Arnold's email - July 4th:
On Monday we got up around 7:00 Grandpa had already left for the farm. We played Lego and Wii for a while as Grandma went shopping for some food. Then around 11:00 We went up for some lunch then drove to Grandpa's farm. We started in the milking barns back end where Grandpa was getting the floors clean and making the beds. We watched for a bit, then Grandpa told us to wait for a few minutes, and he came back with a tractor. He called Kyler up onto it and then they started filling up the sawdust. As they went Kyler watched and learned all about how the tractor worked. After some more sawdust work and pop scrapping, Grandpa took us to the calf barn and he mixed the calves some milk formula. Then Kyler helped load the bottles into the holsters and I took one new calf and Grandpa another and we hand fed them. Kyler collected all the empties and it was time to feed grain to some calfs, so Kyler pushed the hand cart with the grain and I measured out the grain for the calves and we fed them all their food.
After this, Grandpa had to go help in the back, so Kyler and Grandma and I all went to watch the milking for a while. When Grandpa got back he showed us around the vacuum lines and told us how everything works. Grandpa had to go do some more stuff so we wandered off and watched the farmer making a load of feed for the cows. Then we walked to the straw bales, and Kyler climbed all over them. We looked at the ATV's that were in the shed and just wandered around the farm. Then it was back to the barn and watched some more milking. At this point Grandpa said there was not much more to show, so we decided to go off to Rehoboth Camp and see the changes and see if we knew anyone there.
When we arrived Kyler saw the massive play structure that has been setup and beelined it there, Grandma and I couldn't see anyone around, so we said he could play there till we returned. we walked around the new buildings and the updated yard, it's changed so much.everyone was at swimming except the cook and we looked at the list and didn't see anyone we recognized so we went to find Kyler. He was having a great time on the playground, so we let him play for another 15 minutes or so. After he was done, we went for a drive past Grandpa's old Farm and past their church.
Grandpa beat us home. Grandma finished up the houtspot she had been making and we sat down for supper. Kyler was a little hesitant about the houtspot, but once I showed him to make bowls out of it and pour the butter inside, he had three servings.
In the evening, Kyler played some more video games and I chatted with grandma and grandpa while building Lego and worked on making plans for the next two days. After they had gone to bed, Kyler and I hung out a little longer and turned in too.
Miranda's email - July 4th:
In the morning Q and I were up around 7:30am. I'm pretty sure Q was up earlier but to be honest I don't remember. Jack and Dad left uber early (read 6am) but it's ok. Anyway we got up and had some breakfast and around 9am I had a shower and we headed out. We went to the bike shop. We found a the 8 speed chain you wanted and 2 front tires (in the back). One was HORRIBLY broken, the other one was ok. We brought them both home and stopped at Mom's store. We visited there for a bit and made sure we had everything we needed. Then I called up Joel to make sure. He said 40 minutes to 1 hour and we would meet up... note to self next time find out WHERE! Not just assuming.
I figured that it would be at the school so Q and I went there. We hung out for a while then I called Joel to find out where he was. He was running around town and would be at the HOUSE in 20 minutes so Q and I headed home. We hung out and watched some TV and waited for Joel. He showed up and took the van and Q and I got excited about heading out.
We were ready to go by 12:30pm and I got a text from mom saying that Sally wasn't at Kathryns yet (to babysit the kids) so they were late. Mom arrived home around 1:30pm and we went for our last bathroom break and headed out! I got Q's chair in and buckled him up and we were off! The drive there was about 1 hour or so, maybe a bit longer. Things have really changed since I remember driving out there the last time. When we got there there was a HUGE lineup to get into the park. We found out because we had "pre-registered" we could get in and get into a different line up. so we did.
When we got closer mom said she wanted to make it faster so she got everything figure out and written down, our names, ages (well the fact that Q was 4) and our plate name. Then we went in and got through in a matter of minutes :)
We headed to the site. Come to find out the back of the bus had some poison ivy around it so a rule was made that Q couldn't go to the back of the bus. We got everything leveled out and we were good to go! We put up the top and the fake grass and got some chairs out and had a break. We just sat there and did NOTHING! I love those times. We hung around a bit and then unloaded everything and went for a bike ride.
