Nige and I had spent the last few weeks putting together an itinerary, and having spent many evenings on the internet finding out 'what to do' in Calgary, we had planned a busy two weeks for my parents, to ensure that they were able to make the most of their time here.
WEDNESDAY
Today was set to be a recovery day for the weary travelers (and myself who is still working nights!), so we headed out for a bit of shopping. Later that evening we started sorting the Christmas decorations so that the boys could purchase the trees tomorrow.
Not easy to see on the thermometer, but the mercury was down to a rather chilly -24c which equated to -32c with the wind chill! Welcome to Calgary, Liivet party of 2!
THURSDAY
Today we had reservations at the Calgary 360 restaurant so after a quick sleep to recover from my night shift, we dressed up and headed out. We had been keeping an eye on the weather and thankfully when I'd checked the weather report that morning, the visibility had been excellent so we were in for a treat. The food was excellent and although Nige and I had been there New Years Eve last year, going during the day was a completely different experience looking at the city in the daylight from above (plus the company was far better). After a fantastic meal we headed up to the viewing platform with the glass floor for a couple of scary photo opportunities.
It was then off to bed for me, while Nige and my parents purchased the Christmas trees. Then just before dinner we all jumped in the car and took the 3 minute drive to Spruce Meadows, the International Equestrian Centre, for their Christmas Lights display. Each year they decorate the entire venue with lights and open their gates for the locals to drive round and enjoy for free as a thank you for supporting them throughout the year. It was amazing and we were like children admiring all the lights out of the open car windows, despite the cold.
That evening it was a film and some popcorn followed by another night shift for me and a bottle of wine and snacks for everyone else!
FRIDAY
As i'd just finished my last shift we'd all decided to have a lazy morning so I could get a few hours sleep, then off to the farmers market for provisions. Although we've been here for over 18 months now, I'd yet to manage to get to the Calgary Farmers Market and we had a great time sampling and purchasing lots of cheeses, vegetables, pate's, bread and cakes from the local farmers and bakers. That evening we had booked a table at Muriettas, a bar and grill in downtown Calgary so we donned our party frocks to enjoy some good food, drink and entertainment. After another great day and a fabulous evening we headed home for a nightcap and some sleep.
SATURDAY
Today we headed to Heritage Park for its 'Once Upon A Christmas' event, where the historically themed park is placed in the spirit of the holidays. Along with warm fruit cider and sleigh rides, the snow and the 'characters' interacting with us, it really was a bit of a time-warp and we loved it!
That evening we had tickets to the Ice hockey to watch the Calgary Hitmen V's the Edmonton Oil Kings. It was Mum's first time at a hockey match and the seats, second row, ensured we were right up by the action for maximum enjoyment. Although the Hitmen failed to end their losing streek, we all throughly enjoyed the game and were looking forward to our big dinner tomorrow.
SUNDAY
As my parents were here we'd decided to have our own Christmas day, so we can spend it together. We followed family tradition with a breakfast of french pastries followed by the dinner preparations. Whilst the dinner was cooking we all sat down to a christmas movie, plenty of festive snacks and a glass or two of wine (except for Nige who was the DD for the evenings plans!).
That afternoon we sat down to a wonderful three course dinner and after dinner we donned the layers and headed to Calgary Zoo for the Christmas Zoo lights. Every year the Zoo puts up almost two million lights to decorate every tree and building, along with a huge selection of illuminated statues and displays around the grounds.
Warming up by one of the many fire pits!
MONDAY
Day of rest! Ahhhh.
TUESDAY
One of the things that Mum had really wanted to do whilst she was here was to try her first skiing lesson, so we headed up to COP for a 'Discover Ski' lesson for mum. Nige and I took along our kit and headed for the slopes while Mum enjoyed her first taster of winter sports on the Slopes. Considering it was the first time she'd ever worn skis she did really well and really enjoyed herself, whilst Nige and I suprised ourselves at how quickly we got back into it and we're looking forward to our trip to Whistler in a couple of weeks for Niges' works party.
