Merry Christmas 2009 from the Simpson Family

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family. This year has been very good for us, and before we get much further, I need to let you know that the previous post was simply to show a few funny clips of Samuel trying to snow board in area hardly big enough to mow, much less snow board. You need to know that he is a really good rider, and loves to board at the local ski hill.
Joseph's friend, Kelsie, came over to the house to make gingerbread cookies a few days before the holidays. Her "little" brother came to the door to get her.

After the cookies were done, Michelle took Joseph and a couple of his friends to the range for biathlon practice. It had warmed up to minus 20 degrees C, and the kids were happy that practice did not have to be cancelled. The team is getting ready for a couple of big races, qualifications for the Alberta Winter Games and the Arctic Winter Games, both coming up soon in January 2010.

'Tis the season to visit folks, like our friends the Francis family with their twin girls.

This was one of my favorite Santa visits this year. Cory did not ask for a cell phone or an iPod.

Last Sunday the weather had warmed up considerable from the previous week, when the temp hung in for over a week at -35 degrees C. (Faye, that is nearly -30 F) When the temp gets up to minus 15 or 20 or so, we start talking about how nice it is outside, and that maybe the temps will stay there for a few weeks before the real cold weather settles in in January or February.

Here are a few children with Santa last week. These children were so excited, but they all waited their turn to talk with Santa, and they all had real nice manners. The little twin boys were the cutest, asking for things for their mother. The big sisters were very cute asking for socks and make-up.

Lockie gives Santa a big hug to seal the deal on the nice list.

Barb came over yesterday to help make tamales for Christmas. We were able to get everything we needed here in town. Our Christmas menu included tamales, posole (soup with pork and hominy) - both traditional Christmas dishes south of the border (or two). We also had samosas, a real good bean salad, and brisket, rolls and BBQ sauce for the Tex-Mex touch. At the end of the day, there were only scraps stuck to plates and platters.

Joseph and Samuel model new coats from Nina Yvette.

Samuel, HE-vage and all, showing off the new union suit, or one piece long johns he wanted. We had to convince him to put on pants before company showed up because he did not want to moon anyone.

Let the feast begin. It is always good to share a meal with family and friends.

After dinner we had a small gift exchange where we read the story of the big calzones. Everyone brought a small thing, or a re-gift to pass along. The children all got whoopee cushions, and they were puzzled at the ugly balloons, until we demonstrated them. Then the flood gates opened up, and the laughter rang out from all over the house of children plopping on the cushions. We had a great time laughing, and right in the middle of the fun, the missionaries showed up. They might have thought we'd all lost our minds, but after they saw the cause, they kinda joined in too.

Shiloh won the coveted prize of the day - the big calzones!! He was a champ, rising to the occasion and showing off for the rest of us. The best part was when he showed the kids the proper method of sitting on a whoopee cushion. His facial expressions and "pardon me"s were great fun for the kids.

This is a first, a two for one special with the drawers.

Monty Python could not have done any better than this: "How to sit on a whoopee cushion in your underwear"

Soph was a quick learner.

Wedgies are always fun and funny.

We had a great Christmas. Dinner was great. The company was outstanding. We missed having more family here, and are going to make plans for Christmas away next year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and your families. We are most grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of the Savior with friends and family. We look forward to sharing and building our testimonies of Christ at this time of year,and hope you do too.

Urban Snowboarding

So here is a little history first, then the set-up for the activities of the day.

Samuel loves to snowboard. He went as often as he could last year. Then he worked little odd jobs all year and saved enough money to buy a season pass this year. With the new pass in hand, he was anticipating opening day at the local ski hill today. He got up early, cleaned his room, and was ready to go by 9 am. One quick phone call, in anticipation of going, and his day was suddenly over. The hill would not open until tomorrow. Now he has to wait for another whole week.

Michelle and I went shopping today, and while we were gone, Samuel decided that if the hill was not open, then the backyard "feature" he has been crafting for weeks would have to suffice. The feature is an upside-down plastic trash can half embedded in snow, and a real sketchy wood ramp that is so steep it really is more of a backstop. He conned Joseph into videoing the triumphs and glories of the day.

Now, being the parent I am, I could not help but try to dissuade him from this entire venture. All I could see was my son crashing into the fence and hurting himself, or not being able to stop and "kissing" the fence. My warnings were countered by the bravado of youth, brimming with confidence that this would be simple in light of the fact that he does "way bigger tricks and jumps at the ski hill, Dad."

OK son, have fun.

Take One: "Dropping in" from a height of four feet for a first look at the trick.



Take Two: This time he aims better for the can, looking for a little air.



Take Three: A direct hit, and a little air, but the landing needs a bit of polish before it is ready for the judges.



Take Four: Now we have a simple jump, and if the fence was just a little further away...



I love my sons for the adventures they create and the confidence they exhibit. And I love these videos. I hope you do too.

Alan