So today was a bit of a bummer, my dad and I spoke and he and I have decided it would be best for his health if he stayed home for Christmas, as he is quite ill at the moment. My dad is undergoing a special treatment for a liver disease, and he is experiencing significant side effects. It would be very difficult for him to endure the 8 hour car trip from Outlook Sask. and also to stay in a house with loud-busy kids! He needs to rest frequently, and sick to his stomach and quite confused often - Not to mention the handful of medications he needs to take each day too. This will be our first Christmas EVER where we have not run the roads, and and have constantly been in the good company of family and friends. It will be a little strange, quiet, and perhaps a little lonely without grandparents and cousins around for the kids, but now is the time better than any to create new traditions, and memories! Need to put on my "fun" thinking cap and sort through this! Shouldn't be hard - right?