After a tiring day on the slopes (My Dad had refused to try anything on the snow so had worn himself out drinking coffee and taking pictures from inside!) we had and evening planned at the local Comedy Cave.
I had a voucher for 1/2 off admission and for $20 we had an excellent nights entertainment.
WEDNESDAY
Today the boys were booked in for a tour of the Big Rock Brewery. With all the shopping I felt it only fair that we included something for the men to enjoy! The Brewery holds tours three times a week and after a tour of the brewery itself, participants get the opportunity to sample the beverages that they produce.
Nige and my Dad could have spent all day sampling the beers but we had a Vet appointment for Domino so they had to settle for a sample of each and their 'goodie bag' of 6 bottles of their choice, which we all agreed was a bargain for $25!
Domino has had no real improvement since she developed the paralysis so the Vet has made a referral to a animal Neurologist in the hope that they can suggest some other treatment plan. They also advised that we look into a wheelchair for her, but currently we're not really in a position to buy one at over $450! We will see what the Neurologist suggests,
THURSDAY
Today was spent at the recently refurbished Chinook shopping mall for some serious shopping (of the window variety obviously!). Followed by an evening with our friends Haydn and Deedee who came over to join in the festive celebrations with a Boxing day style buffet with all the goodies we purchased at the Farmer Market. Another great evening with good friends!
FRIDAY
The main Christmas fair was held at Spruce Meadows the two weekends before my parents arrived and although I managed to make a quick visit there, i really wanted to take them to one and thankfully the BMO centre was hosting another Christmas arts and crafts fair. We had a great time and made it more interesting by having a 'secret santa' style $5 gift buying for each other!
That evening Nige and I had purchased Tickets to Theatres Calgary's production of 'A Christmas Carol' as Mum and Dads Christmas present. We had even splashed out and purchased a box at the Theatre which was well worth it. We had both heard such good things about this annual event and we not disappointed in the slightest, with a fantastic performance.
SATURDAY
Today we had a busy day planned as we headed off to the mountains. Banff was having its annual 'Christmas in the Rockies' festival and we had planned to spend the day enjoying all it has to offer. We had booked a table for brunch at the Banff Springs Hotel and Mum and I had planned accordingly, eating a small meal the night before and only having a cup of tea for breakfast! I had heard a great many things about the size and variety of the brunch, but we were still amazed at the actual buffet. It was enormous and had everything you could possibly want. We managed four trips up in order to have a small sample of everything that took our eye and we were more than satisfied!
We then headed into the town for some shopping and a coffee to warm us up before finding a spot for the Banff Christmas Parade. The temperatures had been fairly mild all day, but it quickly dropped when the sun dropped behind the mountains. The parade was fun and despite the weather we enjoyed the festivities (and the hot drinks!) We had planned to head up to the Banff Hot Springs after the parade, but unfortunately most of the people who were at the parade had the same idea and after heading up the mountain in a convoy of cars we decided to head home to Domino and a bottle of wine instead!
SUNDAY
We decided to have another rest day so that we could all recuperate after a really busy week and a half and even h we'd had to miss out two items from our initial plans none of us could believe how much we'd managed to squeeze in to such a short time!
MONDAY
Today I headed out with my parents for some last minute shopping and a spot of lunch before heading home to layer up for a trip out to Airdrie later that evening. Every year the city 10 minutes north of Calgary, illuminates one of its public parks with arches, trees and displays.
On the way home it was a quick stop at the supermarket for the essential holiday gifts for the parents (maple syrup being easier to find than twinkies!?) to take back and then home for a chinese takeaway.
TUESDAY
I returned home after another night shift ready to take my parents to the airport ready for their lunchtime flight. So after a final check at the store for the requested, yet hard to locate 'twinkies', then it was through the Tim Hortons drive thru' and onward to the airport. After a teary goodbye it was back home to a quiet and empty house and a confused Domino!
We have Nigels' Mum and Step-Dad booked to come and stay in April and we're already coming up with ideas for their trip, we just hope they come to us well rested!!
