Week 49 and some guests

Week 49 and a few special guests this week. The boys are having a wonderful time with their grandparents but like all good things this too is coming to an end. Stan and Shirley are leaving tomorrow and it has been a fantastic time. Between golfing, Buskerfest, a Blue Jays game, soccer, the movies, the USA, Niagara Falls, Cedar Park and lots of ice cream cones, they have had a wonderful time. We couldn't be happier that Stan and Shirley decided to spend some of their time with us.

It has been a rough year for me and whether you realize it or not, everyone coming this Summer has made such a difference for me. I have been so happy to have you all here, and be able to host you somewhat in the style in which you host us. I know it will be a long time before we see each other again, but know that I love you and appreciate all that you have done for me this year. Jessica - you started our Summer off perfectly. Mom and dad, you gave us something to look forward to just when we worried time would seem so long, and Stan and Shirley, you wrapped up a perfect Summer with a visit to cap off the holidays.

Whether it was intentional or unintentional, your willingness to come and see us just when I needed you the most, has been so appreciated.

Love you guys!

Golfers Unite!

Yesterday the kids and Stan and Shirley went golfing to a sweet little 9 hole course set inside an apple orchard. They all had a great time and Stan and Shirley were pleasantly surprised at how well maintained the course was. It is a great par 3 and Stan informed me that Shirley even beat him. Sterling scored a 44 and Kaedo got a 51. Gramma got a 39 and Grampa got a 40. Stan told Shirley that the day she beat him he wouldn't take her golfing any more. haha. We'll see if that is true!

The boys absolutely love to golf - especially Kaedo. He told me that he has three hobbies - scootering, soccer and golf. So glad he loves it so much.

Today they are heading out to Cedar Park for a day of swimming and fun and Kaedo has soccer practice tonight. Monday is their last game. The season will officially be over. I can't believe how quickly it has gone.

My favorite place

Saturday we were lucky enough to spend the day out travelling around with Stan and Shirley. We went into the USA to Target and the Outlet mall and the kids were able to pick up their 'one new school thing'. Sterling chose a new bunny hug and Kaedo of course picked shoes. Kaedo stocked up at Target with all the candy and gum he likes and we stopped at Wal-Mart and bought 8 boxes of his favorite cereal. We came back into Canada and went to Niagara Falls. Stan and Shirley had been once before in 2004 but the Falls were still partially iced over. This time they got to see them in all their glory, and as you can tell from the photos, the rainbows were plentiful. I took 38 pictures of the Falls but these are my favorite - save for one which I will post on our anniversary on Friday.

We left at 9am and thanks to the kindness of our neighbors, we were able to leave Ketchup at home all day and didn't come back home until 10pm. It was a fantastic day and Shirley was quick to point out that they would never have gone into the USA without us so they were thrilled to check out our favorite USA places - YAY Target!

I can't believe it has been 8 years since my first visit to the Falls. I am still as in awe of them as I was on my first visit. If you have never been, you must place them on your bucket list. Awe-inspiring!

Happy Birthday Shirley

While we were a couple of days late, we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate Shirley's birthday with her. I made a gluten-free chocolate sour cream cake (it was awesome, by the way) and we sang and everything. We gave her butterfly themed gifts (they are her favorite) and we snapped a couple of pictures to remember a fun afternoon and evening.

Drumroll please.....

First off let me say that WE ARE SO HAPPY that Stan and Shirley are here. It has been great seeing them. However, I figure I better get to what we have all been waiting for - Sterling got his BIKE!

We got up yesterday morning and got ready to go and get them from the airport and Sterling could not contain his excitement - "I get my bike today, I get my bike today", was a running monologue all morning. Once we picked them up, Sterling was certain we would go directly to the bike shop. We, however, planned to make him sweat it out a little. Yes, we are evil. We stopped on the way home and had lunch at Costco and then teased Sterling that we should walk around a bit. We didn't but you should have seen the look on his face. Haha. After that we went home we proceeded to give Shirley her birthday present. We let her go first as her birthday was this week. I have to hand it to Sterling, he was quite patient, all things considered. After Shirley had opened her gift, we let Sterling open his cards from them and Antica and Uncle Kelly and the littles. He was thrilled and now he knew he had all them money he needed for his bike.

He texted N and told him to be ready - he wanted to go with Sterling - so off they went. He finished paying for his bike and then sat through the photo ops.

He LOVES it! Once he had picked it up and tried it out he and N went back to his place, where he proceeded to ride his new bike - in the rain and all - for 4 hours. He only came home because it was the only time someone would come get him. While waiting for supper he was out with Kaedo riding and has plans this morning to go to the skate park before he starts his day with gramma and grampa.

To say he is happy with his purchase is an understatement. We are so thrilled for him and can't thank you all enough for your generous gifts to the bike fund!

