set and chasing Grandpa around the house while playing hide n' seek. It was pretty cute to watch them both. I was afraid that my Dad was going to crash into the wall a few times but when we told him to slow down he just kept telling us that Jaret runs too fast and he will get caught if he slows down. Too funny! We had many laughs with my parents, whether watching comedians on t.v. or playing the wii. It was a great time! It is just to bad that vacations are so short; it never seems like enough time. We drove back to Calgary (on some very bad roads) on January 1st so that Terry could work today. I'm not sure that we are ready to think about being back to work, but the routine will set in quickly enough.
We hope that each of you enjoyed your Christmas holidays surrounded by family and friends. May 2009 be a fabulous year for each of you!