CALGARY

We planned to come out to Calgary for most of the summer but with so much going on out here (like my brother's wedding) I decided to head out early with the kids. So Friday night we flew in and it's been non-stop already (which I love)! Not only are my parents and all my siblings (my sisters are the best!!) here but so are my in-laws (who I adore--especially my sisters-in-law, they feel more like real sisters but I keep the "in-law" part to remind them that by law they are STUCK with ME!!)

Here's some quick pics of us at Calaway Park with my niece, Lilla and nephew, Izsak. Big thanks to Kati for taking us and to my Mom for watching the littlest kids so we could enjoy some rides too!

Kailyn, Lukas and Lilla

Lilla, Izsak, Kailyn and Lukas getting a little restless waiting for a ride on the train. This was the best shot I could get of the four of them.

Last year, this was "Baby Izsak" but since we've gone, he's turned 2! He's such a cute little guy and so smart! He was saying his alphabet and reading the letters off the top of his cookie at the park! Brains and looks--this boy has it all!

Grandma and Kailyn sharing a seat on the train ride--this was the only ride Grandma would go on and it took a lot of convincing to get her to go on with us. She definitely made this a fun trip for all of us! Thanks Mom!

Kailyn the "Thrill-seeker". The last time we took the kids to Calaway Park, Kailyn desperately wanted to go on the roller coaster. She was so disappointed that she wasn't tall enough but what added turned injury to insult was that her slightly younger, much taller cousin, Tia was tall enough. So Kailyn watched her ride. This time Kailyn was tall enough and could hardly wait to go on. I tried to talk her out of it--not that I was scared or anything--I was only concerned for her. While I was screaming, 'cause that's what you do on a roller coaster, she was LAUGHING! Here's her glory pictures:

A Perfect Day for Lukas

Lukas had his 5th birthday yesterday! Every year is so exciting because he shares his day with Canada which means there are always fireworks!! Lukas was very specific about what he wanted his birthday to be like:

He wanted a turtle webkinz (which was VERY difficult to find)...

He wanted everyone to go into a room with the lights off and when he walks in, everyone is supposed to say SURPRISE! (but not too loud--'cause if it's too loud it could scare him.)

He wanted rainbow cupcakes with pink icing and blue and green sprinkles.

He wanted all his candles in one cupcake.

He wanted to go and see the fireworks! What a way to end a birthday! 25 minutes of non-stop fireworks! He might not have been exhausted when the day was over but I was!

We don't get much time to recover from this party before Kailyn's birthday in 2 weeks! What we're thinking! We definitely should have spaced them further apart!

Here's Bob goofing around in the pool--I was laughing so hard I had to take 3 pictures because my hands shaking so badly!

Happy Bunny

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Happy Bunny but I stumbled upon these fantastic new(er?) pics and I love them!

The message they give is so simple and to the point. Really, it's what everyone is thinking but Happy Bunny dares to say it!

My New Crush...

So, in the interests of trying to be a better, more honest blogger, I have a confession. I have a new crush. Actually, it's not really new. I fell in love the first time I laid eyes on "it".

It was during a high school fashion show that I attended (to support one of my Laurels). I've been obsessed ever since. I know you're thinking, "High school? Aren't you a little old?" But to you I say that love has no age. I know I am way out of my league but I can't help it! I've even found myself wandering the malls hoping just to see "it" again. I just look though--I know if I get too close, there'll be no turning back. I KNOW that we are "sole" mates--we were meant to be!

I don't know how I would explain it to Bob. He doesn't understand these things. Women have needs!

I know we might never be together but I'm not ready to give up hope yet. Roberto Vianni, my heart is yours!!

Baby Zeke!

My sister Heather and her fiance, Jake, had their first baby on Thursday morning at 7:28. He weighed in at 7 lbs 1 oz and was 20 inches long. Heather and Zeke aren't home from the hospital yet but hopefully soon. Here's some quick pictures in the hospital.

Congratulations!

"Before"

"After"

Dad and Zeke Zeke FeetZeke Zeke has a little infection and he has to have an IV in his little head...

James and Angela

My "little" brother James is getting married this summer to a fantastic girl, Angela, and I couldn't be happier! Here's a little preview...

Circle R Ranch

I went with Lukas and Reece to the Circle R Ranch for a class field trip a couple of weeks ago and I snapped a couple of pictures of them "horsing" around.

Here's Lukas hiding while I'm trying to get him to smile for a picture.

Lukas and Reece on the hay ride.
Lukas and Reece petting a chicken...

Lukas petting Skittles the horse.

Book Club

This week I've been busy reading the autobiography, "The Stream Runs Fast" by Nellie McClung for our book club this month. I found this book very easy to get into and easy to read. I had to keep reminding myself of the era which her story takes place. It's amazing to me how many things have changed in such a short period of time--and yet so many things are still the same.