He is one happy kid!

Back to School Shopping

It's that time of year again and we are back to school shopping. I scoured the flyers for Wal-Mart, Staples and Zellers and ended up stopping at Staples to get some great deals, then taking the boys to Dollarama to get the rest. We are still missing indoor shoes, scientific calculators and a Memory Stick for Kaedo. That will have to wait for another day. I was lucky that we were able to get much of their items at the dollar store for a total of $31. I spent $8 at Staples and will spend about another $50 before all is said and done. You'd think I would be used to this by now as we have done it for years, but it shocks me every year. I'm thankful I don't have to replace backpacks and lunch bags as well. I'll tell you one thing - I'm thrilled I don't have girls - the back to school shopping for the "perfect outfit" would kill me!

Week 48

Week 48. The sun was shining and the boys had their eyes closed and said "tell us when to open them" - so that's what I did. Their smiles aren't as bright as I like to see but I guess with the sun beating down on your face, that's the way it goes.

We are anxiously waiting for Stan and Shirley tomorrow morning. We can't wait to see them. We are hoping the weather stays nice and there is no rain. The boys would really like to golf and Stan really wants to take them to a Blue Jays game. I know that they can close the roof on the stadium but it is more fun with the roof open.

As I always say the day before company comes ... no more sleeps - as I know I won't sleep tonight!

These pictures were taken in July 2004 when we got our first pool. How they have grown! They look so cute in these pictures. Love them. They have spent many hours in the pool this year as well, but biking and scootering and other activities have taken up some of their pool time. The pool, as well as the boys have increased in size. What started out as an 8ft blow up pool has turned into a 15ft hard sided pool. I don't know how many years we have left of them being in the pool but I think it is safe to say they are numbered.

We are in a bit of a lull right now waiting for gramma and grampa to arrive. Only a couple of more days until we see them. We are looking so forward to it. Sterling is thrilled that he will be getting his new bike this week. I will definitely be posting pictures and maybe some video. Thanks to everyone who helped him reach his goal. You guys rock!

A special happy birthday to Shirley - we can't wait to celebrate with you! We love you!

What a Saturday

We had a garage sale on Saturday morning and got up way to early to get organized. It was fun and as we had only listed the sale from 8-noon, we didn't have to spend all afternoon baking in the sun. After we brought everything in, Craig headed out to see "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". He was not impressed that we went without him (ha) so he spent the afternoon in the theater, munching on snacks and enjoying himself. I deposited our garage sale earnings, headed to the liquor store for a bottle of wine and went home to get organized for the next portion of our day.

We had been invited to a party at the home of Craig's boss. That explains the wine. I decorated the bottle and put together a little gift bag for the hosts and off we went. They have a beautiful in ground pool and when we arrived at 4pm the boys jumped into the pool immediately and didn't get out until we forced them to at 8:50pm. They even ate supper at the side of the pool (as per the hosts instructions). We had a wonderful time and it was so nice to get to know Craig`s co-workers.

They were wonderful hosts and took special care for Sterling. I was really impressed. The beer and wine flowed freely and the outside patio was spectacular. We sat out all evening. Needless to say we were very tired when we got home and headed to bed shortly after arriving.

I woke up at 5am only to find that my damn dog had pooped in the hall. Thank god I had the light on or I would have stepped in it. The only thing grosser that cleaning up poop is stepping in it!

On Monday we spent the day together and had a wonderful time. We got up and went out for breakfast, followed by some shopping and then an afternoon doing our favorite thing - the movies! The five of us went to see "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". It was fantastic! From the moment it started until the minute it ended, it was an intriguing, thought provoking and action filled movie. We all loved it and when Craig asked how it was, I could not tell a lie and had to tell him how great it was. He says that since he had to work while we went, he expected the boys and I to work while he goes by himself! He advised that he will be eating buckets full of popcorn and will NOT be sharing a drink - for once. Haha.

Cedar Park

On Saturday mom and dad took the boys to Cedar Park, a wonderful water park just 30 minutes from our house. They left at 10am and got home at 3:30pm. They all spent time in the water but I have been advised that I cannot share the photos of mom jumping off the diving board or standing under the tipping bucket. Oh well. The kids loved it and pigged out on fries and onion rings along with getting water logged. The weather was beautiful and the sun shone bright all day. We had a quick "clean the fridge" dinner and headed out to see the stock car races at Mosport. More pictures tomorrow of our adventure at the car races. Such fun!

Week 47 and Goodbyes

Week 47 and the sun was shining. The boys got up early yesterday morning - compared to Monday - and I quickly snapped our weekly picture. Sterling was dressed, ready to go golfing, and Kaedo was still in his pjs watching tv. Only a few more weeks before we reveal our new gnome and start year 3!

