Snow again!

Ok, so here's how the seasons seem to go here.....winter... winter... winter... summer... summer ...winter. Last week we were still basking in temperatures of plus 30 degrees, and now its down to single digits, with a couple of below zero mornings, and this morning.......snow! We're still getting to grips with the whole 'extreme change in weather in just a few hours' thing that seems to happen here.
The re-arrival of the snow has transported us back in time to our first months here, and we've been reminiscing about how excited we were to see the first snowfalls of last year, and how Jake and Jaz couldn't wait to get out there and play in it. This year.....oh so different! Jaz woke this morning, looked out the window and said 'oh....the snow's back then' in a very casual tone. Jake got up and didn't comment on it at all! (Although to be fair, he is in that 'teenager monosyllabic grunting...surprised by nothing' sort of stage in his life now!) Neil is pleased to see it back....he loves the snowy look and I would be too if it was just another month on from now, but snow in October seems a little early to me. I'd have liked to hold onto the warm autumn days a little longer I think, especially as last winter was sooooo long (we were still getting snow in May!). The snow is a bit 'British' in texture at the moment.....a bit wet and sloppy, I prefer the snow around late November - February where it's dry and powdery, but I'm sure we'll get it soon enough. This snow is already melting fast, but more is forecast for the end of the week, so we'll see what happens....

Sunset in Alberta

I know I've posted on here already today, but have just taken piccies of the most amazing sunset. The whole sky just turned pink and it was the eeriest but most beautiful thing....enjoy!

September in Okotoks

Well, the season is officially 'fall'........or 'autumn' depending on who you talk to! It is now late September, and the farmers are busy in the fields with their combine harvesters, the trees are turning beautiful shades of golden and russet and there is a definite chill in the air come early morning.....but were it not for these physical signs around us, you would be forgiven for thinking that summer was still at it's height. The weather is still amazingly warm, a real Indian summer, with record breaking temperatures, including 2 days this week when the temps have been in excess of 30 degrees! If it weren't for the darker mornings (I'm getting up at sunrise now at 6.30am) and the clearer air over the Rockies, which makes them appear several kilometres closer, you would still think we were in mid August. We've had but one night of rain in the last 7 weeks! It is due to cool a little next week, but the sunshine is still here to stay, and it is definitely one of the reasons living here is such a pleasure.
The kids are back doing their regular round of clubs and activities during the week and at weekends - a variety of sports and social events. It keeps us busy, running them here, there and everywhere, but it is lovely to be able to do so at long last, without having the worry of working late, or extra work in the evenings. Even us adults get the chance to indulge a past-time now! Neil has started a photography course (see lovely photos of Sheep River here....after his first lesson!) and I am starting Curling next week. It's something I've been longing to try and I'll let you know how it goes!
Neil is continuing to work very hard, and now has his identity plastered over his car to remind the good people of Okotoks and beyond who he is and what he does! (see photo!) He's feeling a tremendous sense of achievement and is loving the challenges of setting up as a realtor.
All is good as we fast approach our first yearly milestone as permanent residents here in Canada.

Jaz's first camp

Jasmine has joined the Girl Guides here in Okotoks, and her first taste of fun was a 2 night camping trip at Camp Gardner near Bragg Creek. I wasn't sure if she'd want to go so soon after signing up, but she was very enthusiastic, even when she discovered she was staying in a proper tent, and not a cabin like the Brownies do.
We both went off to Walmart to gather supplies, such as a sleeping bag, tarp, eating utensils and a flashlight, and she loved putting together her list of equipment. We drove her over last night and within minutes of arriving in the woods where they were pitching tents, she waved us off with a shrug, and pitched in to help her fellow guides with tent building. The only thing she was a bit miffed about was not being allowed to bring any candy. There was a total food ban to stop unexpected visitors invading their campsite at night....bear shaped in particular! When we explained it though, she was more than happy to leave it behind. I don't think she was too keen on sharing her tent with any grizzlies this weekend!

Rodeo Time!

Yeehaa!
We went to our first Rodeo last night here in Okotoks and had a great time! The kids particularly got into it, especially Jaz who was whooping and whistling along with the best of them. We all had Stetsons so we'd look the part and after a bit of a slow start with the bull riding (them bulls were frisky so it was a bit of a risky business for the cowboys climbing aboard), we enjoyed such delights as bareback bronco riding (truly mad, boy must those guys need a chiropractor afterwards!), calf roping and tie-down, steer wrestling, saddled broncos and the junior events like 'mutton bustin'! (very small kids riding sheep, hilarious!) It all concluded with the final event where they release wild horses around the arena, then, in teams of 3, have to capture the horse, saddle it and ride it once round the arena without being thrown off. The horses definitely had the better of most of the riders that's for sure and I bet there are more than a few stiff and sore cowboys today! The animals were all well cared for and went home none the worse for wear, which is more than could be said for some of the riders, who limped off bruised and battered.

back to school photos

Well, all is quiet in the house. The kids went back to school this morning! Woohoo!

back to school!

Well, the new term is just lurking around the corner (Monday 31st Aug) and we have been busy preparing for the new school year. Jasmine has had a funky new haircut and looks very grown up! We've been out buying back to school clothes - which seems very surreal as it's just ordinary clothes and trainers rather than school uniform! We've opted for Walmart and Superstore stuff mainly as their clothes seem to get wrecked very quickly and it's not worth spending the extra for better quality clothing, only to see it come home with holes in the knees and all sorts of unimaginable but unshiftable stains down the front within the first week. I'm busy naming all their belongings as it's all sure to go astray in the first week too, and we've been out to buy the huge list of school stationery supplies that Jake needs now he's in Grade 6. When they get to grade 6, they have a long list of stuff to supply for themselves, and places like Staples are totally heaving with every conceivable marker, exercise book and duotang (yes, we had to find out what these were too!)you could imagine. Staples employ extra staff to help guide you round the store helping you locate these often mysterious accessories! We managed to get everything on the list I think, but goodness knows how he'll carry it all to school - I think we may have to go in the car on the first day!
The children only recently found out whose class they'll be in this year. They each received letters in mid August informing them of their new classes and teachers. All the classes get mixed up so they were busy phoning round finding out who was in whose class. Jake has Mrs Burnett (apparently 'waaay' strict, so that's good!)and Jasmine has Mrs Jacks in Grade 4 this year. Both seem pretty happy so that's good. The first day back includes a welcome breakfast for mums and dads too - so it looks like I'll be up and out early along with them!
Jake and Jasmine both have residential trips ahead this term. Jaz just has an overnight stay down south at Frank Slide, and Jake is heading off to Canmore for a 5 day outward bound trip. They've been busy saving up to help pay for their trips (which was strongly suggested and encouraged by school before the summer break, to give them an idea of how much these things cost) by doing chores around the house.
We've also been busy booking this terms sports and leisure activities. Jas is continuing with her swimming lessons and tumbling/trampolining class and is also starting springboard diving classes, as well as Brownies. Jake is continuing with drumming, and also starts basketball classes. I'm going to start curling (!!) and Neil is booked onto photography evening classes. We're all going to be busy bees that's for sure - especially once ski season arrives!