Mom forgot her helmet so we had to "ride slow". We ended up pushing/pulling Q up more than we did anything. We went up a hill to the bathrooms and then down to where the beach is. We even left our bikes that the bottom and took the little "trail" out to the beach. It wasn't too busy but we went out there and got to see it then went back. Our plan was to get a few more things and go to the beach for a few hours but Q had other ideas. We *really* had to start a fire. We made a deal. A walk around to a different washroom and to see what was around there and a walk and THEN a camp fire. We went around and had fun. We checked out tents. So far our favourites were the Columbia tent and the broadstone tents.
We came back and started up our "log cabin" fire pit. Dad had brought home a few pieces before and used his wood splitter to make great starter wood. We had to open the box of s'mores to get some cardboard but it worked out really really well! We got the fire started and I made myself a hot dog (we forgot everything to go with it) and then I made up 3 foil containers for the pulled pork. We put those on the "grill" part that you can pop overtop. Mom went for a walk and Q was playing with his sand toys right infront/on the edge of the green carpet. We hung around and had marshmallows and such for a while then we went for a walk to the beach.
We got there in time to see the sun to begin to set. Q all the sudden said "I have to poop" so we BOLTED up the stairs, boardwalk thingy and to the bathrooms. I got him there and he goes "nope, I just had to pee" so we went back to the campsite. Mom stayed and watched the sun set. She said it was the first time she had heard anyone clap at the sunset, and one man said "the end!". Too funny. We had our own little thing. On the way back from the bathrooms Q yelled out "Good night Jesus". When I asked why, he told me that it was because Jesus was the light and the light was going to bed so Jesus was going to bed and he wanted to say goodnight. That boy is SMART sometimes.
We eventually got Q a bit more cleaned up and into some pjs and watching a DVD on the little computer there and had the other area all set up into a couch and chairs so that we could get working on some scrapbooking stuff. It took a while but we got it moving. I put a few more things on Nana's ZEN and she worked on some of my photos for me to print off. We got all of Jan done but nothing else. I went through Feb to August and downsized photos. I'm going to have to do that on my own I guess. It should be alright.
It was after midnight when we called it a night. (oh yes and before we actually had Q fall asleep we went outside and did sparklers :) ) We got the bed ready and I went had Q into bed with me and we went to sleep around 1am or so. We slept until 7:45am! Crazy hey?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 3rd - Letters To Eachother
Arnold's email:
Sunday is where we are at now, Last we left Kyler and I in the tent sleeping. Well we woke up around 8:00 in the morning to the pitter patter of rain. We rolled around for a bit then went into the house where there were only a few people awake. So the kids played together for a bit. Everyone slowly made it into the house. At some point in the morning we started a movie for the kids and when everyone was awake and dressed we said it was time to go to town for breakfast.
Kyler and Matea and I all got to ride in Jason's truck one last time. We went to the Horizon inn for a good breakfast. When we were all done, Grandma, Grandpa, Kyler and I all got into the car and started the long trip home. We slept and drove and played games on my phone and generally occupied ourselves all the way, when we got home, we went downstairs and played some Lego. We had some pizza after a bit.
Then after supper Grandpa took out one of his computers and hooked it up to the TV and Kyler worked on learning to Fly an airplane for nearly 2 hours. After Grandpa was long gone to bed K decided to try out an Indiana Jones game for the WII. He loved it, and played it for a half hour or so before bed time. Then it was bed
Miranda's email:
What a day! This morning I got to sleep in a bit. Q got up sometime and went right to Nana and Papa's room for some play time. Somewhere he got downstairs picked up his new toys and brought them upstairs again. Papa eventually got up to play with "ACTION CHUGGA!"
I slept until about 8:45am when I got told by Q it was time for breakfast. I got down there and asked where breakfast was, he informed me it wasn't ready yet! WHAT! what on earth was he thinking bringing us down before it was on the table. We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and then outside I went. I spray painted the canvas(and some of the black pieces. Back inside to get ready for church. Q and I got our teeth brushed changed our clothes and were back downstairs shortly before 10am. We were out the door and in the car by 10am and on the road.
we went to church. Q did great. Even though he is 4 and can go with the 2-5 group he stayed with Nana and her bag of tricks. He played with some new playmobil things (fireman and police man), coloured in her book, read his chuggington books and then the service part was over. Q and I went for a "bathroom break" while they did communion. We visited with a friend of mine Sarah, whose family moved to Fort McMurry a few years ago. Her and her hubby (and family) must have passed you in the air! They came in on Thursday and go out on Thursday. They have 3 kids! I was shocked. I got to visit with Jody as well and her new baby girl. Then it was time to head out. We went home.
