An early Christmas with Omi & Opa

It could seem that having in-laws arrive three days after moving into a new house might not be a welcome thing.  What wasn't welcome was actually sending them off to the plane this past Wednesday afternoon.    It wasn't the typical visit, touring them around town and experiencing our new city.  They didn't stay in our house, but opted for a B&B as our place is still getting sorted out.  It was certainly a busy time with S swamped at work, with us trying to purchase a replacement van for ours which was written off, and with me wanting to buy a couch before returning our rental van.  Despite the craziness, we had enough time to get out here and there, to do Christmassy things together at home and for the kids to get their cuddle time in.  Not to mention having Dad do some fixing up of miscellaneous things and for Mom to make some marvellous dinners!  Here are some pictures from their 9 days with us:

Mom and Dad kindly took the kids to the Forks Market on Saturday morning so we could buy our van.  They had a little visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus while there.

On Sunday, I ended up picking up a Christmas tree from a lady off Kijiji.  If not for Mom's desire to have the house decorated, I may have ended up missing out on a tree this year as I've felt overwhelmed by all the other mess of the house.  I can't say that decorating the tree was super fun.  The kids thought so, but having them grabbing my special ornaments out of the bin and tossing things around left me a little frazzled.  But it's so nice to have the finished product, despite it being less-than-perfectly trimmed!  I loved how Iz put five ornaments on a limb.  Christmas trees with young children certainly press against any adult perfectionist tendencies, which isn't a bad thing :).

Despite the temperature hovering around -9 C and the fact that A was home on a sick day with a cold (she's such a good sick person!), we decided on Monday morning to visit Assiniboine Park Zoo.  We missed seeing lots of the animals, as a prime goal was to find the indoor places - Toucan World, the monkey exhibit, the Lion's Hut and such.  Mom might have a different take on it, as it was lots of walking which is hard on her knee, and it really was rather chilly.  But I think we had a good time, anyway.  By far, the male tiger was the most impressive of the animals there - not that you can tell by my photo.  The mom and babies were beautiful, too.

Crazy Iz walked around carrying a snow hunk, chomping on it periodically!

Even with the cold, the kids were still were happy to play on the playground!

Tuesday night was our early Christmas dinner together, thanks to mom's efforts in the kitchen.  With Christmas a week away and us not quite sure what we're up to, it certainly was nice to have Mom and Dad bring the holidays home for us.

Since Mom and Dad had visited us many times in Granisle, which had no stores and limited tourist attractions, I think we've lowered their expectations on what they'll get when they visit.  So on our end, it was a good time and I think on their end, it was alright, too!  Next time life shouldn't be so hectic and we'll be able to explore a little more of Winnipeg.

For now, life continues to be busy.  It turns out that our 'new' used van has power steering issues and will have to be towed to the shop tomorrow :(.  School gets out on Thursday and then the holidays begin with S having some time off work, as well.  I had hoped to send out Christmas greetings, but with the timing of things, my cards will all be very late (if I'm able to send any at all)!  And so, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and send you our love.  Thanks for sending us yours!