I was totally drawn in by her introduction (sorry the picture is a little fuzzy); she is an amazing woman who devoted her life to helping others. But, she was also fun and spunky and full of life. I enjoyed hearing her tell of her struggles and triumphs as a wife, a mother and a Canadian woman. She was one of the front runners for change in this country and her story helped me understand and appreciate all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that I have.

If you get a chance, read a little about this ordinary woman who did extra-ordinary things with her life. One person really can make a difference.

Two Peas...

Lukas and Bo-bo taking time together to watch a movie. Lukas made sure that Bo-bo was tucked in and comfortable before settling in to watch the Bee Movie. Bo-bo was a gift, made for Lukas, from my sister Sarah before he was born. These two have been through a lot together and Bo-bo has remained a true and loyal friend.

Ninth Wedding Anniversary

Nine years feels like a lifetime some days and other days it feels like it's flown by so quickly. We celebrated our anniversary last week and Bob took me out for a great dinner at Elephant & Castle and then to the movies to see What Happens in Vegas. He also surprised me with a new camera!!! Now I have no excuses for being such a bad blogger. He also gave me a new book, The Host by Stephanie Meyer (author of the Twilight Series--which I've read and really enjoyed).

I am really lucky to have Bob in my life. I appreciate the many little things he does to make me happy. I love that he:

• puts the kids to bed and he takes time to read with them every night.
• warms up my side of the bed
• can fold laundry
• encourages me to do my best
• makes me laugh
• is patient
• takes extra effort to protect his face from injury and scarring ;)
• loves my family
• loves to learn
• does whatever he can to make me happy
• is loyal
• makes the best french toast ever!

Happy Anniversary, Bob!

Picnic in the Park

Here's a few shots from our picnic in the park last week. We had a great time and the weather stayed beautiful until we were ready to leave.

Lukas
Connor feeling a little sick but still able to look cute.
Nate, Tia, Kailyn, Reece and Lukas

Mother's Day Letters

The kids did these in Primary yesterday--I love their answers, especially to the question, "What is your Mom's favorite thing to do?"

Ballet Beauty

Kailyn has been in ballet this year and she seems to really enjoy it. Her recital is coming up at the end of the month (even though she thinks the song choice is lame--Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes) she's excited about her new dress and the chance to perform. I personally would not have chosen to put make-up on her but it was a requirement for the dance studio. I'm sure Jonathan could have a lot of fun "photo-shopping" some of these pictures, especially the one with her arms up in the air!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

Here's a couple of pictures of Kailyn and Lukas posing for a few photos for Grandma! Happy Mother's Day to Grandma Fraser, Grandma White, Great-Grandma Wolsey and Great-Grandma Fraser! A special thanks and love go out to Great-Aunt Sherry (who's not feeling very well). We love you and appreciate the roles each of you have played in my life and lives of my children! Thank you!

Twinkle Toes

We had a milestone week! After months of healing and physiotherapy, Bob was able to bear all his weight on his toes! It's not often that a man becomes excited about tip-toeing across the room. He's been able to be back at work for the last couple of weeks, which is fantastic!

Dedicated to Dee and Everyone in Calgary...

This post is dedicated to my friend Dee; it is in response to a post she did recently concerning Mother Nature and her need to "seek professional help for your mental instability". This is, of course, in reference to the recent weather in Calgary. For those of you who are unaware, it has been snowing...a lot!

For Dee:

I send you my warmest sympathies at this challenging time. I realize this week has been really tough on you...first the snow and then the Flames painful defeat. Keep your chin up! This won't last forever!

PS--Here's a couple of pics from the garden. Wow, it was so hot out yesterday, I think I may have even over heated a little.

A Change of Luck?

This has been quite a week for me. About 2 weeks ago, I got a call from my friends Jeremy and Allyson. We've known each other for many years--we followed them from the northwest end of Calgary to the south when we moved to Evergreen 3 years ago. They wanted to know if I would come to Calgary for a week and visit. They bought my ticket and even gave me a car to drive while I was there. Thursday, March 27th was my Mom's birthday so I was able to completely surprise her when I showed up at her house that morning. I able to see all my family and friends. I had a wonderful time visiting with Allyson--even though she repeatedly beat me at SkipBo. We stayed up way too late almost every night, Jeremy made BBQ steak twice, we went hot tubbing and baked cakes and goodies all week!! I've been really blessed to have such great friends!!

When I came home, I was really tired. There way an envelope waiting for Bob and I with this card from my sister, Elizabeth:

Inside was an encouraging note that things will get better (this has been quite the year for us) and a travel itinerary for a trip to Jamaica for Bob and I this summer!! I have to say that I was completely shocked! We have had so many family and friends that have been so supportive during all the craziness we've been through and we are extremely blessed!! We are surrounded by people that love us unconditionally and I feel overwhelmed (and a little undeserving) by the many acts of love and kindness given to us.

Thank you so much--

XooxOxxoOx