First Tournament and….a Medal

We came in from skiing in Kananaskis this morning and headed straight to Liam's first karate tournament.  The participants can compete in kata, sparing and/or both.  Since it was Liam's first one and he just started karate a few months ago, I felt he should start with the kata.  He was quite upset with me as he really felt he could spare (even with no training).   We had his sensei talk to him and explain that a first tournament should be kata and then observe the sparring.  He accepted their advice.  They also tried to manage his expectations and told him that kids usually don't medal in their first attempt.  Guess what?  He won bronze.  Proud of the stubborn, awesome kid.  Next tournament coming up in May and he will be sparing.

Skiing

Emily and Liam had a day off from school and no other commitments so we went to Nakiska to ski then stayed overnight at the Delta Kananaskis Lodge.  We were joined by our friends, the Kellers.  Emily and Liam go to school with their two kids and they also happen to live down the street.  It was fun especially since the four kids are now old enough to explore a bit on their own and let the parents have some adult time.   Bailey even joined us and was a hit with the hotel staff who looked after her while we had dinner and went to the pool for a dip.

Girls' Weekend and Julie Van Rosendaal

I spent the weekend with three other lovely ladies at a friend's cabin in Beaver Mines.  Between us, we have over 100 years of friendship.  It was a weekend spent talking, x-country skiing, talking, eating gourmet meals (courtesy of Julie Van Rosendaal) and more talking.  Don't tell our husbands, but we all had uninterrupted nights and were even lucky enough to sleep in both mornings.  Some controversial topics and fun debates.  Lots of laughs.  The only downside was that since Todd and I are completing an alcohol-free January, I stuck to Perrier and San Pellegrinos while the other ladies enjoyed red wine.  Next year I won't be so foolish.

There is something to be said about communal living…

Our source of heat

Hitting the trail at 4:00 p.m.

Beautiful pink sky as we were skiing out

Todd's boat that he stores in Beaver Mines

Lots of snow