This Is What -37'C Looks Like

-52'C with the wind chill. seriously.

This past weekend, we went to Saskatchewan to attend the funeral of one of Bob's cousins. Our kids were fascinated by the farm. We are grateful to Bob's cousins, Brian and Oralee, who agreed to take them out to the barn even though it was BEYOND FREEZING. The kind of cold that causes you to gasp as it hits you when you walk outside(even wearing as many clothes as you can mange). I could barely manage to shoot. I wear bi-athlete gloves when I shoot in cold weather. They absolutely did not work and  my fingers were quickly so numb that I could barely move the dials on my camera. We all took about half an hour to get ready to go outside and spent 10 minutes admiring the sheep, the horses and...most importantly...the newest calf.

We were sad to say goodbye to David Pugh. He was a character that will be greatly missed(but the stories of his antics will live on for some time I'm sure). He valued family more than anything I think...he never missed a family event--wedding, reunion, funeral...he was at them all. This weekend reminded us of how important it is to remain connected to family far and wide. There is something about sitting in the homes on the farm eating the homemade squares that are so familiar to us. Seeing our family from across Canada gather to remember. And, yes...standing outside experiencing one of the coldest days of your life. It grounds you in a very special way.

~ Dana

It's Bigger On The Inside

These are my favourites from my most recent 5 Minute Project with Jack. I am truly enjoying shooting for this project, as well as, sharing the results. I have not been so quick to share in the last couple of years, but am feeling the need to put my work out there again. I'm excited to say that my next 5 Minute Project will be shot in NORWAY!!! Bob and I leave for Stavanger, Norway in just over a week and I am so excited. I can't wait to share what we find there with all of you. And, then, in April, we are off to Honduras as a family which is exciting as well. Busy winter!!! I hope to share some of the images I create in those countries with you all.

Make sure you hop on over to the 5 Minute project and check it out. Plus, we accept submissions that we share every Friday. Please submit some of your own little projects.

~ Dana

Love in the Winter

Her glasses kept fogging up whenever they got close :) We trudged through some pretty deep snow(well deep for short me).

And, we laughed a lot.

Winter engagement sessions are not for the weak of heart, but...for those who can embrace the weather and roll with the punches...the pictures can be pretty beautiful.

We had so much fun, I didn't even realize how cold my legs were until I got in the car. hahahahahaha!!! Thanks for being such troopers you two! See you in August!

~ Dana

Friday's Favourites: Norquay's Tubing Park

This week's Favourite happened today...that's how fresh it is ;) We went with some friends to Mt. Norquay's tubing park. It was way better than I was expecting to be honest. And, I can totally see why there is a minimum size requirement for kids--you get some serious speed(I believe you must be 42" tall and 4 years old). It's sadly a little hard to get big camera pictures so all you get are a few from my phone(how I would love to get in there with my big camera!!). As you can see, there is a magic carpet so you don't have to run up the hill. It is faster if you choose to run though. You can buy two types of passes--two hour or full day. I'm not sure that two hours is that much actually. For the slight price difference, I suggest making it more of a day and breaking it up with lunch. Getting up the hill and waiting in line takes enough time that I think two hours is probably not enough for most kids. And even though you might think all you do is go down the hill...the kids are very creative with how they do it. Singles, doubles, triples(that's the limit)...spinning, no spinning...bum up to get the most speed(that's what I was told anyways, but I can assure you that my butt was firmly down...my heart was in my throat though...so fast). A fun thing to do with the kids in the winter.

I hear there is one at Nakiska now, too. Wondering if anyone was tried it out and what their thoughts were.

Happy Friday,

Dana