Merry, Merry to you!

I have been off the blog wagon lately. Now without school, I find the computer and I aren't as attached at the hip. Its nice really. I'm enjoying my month off. I finished well, with two A's. I'm still having a hard time deciphering if I'm just plain brilliant, or perhaps there is just a shortage of Social Worker's and a cat would get an A too. Don't worry. I don't think about it too hard. I take my A's and RUN!

This will be a different Christmas for us this year. Its funny. Here in Alberta, it seems like all the Calgarians come to visit the Edmontonians and vice versa. Few people actually celebrate in their own respective city. So this year, we're joining with the crowd and heading South to Calgary.

First things first. Looks like I will finally get to meet my half-brother Jason! I'm thrilled. We tried to meet up in May and that didn't work out. So this has been a long awaited meeting. We talk on the phone often and usually text every other day. We will be going out for lunch Calgary tomorrow. Very cool to introduce the kids to "Uncle Jason."

Next stop, Cochrane. This town is about an hour West of Calgary towards the Rocky Mountains. The foothills. Our favorite landscape in all of Alberta. Every time we drive through, we always pick spots to build our dream house. Generally on the top of a rolling hill, facing back towards the mountains. Its just beautiful.

We will be spending Christmas Eve with my cousin Ruth (Gammy) and her husband's family who own a cattle ranch. Around 20 or so family members come out on Christmas Eve. Apparently there will be a mini ice rink made up and if there are enough willing participants a game of hockey will take place late afternoon (us non-skaters are in the non-willing category). Abbi will probably get out with Gammy and take a few turns. Then a big beautiful meal. There is also a gift swap. And apparently even an old fashioned carol sing-along, instruments included (It has been requested that Rob bring his guitar). Sounds like a lovely time. We will open our gifts as usual on Christmas morning and then have breakfast.

Then we are off around lunchtime onto our next stop. My friend Katrina's parents are caretakers of a camp in Caroline. Another foothills town. She has invited us out to spend Christmas afternoon and night with her family. We will get our own little cabin to spend the night. There is a pool and a hot tub, so we will definitely be bringing our suits. Apparently the camp is right on a lake so there is a possibility of some ice fishing for Rob with Katrina's Dad. I forsee sweets and laughing and tea and great company.

So that is our completely unorthodox Christmas. Feels kind of strange when I tell someone about it, but also kind of excitingly different at the same time. For some reason, this year just seems like it needs to be "different." No idea why.

I hope that wherever your Christmas season finds you, whether it be 'same old, same old' or totally different, I hope its a beautiful time. Shared with good food, laughs, and people.

Many blessings, and much "Merry" is wished to you all!