Manitoba Christmas Trip, 2009

I feel like my 1-1/2 week long trip to MB was a blur. Did it really happen? I spent most of my time either sick with a nasty flu, exhausted (9-10 weeks pregnant at the time), nauseous from morning (ok- who are we kidding? ALL DAY) sickness, or stuffing my face with all my comfort foods that my dear mommy cooked up for me!

I didn't even pack my camera this time! I think there were enough high quality digital cameras floating around between the different photographers in my family!

The trip started off a little rocky. Due to the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas day, security had been upped a little. This caused my Seattle to Vancouver flight to be delayed... several times. Causing me to miss my Van-Winnipeg flight. The next one was about 5 hours later! On both flights we seemed to have everything going against us! From late food caterers to the winds! All in all we left home at 8:30 am and FINALLY made it to my parent's place at 4 am (Manitoba time).

The next day we headed off to a resort to celebrate my parent's 40th wedding anniversary as a family. 40 years!! Can you believe it?! What a great priveledge to say my parents have been marred that long! Sadly, that isn't so common these days.

I am living through these photos, as I was sick this entire time and couldn't enjoy my family like I would have liked to.

What do cousins do when they first get together?

My kids don't get to play in the snow... ever. This was a really treat! They really had no idea what to do in snow. We were quick to teach Jake that you don't pick up snow in the parking lot and eat it....

Here is Trevor treating us (ok- not me- everyone else though) to coffee! He roasted green beans in the fire.

We threw a surprise celebration for my parents one evening. We had secretly invited many of their close friends and had planned an informal celebration of their marriage. My aunt had the great idea of making them kiss!! (Which in my opinion lasted all together way too long!)

My favorite: my dad's expression after hearing that they had to kiss! Mom is all giddy and excited. Dad is a wee bit shocked!! (one of my favorite faces of my dad)

My parents wedding album, guest book, dress, shoes, etc. were all displayed.

We did have some fun playing in the snow at my parent's farm. I think this was the only time I felt up to going outside. My brother Kevin came over with his snowmobile and took the kids for rides. Unfortunately Olivia kept calling it a combine ride the whole time. I have some training in the agriculture area to do!

Here is my first pregnancy photo yet!! I couldn't resist putting on my mom's 1990's irredescent one piece snow suit and playing in the snow.

My Dad brought out a 75 year old electric train that was his when he was little. He also brought out his little model combines and tractors (all tiny versions of the real ones he has owned) and the kids played with them! (and maybe my pink barbie corvette as well!)

Anyone who knows my mom knows that she is the world's best cook and baker. Here's Liv enjoying the goods!

I even got to go to a family gathering while I was out! I haven't been around to go to them since the kids were born. Here is my dear dear cousin Julia and I comparing bellies... I think she won.