Good morning from Canmore

The gang is all up. It's nice outside:

Making breakfast and then... start the day, not sure with what yet but we will figure that out. 

Coolidge Clan - Day 4, ski day 2

Lola is on vacation so it is Arizona Adam resuming his blog. 

Day 4 ski day 2 started about the same as day 3 - up before 7 to leave the condo at 7:30. We arrived at Sunshine in good time getting parking in the first parking lot. 

Once everyone had their ski gear we loaded into the gondola and rode up the mountain. Here is a picture of the crew:

Sorry about the picture quality folks, it was cloudy out and snowy for most of the day. Here is a better photo courtesy of Lola:

Here's a picture of the ride up the angel chair:

Some of these photos are taken from our GoPro camera which can be mounted to my helmet and video taken while I snowboard. It works well except I fell today and sorta tumbled in the soft powder and popped the mount off my helmet. Oh well, some double sided tape will fix that when we get back. But I was able to get a few videos from yesterday and today. 

Here are a few more photos from the hill:

Lola setting the camera up. 

Lola and the black diamond skier (Big Bad Blair). 

Bailey eventually got up the courage and (pretty much) demanded a challenge of a bigger hill. So, Stu and Grandpa took her up the strawberry chair to come down an easy green run. From what we heard, she did well but got a little scared from some of the steeper part of the run and had a pretty decent wipeout which had her scared for any further runs. All in all she did well and just needs a little more practice. 

After skiing we came back to the boys, Charisse and mom/grandma at the condo. Mom was busy making supper (rice, soup and smoked turkey), Riley was busy playing and Charisse and Jasper were napping. 

After supper, the skiers/snowboarders needed some hot springs time so we packed up swimsuits and G and A, A and G, B and N and Bailey made their way back to Banff to the hot springs. It was quite busy but well needed an deserved. We came back loosened up - so much that Ashley is almost ready for more skiing. Here's a screenshot from the waterproof camera (camera #3 from this blog post, we have a total of 4 cameras, 2 iPhones, 1 iPad and 1 laptop...):

Well time to conclude this post. Ashley, Riley and Stuart are crashing, Jasper is wide awake and everyone else is slowly starting to wind down for the day. Tomorrow is a "maintenance day" so no skiing. Should be a good adventure day probably with some pool time at the rec centre in Canmore. 

Coolidge Clan - Day 3

It was an early morning, where everyone packed up to go to the mountains to try this thing called skiing.  Graham had a rough start as his phone time didn't adjust to Alberta time, so they were up 1 hour before they had to. We all left the house at 7:30am to head to Lake Louise. 

The Torrent leading the pack, with the Caliber in the middle and the Passat last.

Don't worry, only the Passat understood the signs for purchasing a park pass... Blair drove right passed with Stuart following as he didn't know why Blair wasn't stopping. Oh well, I think they got away with it this time... (I am sure Blair wasn't too happy about misunderstanding which lane to be in).

We had a great time at Lake Louise! But I think Bailey had the most fun after being enrolled in ski school. Couldn't get her off the bunny hill once she had a "professional" teacher! After the 3rd time going down the hill with Grandpa, it was all by herself for 3 more times!

Jasper had a good first day, but the best part was likely the 2 hour nap on grandma after all that hard work.

As for us, Adam and I had some good runs! We helped Ashley get through the chairlift experience, she was a little freaked out when it stopped at the highest part and started swaying...a lot of screaming, but we made it through. Graham and Ashley had a great time, they were "pretty pro" by the end of the day but enjoyed the backside of the hill better than the front side. It was a long "last" run back to the base.

We all made it back to the condo, and had an excellent refuelling supper of spaghetti and meat sauce! A very relaxed evening of watching Go Pro videos from the day and watching movies on tv.  It's going to be an early night as we have to go to sunshine village bright and early for another day of skiing/snowboarding!

Lake Louise

The bunny hill where Bailey and Jasper had a great time:) Grandpa spent some time there too!

Graham and Ashley sleeping on the way back to canmore.

Signing off for now,

Lola

Coolidge Clan - Day 2

Today was another fun day of travel! We all got up for breakfast at the hotel and left 10 minutes before 10, after pushing the Passat out of the snow drift that formed behind the car over night. 

We had a great time in our car today, listening to fun facts about space from teacher graham, having dancing and singing parties to the tunes, playing car games and enjoying the excitement of Ashley experiencing Alberta and the Rockies for the first time!!!

In the car- day 2

Scraping the inside of the window so Ashley could see all the antelope, big houses, elk and rolling hills in Alberta 

Ashley overly excited about how pretty the mountains are:)

The awesome view out the car window!

And we made it to canmore:)

The condo is super nice and so big! We went to the store and made our first meal, BBQ'ed chicken and perogies:) We are all very excited to go skiing tomorrow so bed time came early! We are going to Lake Louise:).  Wish us luck!