Jack had some friends he was going to visit in the park so he went out after church on the bike from the basement and using Q's bike lock (which he had to get special permission to use!). We fed Q and ourselves and I put Q down for a nap. He was *SO* tried he was crying and crying and crying. Mom and I went out after he went down. We did Canadian tire and got a bike chain, break wire and a clock. I picked up some shin guards for K and some socks (BTW did I tell you Amber is coming for soccer camp?).
Then out to Zellers to find some sheets to make the bike sheets and we found the best duvet sets ever! We got those along with some grey pillowcases that mom will put the bike stuff on. I'm excited for moving them over.
When we got home we figure out where the things were going on the canvas and we went through the layouts. Mom and I made a deal. She scrapbooks everything we do "together" so family reunions, camp heslops, christmas, thanksgiving, ect. And I do everything on our own. No more sharing photos. So today I went through all the layouts she had done from 2000 to 2010 and pulled some I liked. Some needed to have photos taken so she could "redo" them for the girls or Jack. And some were fine to go. I did get a HUGE box of layouts that aren't filled yet. Mom and I are going to fill some the next few days of printing off photos at camping and just getting them to work out ok. I'm excited for it. At least I will have ALOT of photos done!
When Q got up from his nap we went in the pool. He is getting to be a great water baby! he can jump off my legs and do a cannon ball. It's so cool! I'm very proud of him! Now if he would just remember to stop wearing his underwear under his bathing suit it would be better!
We came inside to relax and get Q warm. He watched Jane and the dragon and then we had supper outside. Q went and helped nana pack the RV. I swear he put everything in there, including the kitchen sink!!
Around 9pm we got Q off to bed. He is sleeping in his own room tonight. I'm excited for that. I'm enjoying closing the bedroom door!
Anyway I've done some more layout checking, pulling boxes up from the basement and just general cleaning. We leave tomorrow at 12:30pm and we are gone until Tuesday around 5pm. We haven't planned on a supper tomorrow since Q has So many things he wants to cook on the BBQ.
Sunday is where we are at now, Last we left Kyler and I in the tent sleeping. Well we woke up around 8:00 in the morning to the pitter patter of rain. We rolled around for a bit then went into the house where there were only a few people awake. So the kids played together for a bit. Everyone slowly made it into the house. At some point in the morning we started a movie for the kids and when everyone was awake and dressed we said it was time to go to town for breakfast.
Kyler and Matea and I all got to ride in Jason's truck one last time. We went to the Horizon inn for a good breakfast. When we were all done, Grandma, Grandpa, Kyler and I all got into the car and started the long trip home. We slept and drove and played games on my phone and generally occupied ourselves all the way, when we got home, we went downstairs and played some Lego. We had some pizza after a bit.
Then after supper Grandpa took out one of his computers and hooked it up to the TV and Kyler worked on learning to Fly an airplane for nearly 2 hours. After Grandpa was long gone to bed K decided to try out an Indiana Jones game for the WII. He loved it, and played it for a half hour or so before bed time. Then it was bed
Miranda's email:
What a day! This morning I got to sleep in a bit. Q got up sometime and went right to Nana and Papa's room for some play time. Somewhere he got downstairs picked up his new toys and brought them upstairs again. Papa eventually got up to play with "ACTION CHUGGA!"
I slept until about 8:45am when I got told by Q it was time for breakfast. I got down there and asked where breakfast was, he informed me it wasn't ready yet! WHAT! what on earth was he thinking bringing us down before it was on the table. We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and then outside I went. I spray painted the canvas(and some of the black pieces. Back inside to get ready for church. Q and I got our teeth brushed changed our clothes and were back downstairs shortly before 10am. We were out the door and in the car by 10am and on the road.
we went to church. Q did great. Even though he is 4 and can go with the 2-5 group he stayed with Nana and her bag of tricks. He played with some new playmobil things (fireman and police man), coloured in her book, read his chuggington books and then the service part was over. Q and I went for a "bathroom break" while they did communion. We visited with a friend of mine Sarah, whose family moved to Fort McMurry a few years ago. Her and her hubby (and family) must have passed you in the air! They came in on Thursday and go out on Thursday. They have 3 kids! I was shocked. I got to visit with Jody as well and her new baby girl. Then it was time to head out. We went home.