Sad day for us today. Mom and dad have returned to Alberta and we are back to the four of us. It was the most magical of holidays and we had so much fun spending time together. Mom and dad spoiled us and we appreciate so much everything they did. When they arrived my only hope was that they wouldn't feel that they had made a poor decision, deciding to come for two weeks. By day two I was trying to figure out a way to get them to stay for three weeks. It was so terrific. The boys had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with just their Amma and Baba and I got the chance to tag along on a few great outings. There were A LOT of laughs and jokes and Sterling's quick wit kept us in stitches.

Mom and Dad - thank you so much for a wonderful time. We loved being with you and will count down the days until we see each other again in May. You made this time so wonderful and I miss you so much already. Thanks for everything you have done for us. Thanks for the friendship, the love and the kindness. We love you. I love you. We can't wait until we can be together again.

And they're off!

This would be a great photo if Kaedo's eyes weren't closed.

I wonder if I can photoshop his eyes open????

Sterling towers over mom in this picture. I wonder if he was standing on his tiptoes?

Handsome men

On Sunday we headed to Woodbine for a day at the races. Overall we all lost, but it was a cheap afternoon of fun and family. The weather was good aside from thunder and lightning that came during the 5th or 6th race. The thunder was so loud that it scared the horses, the jockeys and the spectators. People were running for cover and we saw a jockey jump off the horse and run for safety. Craig and the boys were outside when the thunder occurred and both boys said it gave them quite a fright. It was another fantastic day topped off by a quick and easy taco in a bowl dinner. I can't believe that their trip is coming to an end. How can 2 weeks have gone by so quickly? Much more to show but it will have to wait for another day - a trip to the movies, a night at the stock cars and a day at Cedar Park. There will be a lot of crying tomorrow but the memories are great and plentiful.

St. Lawrence Market

During our wonderful day in Toronto, we headed to St. Lawrence Market. It is a "grocery store" with foods that you can't get anywhere else. I took a lot of pictures of all the food as the presentation was amazing and it was just unbelievable the kinds of things you could get. Thought you might enjoy some of these pictures.

Deep fried alligator - in a restaurant just outside St. Lawrence Market. Wonder if it tastes like chicken....hmmmm

Peppers stuffed with feta and other delicacies

Kangaroo meat

Need I say more?

We were wondering if Ketchup would like one of these bones

Octopus

Stan - these shrimp were the size of a baby's arm. I thought of you when I snapped this picture

Dungeoness crab

Alaska King crab legs

That's it for our trip to T.O. what a great day. I would highly recommend a day just like ours, if you haven't been to these places. It was terrific. More on mom and dad's visit tomorrow.

Toronto

During our trip to T.O. we walked down Front Street and people watched, took photos (well, I did) and looked in shop windows. Kaedo has a love for motorbikes, especially the Kawasaki Ninja - we saw a few parked on the street and I thought it made for a cool photo with the one

Vespa scooter mixed in. Ha!

The fam - outside a building on front Street, just down from Union Station

The kids on the rental bikes - we thought they were a good deal until we read the fine print

Sterling at the restaurant where he left Fuzz on our first visit to Toronto, way back in 2001

Great chip truck! Thought it was so cool looking. There is a frying pan on the hood

I have so many pictures that I will post more tomorrow, of St. Lawrence Market.

I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. Mom and dad are only here for a couple more days. I wish they were staying longer. I have loved having them here. The boys have been in Heaven with them here and Wednesday is going to be a sad day for us. We're so glad they came and we have loved every minute. I'm so happy we still have a couple of days left with them.

CN Tower

Yesterday we were lucky enough to go to the CN Tower with mom and dad. Let me just start by saying it was a FANTASTIC day. I loved every minute of it! We arrived about 10:15am and didn't leave Toronto until 3pm. Here are some pictures from the tower. We went right up to the SkyPod - the highest you can go - and then made our way down to the Observation Deck and the glass floor. Kaedo hates heights, so he cried while we were there, but we didn't let it rain on our parade. Sometimes you just have to suck it up. We saw a movie about surfing in Tahiti and went on a log ride simulator. Kaedo enjoyed both of those things. Sterling was soooo excited to go up in the tower, that his enthusiasm was infectious. He sat on the glass floor, picked out planes flying in to the Harbour Airport, picked out cool buildings and just loved every minute of it. Here are just a few of the pictures I snapped. We couldn't have asked for a better day with either the weather or the company. It was awesome!

From the base of the tower

The apartment complex we lived in when we moved to T.O. as seen from the SkyPod

Cool view of Scotia Plaza

The Rogers Centre

Can you see how teary my baby was?

Mom's favorite building

Cool view of the marina

Close up in the elevator

Our feet on the glass floor - this is as close as Kaedo got!

Sterling on the glass floor

This is just a snippet of our wonderful day. I will be posting more pictures over the next few days about the rest of our adventure in "the big city".