Rocky Mountain Christmas

Santa sent me out west, as a vanguard, to help with logistics, while he cleaned up on the home front.

I promised to be good, and he promised to come quickly.

The first sight of the mountains after landing always gets my blood moving, in an excited, happy way.

It's over an hour's drive from the Calgary airport to Canmore, in the Bow Valley.
Photo ops all the way!

There was something new in town this time....a bus that now runs between Banff and Canmore.  People were lined up, waiting for the next shuttle; people with skis, snow boards, hockey sticks, back packs...athletic people, mountain people.  A new amenity, that makes life easier for those who live and work in the twin towns.

It snowed overnight, making my first morning in Canmore a pretty one.

I was immediately in the Christmas spirit.  Also, the sight of all that chopped, and ready-to-go wood was somewhat comforting, given that people keep their thermostats low here.....  Brrrr.

When SIL and I took two of the Grands swimming, I got my first experience in the new Elevation Place. A state-of-the-art aquatics centre, cum climbing training facility, with public library, cafe, steam rooms, weights, aerobics, yoga, you-name-it....

Completed in 2014, it is a jewel in Canmore's crown.

My daughter and her family harvested their own Christmas tree.  It's a majestic beauty.

Chrissy is preparing for a solo art show in mid-January, working night and day.  There are wet paintings hanging in every room, in neighbour's houses and in an off-site studio, waiting for the opening.  Yes, I got wet paint on my new white, down coat  (don't tell Captain B!), on my hands, on the bed spread and on my jeans!

While Mum worked in the studio, I kept kiddos entertained with The Unexpected Christmas youtube video.  They watched it 15 times and begged for more, "AGAIN!!!"

Watch it for yourself....it's sooooo worth the 7 minutes!

http://youtu.be/TM1XusYVqNY

Arriving early, I was fortunate to attend Grand #1's school Christmas pageant.  As one of Santa's Reindeer, she made the audience laugh.  Good job!  Grand #2 was out with the stomach flu ( a foretaste of what was to come ).

I got to oversee several practice runs and then attend Grand #3's violin recital.  Yippee!!!!

The sweet heart insisted on standing behind the music stand, so we couldn't see him.  He did a spectacular job!  Well done, Grandson!!!

Keeping with the music theme, I was very lucky to get tickets to see the Bow Valley Chorus in action,  two days after my arrival.  Their performance of "Appalachian Winter" was nothing short of spectacular!

My week continued, giving me ample opportunity to really get into Canmore's Spirit of Christmas.  The Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train made a short whistle stop after dark on Friday.  Bedecked with flashing lights and musical charms, it was a sight to see.  My camera battery died in the cold and so I have no photos.  :(

Town merchants sponsored visits with Santa and complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes.

Some of us were very leery of the Santa figure, refusing to sit on the ample lap.

The Grands and I made a ginger bread house...

where more candy made it into stomachs than onto the roof of the house.

Christmas cookies are no fun unless slathered with icing...

My sweet friends took me out to Sunday lunch at the Silver Tip Golf Course dining room.

The views are spectacular, the food and service excellent and the company superb!

 We took all the Grands (4) to the Banff Hot Springs for a treat on Saturday morning.  The sulfur hot water is supposed to have curative powers, but based on my personal experience, the hot water is soothing and nothing else.  I'm still sick with a wicked cold!

After the soak, we hit the Sushi Train for lunch!  Electric trains pulling flat cars loaded with food is a hit with all ages.  Learning the chopsticks was something else!

Outdoor exercise helps ensure good nap times, or so they say.  When snow fun turned to wacking Grandma Roe with snowballs and chunks of ice, I loaded the rascals into the chariot and took them shopping.  Contained.  Calm.  Quiet.  Good.  Very good in fact.  I got exercise, they got still.  Until we got to the shops...then it was a different story.  Long story short:  I had a greatly needed nap when we got home.

Canmore floods and polishes their local creek with a zamboni every winter.  The best ice rink anywhere!

The sunrises here about 8:30am, peaking over the Tree Sisters mountains, turning the sky a lovely shade of pink.  Yes, Christmas in the Rockies is a special time.  Beautiful.  Breathtaking.  And of course, FAMILY time.  The very best.

May all my blogging buddies have a blessed Yuletide with families and friends and may Jesus' love shine in your hearts all year long.

Happy New Year!