New Visitors Arrive!

We were really excited to play host to our second set of visitors, very close friends Stacy and Jamie and their (almost) 3year old Regan, our godson.

The last time we had seen them was way back in May at our leaving party and we were so excited. Both Nige and I (unintentionally I may add), had both worn red to pick them up from the airport and were both poised with our Timmys mugs when they arrived, what a sight! It was wonderful having that connection again to back home and all things familiar and we were really looking forward to showing others what we loved so much about Canada. Although, as with my parents, we had given them a wish list of goodies for them to bring little did we expect the suitcase full of UK biscuits, Chocolate, gravy granules and Malibu! (plus more besides)

Our first day was spent at Lake Louise as we had promised Regan some snow. We were lucky that there had been a fair amount of snowfall recently and they were not disappointed. When Regan had had enough of the cold (what a fantastic excuse that was!!) we decided to have lunch in the Chateau Lake Louise over looking the snow covered lake. I was expecting inflated prices due to the large numbers of tourists, but both Nige and Myself were presently surprised!

I just wanted to say that the snowman in the top picture is our attempt and the one on the second was there when we arrived and we just cheekily just posed next to it!

So after a lovely lunch it was back home for a bath and pyjamas (and that wasn’t just Regan!!)

Stacy and Jamie had come with a shopping list in order to make the most of the lower Canadian prices so the following day it was a trip to the local mall then a trip out to Banff later on in the week (when I managed to leave my coat at home so had to buy a new one….what a shame!!!!) when we squeezed in a quick trip up to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Both Nige and I had wanted them to get the most out of their week here and decided to take a trip to the Zoo, somewhere we hadn’t been before. I must say (and I’m sure everyone will agree) that even though it was a little chilly we had a great day. The weather had put a lot of people off so it was fairly quiet but it hadn’t put many of the animals off! Whilst we were there we saw them preparing for ‘Zoolights’ when the zoo grounds are decorated by over 2 million lights that is due to open at the end of November. This we decided was defiantly something we would have to attend later in the year.

The fellow in the picture above is Pippin, a Canadian Grey Wolf -

a creation of Regans from build-a-Bear.

Another thing we had really wanted to take Regan to do was ice skating. In the UK taking a child as young as Regan would be seen as unsuitable, but in Canada when they can walk, they get the skates on then its onto the ice! Even those that can't walk are pushed round the ice in their pushchairs! Although he wasn't all that comfortable on the ice to begin with he did get used to the skates and his balance was incredible, plus he throughly enjoyed being pushed round at speed! A great day out had by all!

We had had the very kind offer of babysitting duties from Alan and Sonja which meant the four of us could go and watch a hockey match. The Calgary Flames weren't due to play while Stacy and Jamie were here, but luckily the Calgary Hitmen had a match on the friday night so off we went to the saddledome. It still amazes me how civilized all the fans are, as there is do devision between the teams fans. I suspect that if that was the case in the UK there would be carnage, but here there is nothing more that friendly banter and funny comments (all of which is suitable for young ears) and everyone just gets on, it fantastic! After the game we stopped off at an indian that we had been to for Alans birthday the week before, and got ourselves a takeaway to devour when we got home!

As Stacy had a Christmas list to fullfill we had arranged, before their arrival, to make the 3 hour trip to Edmonton Mall. I had had some very mixed reviews about the Mall but was keen to make up my own mind. I must say however it didn’t disappoint. Not only did all the shopping list get crossed off, the boys all went off to spend some time in the swimming pool while Stacy and I treated ourselves to a massage, just what we needed to break up all that shopping!

Unfortunately the end of their holiday can all too quickly and it was time for them to head home. It was a very sad time as even though we know we are returning to the uk for a visit in April/May next year with Regan being so young it would feel like longer before we see him again.

After a sad farewell at the airport and, some outstanding distraction tactics from Regan to ensure the lady at the check-in desk didn't spot their rather over weight luggage, it was back home (via Timmys) to eat and drink all the goodies that they had brought!