Jack had some friends he was going to visit in the park so he went out after church on the bike from the basement and using Q's bike lock (which he had to get special permission to use!). We fed Q and ourselves and I put Q down for a nap. He was *SO* tried he was crying and crying and crying. Mom and I went out after he went down. We did Canadian tire and got a bike chain, break wire and a clock. I picked up some shin guards for K and some socks (BTW did I tell you Amber is coming for soccer camp?).
Then out to Zellers to find some sheets to make the bike sheets and we found the best duvet sets ever! We got those along with some grey pillowcases that mom will put the bike stuff on. I'm excited for moving them over.
When we got home we figure out where the things were going on the canvas and we went through the layouts. Mom and I made a deal. She scrapbooks everything we do "together" so family reunions, camp heslops, christmas, thanksgiving, ect. And I do everything on our own. No more sharing photos. So today I went through all the layouts she had done from 2000 to 2010 and pulled some I liked. Some needed to have photos taken so she could "redo" them for the girls or Jack. And some were fine to go. I did get a HUGE box of layouts that aren't filled yet. Mom and I are going to fill some the next few days of printing off photos at camping and just getting them to work out ok. I'm excited for it. At least I will have ALOT of photos done!
When Q got up from his nap we went in the pool. He is getting to be a great water baby! he can jump off my legs and do a cannon ball. It's so cool! I'm very proud of him! Now if he would just remember to stop wearing his underwear under his bathing suit it would be better!
We came inside to relax and get Q warm. He watched Jane and the dragon and then we had supper outside. Q went and helped nana pack the RV. I swear he put everything in there, including the kitchen sink!!
Around 9pm we got Q off to bed. He is sleeping in his own room tonight. I'm excited for that. I'm enjoying closing the bedroom door!
Anyway I've done some more layout checking, pulling boxes up from the basement and just general cleaning. We leave tomorrow at 12:30pm and we are gone until Tuesday around 5pm. We haven't planned on a supper tomorrow since Q has So many things he wants to cook on the BBQ.
July 2nd - Letters To Eachother
Arnold's email - July 2nd:
We started the day bright and early Kyler was up for 6:00 ish, we went upstairs to see if anyone else was up, no one was, so we started trying to get their Wii working, while we did that Kasmira came up and we got everything figured out, so Kyler and Kasimra played some Wii Playground until a few more people woke up. When everyone was up around 7 or 8 we started breakfast, pancakes with fruit.
Then it was outside to start getting things ready, Us boys got the garage doors open and pulled out the equipment and figured out who would drive which vehicle. Kyler chose to ride the orange quad (surprise) And I was quite familiar with the workings of that unit so we all agreed. Chris had his speed machine and Grandma and Grandpa got a rhino each. Jason changed the oil in his smaller quad so that he could ride that one. With everyone assigned, Grandma and Jason finished arranging the picnic food. hot dogs and chips and loaded it all into one of the rhinos. The other rhino was setup with a blanket in the back and two of the girls started out there.
Around 9:00 we all loaded up and rolled out, we started by cruising down the gravel road for about 15 minutes before we got to the cut line we were going to follow. The gravel road was pretty dusty and we had to keep nearly 300 meters of space between vehicles to be able to see. When we got to the cut line, Chris told us to have fun and promptly dove his quad into a puddle. Kyler was a little nervous but more excited, hey was sitting behind me on the quad at this point. We started to drive down the cut line for a bit, kinda bumpy terrain, but mostly easy stuff, we stopped after about 15 minutes and took a look around and talked for a bit about how the machines worked and stuff. Kyler asked to go ride with grandma and the girls for a bit. I got an empty quad at that point so I took the opportunity to push the machine a little and learn more about it's handling. After a bit we got to our first of many gulley's or narrow ditches, depends on what you want to call them. Mom was pretty worried about going down, but Jason and Grandpa just told her to go for it. We cruised for a while watching Chris go jumping into different puddles getting stuck. When Kyler was on my quad, we went to winch Chris out, he LOVED it. after that Kyler was very disappointed if a 'rescue' was done by a vehicle he was not in. after about 2 hours of playing around, dropping into puddles and the like, we arrived at Rod's Log Cabin in the bush, we all looked around, it was a pretty rotten/rundown place, but you could see Rod and the boys had been working on it. The kids found a toad near the creek and caught a butterfly or two while Jason started a fire and Grandma got out the food. We cooked up our hot dogs and realized we had forgotten condiments, but oh well.