Cheers, Lola

Coolidge clan go to Canmore - Day 1

Well day one was super:)

We all left from different locations, Warren, Winnipeg and Morden. We thought someone would be "late" but we all arrived at the Smity's at pretty much the same time! Go team Coolidge. 

Driving from Morden to Brandon

After lunch we rearranged passengers. Graham and Ashley came with Adam and I, Jasper went with Blair and Nadine and Riley and Bailey stayed with Stuart and Charisse.  We drove from Brandon all the way to swift current. With a few breaks on the way for refuelling and emptying. It is a great time travelling with someone who hasn't really been on a road trip before! Ashley is excited to see Saskatchewan and the different topography and cities along the way! And of course the story teller Graham keeps us all entertained!

Travelling in the Passat!

Sunset and rolling hills approaching Swift Current, SK

Arriving in Swift Current, we checked into the hotel and headed to supper, we were starving. We went to Houston's Pizza. Great food!

Table no 1

Table no 2.

After supper straight back to the hotel to get into the pool! We all had a great time :) even the ladies who usually think the water is too cold.  This pool was super warm and so enjoyable to stretch out those stiff muscles after 8 hours in the car!

Here are a few shots from the pool party we had!

Graham and Ashley underwater 

Jasper cannon balling.

The 3 boys... Who is who?

Nadine and Bailey taking a rest

Blair enjoying the water (and rum)

Bailey and Charisse, Riley and Stuart

And last but not least Lola and Arizona Adam, goofing around.

Well hopefully day 2 goes as good as day 1. Next stop, sleep!

Cheers, Lola

It begins...

My phone says it is time to start our trip:

We will be starting at 08:30. More to come...

Work present

I can't figure out who the secret Santa was at work but anyways...

I guess it (somewhat) pays to have the hardest project in the company:

Going Pro

So time to go pro!  Lola gave Arizona adam his Christmas (and anniversary and birthday) present today... He is so excited he is reading the manual while he eats supper... Guess he won't be helping me pack for all the Christmas festivities coming up. Just wants to learn how to use the Go Pro camcorder!

Can't wait to use it on our ski trip:) and tobogganing and skating and all the fun outdoor activities we enjoy doing.

Hope all have a merry Christmas!! 

Hopefully Arizona Adam and Lola will post some of the fun adventures out on the Rockies!!

Lola

Moving up!

Times are changing and so is our household.  

In the last couple of days we have started to move up.

Yes we moved up the furniture back into the living room.  Help from Eric and Jamie, the couches, recliner, and coffee table are back in the living room! Felt good to be able to sit down in the living room again!  Here is a sneak peek, but maybe you need to come over to get the full effect!

Not only have we moved up with our house, but we are also moving up in the garage.  Trading the Jetta TDI for a Passat TDI :). We are hoping to have it around the 16th of December.

Here is a sneak peak of that too:)

Arizona Adam and Lola have a busy weekend of Christmas and birthday parties, plus adam has hockey and Lola is Christmas baking with her mom.

Excited to entertain again in our upstairs and also excited for the new "automatic" wheels!

Cheers, Lola

Getting closer

Well Christmas is fast approaching and our house is almost back to normal. The contractor came back today to do a few things, including putting the new doors in the china cabinet (still missing glass though), putting crown moulding up and fixing one of the drawers (not pictured).  We have been busy trying to get out house back together but difficult when I can't help Arizona Adam move the furniture up.  Maybe I can still convince him to buy new couches for upstairs...

We also moved the radio back in the hallway! Getting closer!

Hope you are all enjoying the curling.  I have been taping and watching it in the evening.  Go team Nedohin and Team Martin!!

Safe driving out there,

Lola

Just like old times part 2

What do you do when you are travelling and waiting for your dinner order to arrive? Drink a beer and blog, that's what. 

Driving downtown reminded me of the good times that I had with Eric, Jamie and Gwen (now known as Lola). This time I resorted to a pint not a litre of beer. 

While I searched for a parking spot I ended up walking by Steak Frites. At least I know where it is, right mom and dad?

Well food is here already (that was fast). Time for some smoked meat on a flat bread. 

Yes that is a pickle. 

Bon apetit!

Just like old times

It's as if my laptop knows when I'm in Montreal. This seems to be the only place where my computer likes to do updates:

Oh well...

It is nice to be back in Montreal, especially knowing that it is only for a short time. Two inspections down and up to 3 more this week. If I had to bet on it though, only one more will happen - late tomorrow. Which means I can return home Thursday. 

I've noticed a difference in my mannerisms since my last duration in Montreal. Generally more relaxed and authoritative rather than anxious. What a difference 8 months here made along with my ongoing medevac project. 

Well time to hit the gym then shower and get some food. I'm not looking forward to the snow storm tonight...

Missing Arizona Adam

Well I guess Arizona Adam has forgot about his readers. He made it to Montreal and is ready for at least one inspection tomorrow!

