Christmas '09

Another Christmas has come and gone, and now all that's left is a mess of new toys, and a few extra pounds around the waistline.

This year was a busy Christmas for us. I worked Christmas Eve so Greg prepared a delicious roast beef dinner for when I got home. That evening we opened up all of the gifts under the tree.

Christmas morning we woke the kids up early so they could see what Santa had brought for them. We ate a big breakfast and by 8am we were on the road headed to Southern Alberta to visit family.

We stayed in Magrath with Greg's parents but we also got the opportunity to spend some time with my parent's in Lethbridge, my Aunt Cheryl who lives in Raymond, and Greg's Aunt and Uncle who live in Raymond.

The highways on the way home were awful. There were accidents everywhere. We battled heavy snowfall, thick fog, and icy conditions throughout the mountain passes and beyond.

The kids were very excited when we got home as they finally got to play with all of their new toys. Layla's favourites this year are her musical instruments including guitar, piano, microphone and Hannah Montana Stage. Baron's favourite is definitely his basketball hoop. Considering his limited vocabulary we are amazed at how well and how often he says "ba-het ball! ba-het ball!" I am going to get some serious biceps with all of the lifting I do so that he can put the ball in the hoop. I'm glad he loves it though. My favourite gift was a painting of a penguin done by Layla, and framed by her school. Greg says his favourite gift was the contributions made towards winter tires for our van because without them we would not have seen our family this Christmas, and family is THE greatest gift of all. HIS words NOT mine so save your "oh geeeeez" for Greg.

And that was Christmas for the Bournes this year. Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!!

Sen Pok Chin Christmas Concert

Last night was our first opportunity to attend a Christmas Concert as parents. Layla was so excited and so were we. The concert was held in Osoyoos at the Desert Cultural Centre. The theme was The Power of the Drum and featured the very talented Russell Podgurny, a Pow wow singer and drummer. He has been working with the students all year to teach them about his craft. He performed solo and also with each class.




Baron enjoyed the dancing and the music and managed to keep his havoc to a minimal. Very much appreciated by his parents.



Layla and Latrisia after the concert with what I believe is a dead coyote.Markus, Layla and Nathan in the teepee room. It was pitch black in there besides the flash of my camera and nearly impossible to get them out to go home.


Layla and Emily on stage.

Here are some videos I tried to film with Layla's little camera, so I apologize for the quality.

Lost Moose Lodge

Last night, for my birthday, Greg and I got a babysitter and headed up up up a mountain for some fine dining. We went to Lost Moose Lodge, which overlooks Penticton, Lake Okanagan and all the way to Peachland. It was a long way up and we met winter about half way up. We were pleased to test out our new snow tires and didn't lose traction once on the steep twisty snow covered road.

There was only one other couple at the lodge that night. I guess we were the only ones brave enough to take on the road? It was a great atmosphere with a fire burning, good music, and amazing views. The chef cooked our steaks outside on the barbecue and they were delicious. It was dark outside and my pictures didn't work out so I copied one from their website.

That was not the first snow we have seen this year. Friday morning we woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground. This was Baron's first time in the snow and he really seemed to enjoy stomping his feet in it. It didn't last long though, it was gone by noon. Perhaps we will take the kids up a mountain and find a good tobogganing hill and remind them what "real" snow feels like.

Me and My PAL

The last day of my twenties I was lucky enough to spend with my favourite PAL, my little Layla Faye.


Every month Layla's kindergarten class invites the parents to spend half of the school day learning the best methods to help our children learn to read and write. They call this PALS, which stands for Parents as Literary Supporters.




Layla and I had fun using flash cards, searching for letters in the sand, painting, drawing, and reading. It is so great to be able to see her interact with her peers and watch the progress she has made so far in school.

I am so proud of my little angel and can not think of a better way to spend a day than watching her learn and progress into a beautiful little lady.