Christmas Part 2 of 2

On Nana's birthday Jason had called her with the surprise that we'd be all making our way out to Manitoba for Christmas. With the flight time being six hours and drive time being another 2 hours I wasn't sure how the kidlets would fare. But I figured just focus on the destination and we'd be there in no time.

 

However, Alistair and Francis were a dream to fly with. Alistair actually seemed to enjoy the trip there and coed away which made the trip surprisingly enjoyable.

Francis got her hug in to the greeting polar bear as we landed. By then she was pretty much done but lucky for us she snoozes in the vehicle so once we were in motion she slept the rest of the way.

Fortunately we didn't have to make the three hours drive North to the island and had down time at Pine Falls at Nana and Papa's house before heading a little further North.





It didn't take Francis long to warm up to Nana and find a comfortable place to get some snuggles in.

 Plus chill out on the floor and regroup.

Christmas lights were up all over Pine Falls which made for some fun outtings with the kids.

The kids cousin, Elizabeth, came up early to spend time with all of us. Francis was in heaven and was a little shadow of Elizabeth for the rest of our stay there.

We all made our way North to Loon Straits a few days later. It was great as both of Jason's siblings and families were able to come for several days so it was a big warm household of people making it very Christmasy.

 There were lots of cuddles to go around.

Along with some fun and goofy times.

 

Fortunately the weather wasn't as bitter cold as it has been on some trips out there so we got a fair amount of outside time together which was good for all.

It also made for some good snoozing medicine!

Because it had been so mild we had wondered if there was a chance we wouldn't get over to the island as that's where the cabin is located but it didn't seem to be a problem.

We loaded up the sleigh with bags and people and headed across. It also made for fun outings at night singing Christmas Carols as we got towed about the island on a starry night.

It was also great that Alistair was able to be involved in all of the outings changing up his environment as we were away for ten days!

 

It was also great for the kids to finally meet each other along with the Aunt and Uncles meeting nieces and nephews for the first time. I don't like to complain about the vastness of our country but it does put a road block into family connections at times. The nice thing it didn't take much to catch up or create some lovely connections.

Like I said Francis couldn't get enough of Elizabeth who did so well with all the hugs and heel walking Francis did.

It was fun that they got to giggle away and create some family ties.

Anna (Nana) had the home decorated to the nines and the feasts were fantastic. There was no way but to be in the mood for Christmas while we were there.

One of Francis favorite things to do while we were on the island was to dress up and go dance outside with "Frosty". He had a little button to push and the girls would go dance away with him. Francis didn't seem to care if it was 25 below or not she needed to dance.

And even when she couldn't be outside she'd peak out to make sure he was still ok.



Alistair's favorite thing was to lie on the floor beside Nana as she effortlessly played Christmas tunes on the piano. His smiles and vocalizations were endless.

Unfortunately, it all had to come to an end but the time we had was lovely. We packed up all the goodies we got and headed South to Winnipeg for the night before flying home.

Alistair was more than happy to get home as he did acquire a sinus infection and we were pretty lucky to get home when we did. We thought we had given ourselves enough time to get on the plane being at the airport an hour in advance. WRONG. As soon as we got in the lineup we were told by a WestJet agent that there was no way we'd be flying out on our 645am flight and we would have to be rebooked AND they weren't sure it would be the same day! Fortunately, when we got to the lady who checks your bags etc she had a soft spot for us. She asked us if we could go spend the day with family in town and Jason said " nope this (airport) is our home for the day". It was then she said " we got to try and make this happen". Thanks to her she got on the phone to people on the other side of security and they basically ran us to the airplane doors! WHEW! Thank you WestJet!!

So nothing like adding a bit of excitement to the end of a wonderful and relaxing trip!

 

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