After watching the Jets game (finally a win), I decided to try and to put some of the bathroom back together! During that I found this hat Adam bought while in Minneapolis. Wore it all evening to feel like adam was helping me:)

Good night, Lola

Lola alone again

Well Arizona Adam is currently in his way to Montreal with no return flight and no GPS.  He knows his way around that city now I guess.  He has a few inspections set for tomorrow but undetermined if he has to stick around for the rest if the week.  While he left today I thought Lola should guest blog.

The status of our house is at least liveable.  We still have no furniture in our living room, only 3 chairs around our dinning room table and the green recliner is still in our bedroom.  Not to mention we all the living room furniture as you walk downstairs towards the tv.

I worked my first full day today but still in a bit of pain all the time at the location of incision.  Last week I only worked half time (about). But I am feeling better and trying really hard to follow the drs orders. No heavy lifting (more than 10lbs) or strenuous activity (vacuuming, shopping or laundry) or sports for 6-8 weeks.  It is hard when the house is all over the place and you can't really put it back together when your husband is out of town.

Hopefully Arizona Adam updates and maybe posts a few pics of his travels.  He had a fun experience today stopping in Thunder Bay and Toronto on his flight to Montreal.

I am excited to watch the jets game tonight on TV because Mark Stuart, and Jacob Truba are back in the line up... Just missing Bogo!

Later,

Lola

And the winner is...

Arizona Adam. 

Just got back from dinner, took the guys to a good pizza place. Now time to pack up and be ready to start my drive to phoenix tomorrow morning for my flight at noon. 

Looking forward to reuniting with Lola. 

Renos look great, don't you think?

Thanks Lola for keeping us all posted. 

Almost compete!

So Lola and Arizona Adam will reunite tomorrow in Minneapolis for a fun weekend with our friends, and when we come back the Reno should be completed except for the few deficiencies we have with our cupboards. Today they got majority of the hardwood completed in the dining room and living room with just the hallway left for tomorrow.  They also put in the backsplash with only the grouting left for tomorrow.

Here are a few photos,

Backsplash

Flooring

Well Lola can't wait to come home on Monday to see it all completed with baseboards and finishing touches like crown moulding:)

We will see who blogs next Lola or Arizona Adam, who do you think?

Ps, glad to find out we have more than one reader:)

Later, Lola

Dear Lola

Dear Lola,

Thank you for keeping up the blog!  I'm sure our single reader is enjoying the photos and write ups and that the other silent viewers do too. 

Yes I have been busy with work. After work I'm trying to get in a workout each day. Two days of running and today was biking, need to build up some strength and endurance in these legs for hockey. 

Tonight was a quieter night - take out from Olive Garden and then eating back in the hotel. I needed something a little lighter for dinner as the past two nights have been a massive order of ribs and then a monsterous chimichanga. My lasagna primavera with grilled chicken and salad was perfect. 

Not sure what the plan will be for dinner tomorrow. Probably go out with Pascal and Beau who are also down here supporting the project from an engineering liaison point of view. We will see if pascal drinks again tomorrow night - apparently he had too much last night when we got back to the hotel where he and Beau decided to hangout at the hotel bar for a "few". Poor guy didn't make it to work this morning ;)

Anyways hope the weather keeps up so that those Manitobans who are going to Minneapolis this weekend to watch the jets beat up on the wild have a good drive. 

Take care,

Arizona Adam

Hardwood, handles and horror.

Since Adam has completely neglected his blog, Lola will continue to keep you all updated.

Adam is busy working in Tucson going for a very pleasant run outside everyday after work, enjoying the sun and heat he can after work, before it gets too dark.  Not sure if he has enjoyed the pool yet or maybe there isn't even a pool. But he has a kings size bed and big tv!

The renos are exciting and getting closer everyday.  Today majority of the handles on the cabinets were installed in the kitchen, dinning room and bathroom.  Also tile backsplash was started and window in the bathroom began to get fixed:). But the most exciting thing was the hardwood began installation:) Although the helper cut his thumb quite badly on the table saw, which ended with my dad taking him to urgent care to sit and wait for stitches (the horror), the flooring did start being installed:)

 Here are some pictures;

Handles and backsplash

Standing on the section of hardwood completed:)

Showing the progress

Bathroom also got the medicine cabinet and light installed:) and the light is now on a separate switch than the fan:)

Hope all the readers enjoyed the weather in Manitoba today :)

Lola

Lola

I have a new blogging alias, my name is Lola and I am still hijacking Adams blog!

I successfully took my bandages off last night and trying to get used to my shirt against the healing incision.  It is looking really good! (I won't post any pictures as I know some readers can't handle it, you know who are)

Not only is my incision looking great but so is my upstairs.  Today was the day to try and get everything  off the living/dining room floor as the hardwood install starts tomorrow.  Here are some photos of the kitchen and china cabinet with the doors and drawers installed.  Also installed is the lights in the kitchen and OTR microwave.

Before signing off for the night I am also happy my mother and father are here chipping in and helping me out while I recover.  My mom is busy painting the back door entrance tonight which has needed it since we moved it.  Good bye ugly blue!

~ Lola

(Lots of love always)