New Years at Wall Lake

This year my friends and I (although I played a very, very little part in the actual planning) decided that we were not going to have another regular, anti-climatic New Years celebration. Winter camping won over the cabin with a hot tub idea, which I'm happy to say was a great thing. Eric, Marc, Tara, Logan (Tara's brother) and I drove down to Waterton on New Years eve day. Despite the late start (thanks to Mrs. Bomhof for getting Marc out of bed!!) we had a full day of snowshoeing ahead of us. We all loaded up our gear for the night and headed to Wall lake. It turned out to be the perfect day, sun shining and the snow looked beautiful around us. I'm telling you though, this is no easy task trudging through mountains of snow, but rewarding? Definitely. We were secluded from everything... no business, no noise. Just us, in God's amazing creation. And the quince turned out beautifully, everyone worked so well together. (except for the occasional opportunity I stole to take some pictures, I guess I didn't pull my weight as much then!) The guys built a fire and loads of very delicious food was cooked. I would have to say the only downfall of the trip was worrying whether or not Eric was going to get hypothermia that night. I'm sure he would be able to explain his tragic night in much more colourful words, but he survived. He, along with his sleeping bag, were soaking wet the next morning. After destroying what creations we had made with the snow, we headed back down the trail. We ended the day making pie irons back at the car, yum. But, this was seriously one amazing trip. Short and definitely sweet. I know it's late, but HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

My Christmas

Taking a walk around Henderson Lake.

THE overpriced appetizer

The girls at 360.

Rolling croquettes at home (although, none of us look overly happy here)

Steve and James attempting to match Isabelles skills.

I love that Josh is just in awe of Isabelle here.

Possibly the best socks ever.

Bomhof/ Los Christmas.... need I say more?

Steph apparently likes my curtains.. and the toque I got her.

Haworth Christmas party... the freaky men on stilts.

So, there you have it. Sort of a flip book of pictures of my Christmas. Why is that after being back into a regular routine, the holidays and fun times seem so far off already? This Christmas was awesome!!

Cloud of Self Pity

So, last night (and perhaps this morning again) I was feeling very bumbed out over the fact that I think all the c.d's I own have officially gone missing. Well, all except for the few Christmas tunes I've had out the last couple weeks. Years of collecting...and one might say refining... gone. We'll say I was in a cloud of self pity.

That is until I started to read from this blog, http://teampyro.blogspot.com/ talking about people with real problems. Yes, you heard it, real problems. Losing hundreds of dollars worth of "stuff" is nothing compared to losing feeling in your face or entire body for that matter. This entry talks about a woman who survived an attack where she was almost beheaded because of her faith in Christ. I mean, come on... what I have I really got to complain about here??

Christmas at Home

Just some of the things I loved about Christmas at home this year:

• Singing Glory To God (Ere Zij God) in dutch on Christmas Day in Church... it sounds heavenly to my ears.

Glory to God! (2X) In the highest!(3X)Peace on the earth, peace on the earth to the people who have God’s favor. Glory to God in the highest! (2X) Peace on the earth. (4X)To the people, to the people who have God’s favor. To the people who have God’s favor, who have God’s favor!Glory to God! Glory to God! In the highest! In the highest! In the highest!Peace on the earth, peace on the earth to the people who have God’s favor.Amen, amen.

Dutch (use the repeats shown in English):
Ere zij God! In den hoge! Vrede op aarde, vrede op aarde, in de mensen een welbehagen. Amen, amen.

• Watching the Eagles D.V.D on the big screen with my dad
• Making countless batches of croquettes, rolled to perfection, and then eating them on Christmas Eve.
• Watching Michael open his gifts, getting equally excited about each one, but then abandoning all but one.
• My dad getting excited, like a little kid, about his presents.
• Eating my chocolate letter... my parents are still trying to figure out if I prefer Milk or Dark Chocolate.
• Shooting the kinder surprise containers at each other after finishing off a delicious meal.
• Dropping fruit in the chocolate fountain, forcing the chocolate to take alternate paths.
• Having late night conversations with Emily during our sleepovers.
• Baking with mom (which generally leads to me asking 20 questions)
• Walks around Henderson Lake... or if you are Emily, ON the lake.
• Sitting in the hot tub listening to Christmas tunes, drinking cheap (and smelly) wine.
• Listening to James and David tell random stories.
• Eating MORE croquettes and buttercake
• My family tickling me... although, this one really is a love hate thing
• Kisses and hugs from Michael

Yes we do work, sometimes...

Nicole, Leah and I at the Haworth Christmas Party.... yummy Gelato!

Me and... the Evil Dead

Leah sporting her new D.V.D

It was the season of parties... which I was generally impressed with . Although, it does get a little overwhelming at times, and it seems that too often Christ gets kicked out of Christmas.

There are a handful of really great people that I work with. We got together at a very quaint coffee shop with two girls who used to work for Haworth. We did a cheesy movie exchange and I ended up with the evil dead, while others did not fair so well. I think my friend Perry ended up with New York Minute.. the great tale of the Olsen twins. How appropriate for a 30 yr old guy? Not very. But humorous I might add. These guys are all great, and we always have a good time hanging out.

Stormy Weather

Another day on the slopes at Sunshine. Here is Alida looking her best in probably close to 6-7 layers. It was an extremely cold day. But, never-the-less, a day off work and the board under my feet!

Kilmorey Lodge

Eric and I Before the Dinner...

During dinner, I guess we clean up good!

Last weekend was Eric's work Christmas party at the Kilmorey lodge in Waterton. The food was again, fantastic. You know what they say... quality not quantity... but there were after all, seven courses. After our amazing 7 course meal, we had a gift exchange. I swear that no Christmas event is ever complete without one of these. Especially when you've got people randomly offering $50 to trade numbers for the $10 gift. Craziness. And I saw Eric's competitive side come out one again while trying to fight off a couple for their gift. I ended up with a fleece blanket... a fair trade I would say.

All this was followed by a fire outside, which was maybe not big enough to warm everyone. But it's always sweet to be outside in the winter with a hot chocolate... especially while surrounded by the mountains! So, it was a very enjoyable evening, and I am very glad that Eric decided to brave taking me along with him again this year.