Membership and other privileges

With not much snow on the ground and wondering what to do for cheap outings with the kids, we've been granted a few options.  We generously received an annual family membership to Assiniboine Park Zoo from some of our extended family - we look forward to visiting many times as its already a favourite place for the kids.  They're still too young to weigh whether zoos are ethical or not . . . :)

This past Thursday we decided we'd check out the Manitoba Museum, a little more reasonably priced than the Manitoba Children's Museum.  They were having a sale on membership and so we decided, why not!  Glad we did, as it gets us admission to the Planetarium, the Science Gallery and the fairly impressive Manitoba Museum - all housed in the same large building.  It's only a 10 minute drive away, too.  The first friends who come to visit us get to use our free pass.  Anyone?

Due to time, we had to rush through the museum exhibits, of which they had quite a few.  Some looked a bit dated, but others were impressive (not that we had time to really read).  Had to laugh at Ai and his love of maps and charts.  He didn't want to leave the Ancient Seas exhibit as he loved matching up the pictures of trilobites and cephalopods and other ancient sea creatures to the animated video.  There were many "stuffed animals" throughout the displays, which posed a problem once we reached Iz's new love, Baby Beluga.  She studied it for a good long time, wondering why he was bleeding.  Her new question is, "Why did baby beluga die?" and she asks it of anyone we bump into.  If you're planning on video chatting with us and you don't understand what she's talking about, this is likely what she is asking you.  We're planning on returning Monday, at her request (and because S has one more day of holiday and we'd like to take in a Planetarium show).  At this point, we'd all really like an answer so we can move on!

Thanks to our friends having a membership at FortWhyte Alive, a nature reserve area with interpretive centres, bison and man-made lakes for fishing and other outdoor activities, we were able to use their extra pass to get in free on Saturday.  We were joined by another of Steve's co-workers and his family for a fun toboggan run experience.  Admittedly, it was a little freaky - not for A and Iz who decided not to wait for S and I but went down on their own on the first run!  We helplessly watched them go, while other waiting parents assured us they'd be fine!  It's pretty steep and fast, going straight down on to the frozen lake - which this year isn't yet frozen all the way.  The kids had a blast and it was so nice to have Conrad and Paul take our kids on the sleds with theirs so we didn't have to kill ourselves trying to keep up with all three of them.  I enjoyed hanging out with Nyomen and Michelle, both too afraid to try it - they made me feel better that I only did it once!

Down every run, Iz had a huge smile on her face.  Our other two loved it, as well.  A was more thrilled to hang out with new friend, Becky, two years her senior (though the same height).  She came home and said, "I wish I could have a big sister like her."  Sweet.

A fun ending to the day was that I was given two tickets to Winnipeg's Hope and Peace New Year's Eve concert.  S graciously offered to stay home with the younger two while A and I went out for an early evening date.  It was held at a beautiful church nearby and we managed to get seats close to the front.  Lo and behold, Fred Penner fabulously emceed the event and even shared the poem, "In Winnipeg at Christmas!"  We were able to enjoy a local quartet, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, an amazing choir and various other acts.  But A's favourite was "Canada's best juggler," Robin Chestnut - impressing her most by balancing a full sized metal ladder on his chin while juggling.  Yikes.  Was so nice to get out together and end the year on a fun note.

Tonight (Sunday) we took in CanadInns Winter Wonderland - a Christmas light exhibit at the perimeter of the city.  There is an outdoor skating rink for those who wanted to brave the cold, but we opted just to drive around from the comfort of our van.  They had lots of nice displays, but truthfully, we weren't super impressed.  We try our best not to make comparisons to 'back home,' but we've seen better light shows before :).  Oh well, its still nice to be in a city where there is much to explore and the kids enjoyed the drive out in their pajamas.  When Iz was crying that she was thirsty, we just pulled over and grabbed her a hunk of snow so we didn't have to go to the concession stand!  Prairie living has its advantages .  . .