2011 was a crazy year. It started like most others, with January, February, March, etc, but then we decided we needed some excitement beyond watching the months go by. Christopher applied for a job in Calgary, Alberta and by the end of June, the remaining year would be unpredictable. We never planned to leave British Columbia and the thought of living elsewhere was heartbreaking. But the opportunity for Christopher was too good to pass up. In August, Christopher left for Alberta to start the job and find a home. In September, Natasha and the kids crossed the Rockies for their new home in Calgary.
Violet made the most of this year but continuing her
curious ways. She still loves the convenience of the toilet for accessing water but has expanded her projects to include soaps, gels, lotions and powder. In one such adventure she was found in the bathroom at midnight with a bottle of shampoo emptied into a cup, both containers on the edge of the tub lined up with other containers one might find in the bathroom. With the beautiful row of containers behind her she set out to involve nail polish and nail polish remover. As soon as she was discovered she began cleaning up but the damage was done, the nail polish remover empty, the shampoo empty but her curiosity fully satisfied.
Leif spent plenty of time riding his bike with cousins and friends. He rode so fast his training wheels could not keep up and so they were no longer needed. Leif still loves trains and big trucks, construction equipment and tools. But Leif loves playing with one thing above all else: clips... you know, the kind that can hold a bag of chips closed. Leif sleeps with clips, bathes with clips and eats with clips. We love Leif and Leif loves clips.
Lillias is a very unique girl. She is very sure of her own ideas and how things ought to be. Lilli loves to help with things around the house and especially in baking delicious treats. Lilli also lost quite few teeth this year. Traditionally, children wait until their teeth are quite loose to give them a little tug or let them fall out on their own. In true Lillias style she discovers a loose tooth and wiggles, and yanks on it, and pulls and pushes it until it has no choice but leave her mouth. In a 2 week period she had lost 3 top-front teeth and one on the bottom. Her smile lacked teeth but was full of character.
Miete turned 9 this year and had a Harry Potter Birthday party. Miete loves reading the Harry Potter books, watching the movies and telling everyone she knows about the characters. Miete loves making up her own songs, melody and lyrics. She has also begun to establish her own taste in music which in no way coincides with her parent’s music tastes. Miete wants to be famous for singing, dancing or acting. She has a flare for all things dramatic and loves to imagine herself at the centre of some romantic conflict.
Natasha is a crafting predator. She seeks out crafts online and, armed with her sewing machine, gluegun, felt, fabric and creativity, she makes, designs & creates. She still loves running and in June she completed the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon in a personal best time. Natasha is now preparing to be a personal trainer by submitting herself to physical pain several times a week (you should see her arms). Natasha also managed to pack most of the house, while Christopher moved ahead to Calgary, and sell the rest.
(We have to mention the amazing help from great friends and family in BC; you are amazing.)
Christopher used 2011 to ride his bike as much as possible, change jobs, move to a new city and province and convince others he is not crazy. The biggest challenge was living in Alberta alone for one month while starting a new job and searching for a suitable home for the family. The bicycle commuting continues through the frigid winter months with some rides in minus 20 degrees Celsius. Christopher’s facial hair has reacted to the extreme cold by growing in a bearded fashion.
We are learning to love Calgary and have been pleasantly surprised by how fun it is. It has a different beauty than the verdant landscape of BC but it’s good here.
We love our family and friends very much and wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Love,
The Barbers
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