LOL! I’m sure I’ll get some comments on this entry. 

As a kid, we spent many winters outdoors enjoying the weather.  My parents owned a snowmobile when I was younger and we spend countless afternoons riding through the fields and meeting up with friends to toboggan.  My dad and older brother would ride on the skidoo while mom, my younger brother and I rode on the toboggan behind.  My older brother was in charge of checking on us to make sure dad didn’t lose us along the way.  Not because he was going too fast, but because from time to time, the toboggan rope would come undone and we would be left behind for a few seconds or until they noticed we were no longer “attached”.

Another fond memory I have is cross country skiing with my aunts, uncles and cousins.  My mom comes from a rather large family and we would all go out to one of my aunt’s houses in the country and ski all afternoon.  There were usually 10 or more of us.  It was the best!!!

When I wasn’t skiing or snowmobiling, I was outside with my cousins building snow forts.  I can remember lying in the snow and staring up at the starry ski.  I loved being outdoors.

Those were some of my fondest memories growing up. Now as a parent, I’m trying to create some fun memories for my kids by taking them outside to enjoy the snow.  We toboggan and build snowman.  I still have my cross country skis and would like to pick up some snow shoes or skis for the kids once they are a bit older.  Grace has been asking for skates, so I’m going to pick some up for her and Gabby.  They are never too young to learn right?

If you want to learn about staying more active during winter, check out the Active Living site for your area.  There are lots of great ideas to keep active during the winter and to make it a little more enjoyable!

Here are some picks of the kids enjoying winter.

For those of you who have not heard of it, the Jack Frost Festival is an annual winter festival held in Charlottetown.  There are snow sculptures, kids shows, outdoor skating rink, animals, horse and sleigh rides, tubing, ice slides, indoor activities and shows, the flying canucks and children’s characters to new a few.  It is such an awesome family event and it seems to get better and better every year.  I took the girls up Sunday afternoon, but I think next year we will have to get a weekend pass and stay overnight.  This years festival was amazing and the girls and I had such a great time.  I’m really looking forward to going next year.

the entrance

Grace enjoying one of the many ice slides

the girls enjoying the ice slides

snow carving…they were amazing!!

one of the many igloos

peek-a-boo

enjoying some indoor fun

various snow sculptures

the flying canucks

Gabby LOVED the backyardigans

enjoying a horse and sleigh ride and begging

me not to take any more pics!

Me and Gabby

If anyone is familiar with me at all, they know I love my dog.   I think it’s safe to say that the feeling is mutual.  No matter where I am in the house, she is always close by.  If I’m on the computer, she sits under the table at my feet.  If I’m in the livingroom, she lies on the floor beside the couch (the animals aren’t allowed on the furniture).  She follows me so closely that at times, I actually trip over her.  If hubby is working nights, I’ll let her sleep in bed with me which I know she considers a special treat.   I think it’s funny that she is so taken with me because it was hubby who brought her home.   Then again, I’m usually the one who walks her or wants to take her on family outings.  She is amazing with the kids and loves going out with them to play in the snow.   She is by far, the best family dog ever!

You’ll have to bear with me, I’m not feeling 100%, so I’m not sure this post will make any sense.  I’ve been trying to get into to see my doctor this week and haven’t had any luck.  This cold seems to be getting worse and I’m finding it hurts to breath.  I may have to try one of the walk in clinics.

I guess I consider myself lucky to even have a family doctor.  There are approximently 4200 islanders without one.  I feel for doctors that have to carry on such a huge patient load.  I’m just wondering what is so unappealing about a medical practice in PEI? Is it the patient overload or the money?   This article written back in 2007 says that things are improving, but are they?  I think islanders would beg to differ.

 PEI Doctor Shortage Improving

Usually each year, we head over to our friend’s house to watch the superbowl.  We’ve been doing it for years.  Unfortunately, they have moved out of province so we are left wondering what to do instead.   We did get another invite, but I’m not feeling the greatest and hubby will just be getting off work at 7:30 pm.  I’m not sure he will feel up to going out either.  So for tonight, looks like it’s just us and the food!!  We have nachos, buffalo chicken party sandwiches, potato skins and beverages.  Hubby doesn’t know what we are having tonight, so I am going to surprise him with the spread.  Can’t wait for him to get home! Go Pittsburg!!!!!!

Surprise!!

the munchies