After Lunch Chris, Kyler and Kasmira each grabbed a tree and up they all went, Chris went nearly 4 or 5 stories up, Kyler went up 2 or 3 up and Kasmira 1ish. Kasmira asked Kyler and Chris if they could see her house (they could not) Then it was time to pack up and move on, Kyler followed Jason to the creek to get a bucket of water for the fire.
We headed out again, this time Kyler rode with me again, this time between my legs, I guess he had left my quad because he couldn't see. Soon after we left he started telling me how I was controlling the quad and asked if he could drive. From that point on, he controlled our speed and I held the end of the handlebars and "helped" him steer (I also did the shifting). He loved doing that. We pushed deeper down, Jason and Chris wanted to show us the big beaver dam. After about another half hour to an hour we got to a huge "puddle"/"lake" that looked deep and went from one side of the cut line to the other. Jason drove his quad around the edge of it, it looked like he was trying to float it, but he got stuck with water up to the fenders, he stood on the seat and called for someone to come 'rescue' him. I was told my machine was the best equipment to try that section, so I gave K to Grandma and off I went, I got through with a bit of splashing and pushing the machine through, even though it felt like I was going to sink the machine all the way down. Then I turned around, tossed J a winch line and tugged him the rest of the way. Chris decided it was his turn to have a go, and he took off going nearly straight into the puddle... and stopped dead, and sank... down to the seat, his engine died and Chris jumped off in belly button deep water. He pulled his quad back to dry ground and tried to start it but couldn't. He decided to work on it while everyone else crossed. Next, Jason said it was Mom's turn, so with all the kids on board, Grandma followed the track the Jason and I had followed, but she got her rhino stuck, we fought with it for a while and tried pulling out with a tree and with my quad, but nothing was heavy enough. The kids started freaking out in the back so Jason tossed them all to me and I put them on solid ground, and Jason took over driving from mom, then it was back and forth and splashing and thrashing. Finally Jason and Chris sent Grandpa in with his Rhino to push the first one out. He did just that, and got stuck right where mom had, so we turned mom's around and pulled Grandpa out. At this point Chris called over and said his cylinder was dry but he couldn't start it, he'd been having battery trouble all day. So they decided to float his quad straight over and then try to pull start it on our side. Chris waded into the pond to get close enough to the winch line that Jason threw to him and they pulled his machine through the water. Then Jason and Chris spend nearly 30 minutes working on Chris' quad and pulling it to get it going. In that time we fed the kids a snack and did a little exploring of the space nearby.
Chris and Jason decided that while they could get Chris' quad to start, too much water had gotten into the oil and it was not a good idea for him to drive it. so they said we had to tow it home. between Grandpa and Jason they decided to skip the beaver dam and head back to the house. So, back around the pond we went, first me, then Jason, then Grandma with three of the kids, we all got over rather easily this time as we had flattened out the deep ruts and knew our lines. Then it was time for Grandpa and Chris with the last rhino and the quad in tow. Chris rode in the rhino for the first 10 feet, then his quad tipped over and he basically swam back to it to flip it, then Georgie started to get upset so Jason waded in and sent Grandpa out with Georgie. Jason and Chris fought with the two machines for a bit and finally got them both to the homeward side. We all did a check and arranged our kids where they wanted to be, Kyler driving my quad again, and away we went.
Since we had covered the ground earlier the going was quick, Our quad burned a little oil and stank so Kyler and I took up the rear, and with him driving we slowly fell behind, but we were having fun and Kyler liked the pace, so we stuck with it, whenever the others hit a ditch or gully, we caught up to them pretty easy so it wasn't bad. I got to drive for a bit when K said his thumb got tired. We eventually got to the gravel road with hardly anything more then a push or two on Jason's bumper to get him out of a puddle (he had the only 2 wheel drive).
When we got home, we rolled up to the garage and parked everything then sat around outside and talked about the trip for a while. Then it was inside, and Jason started the steak dinner and we all went through the shower, K and I shared the shower stall. Dinner was good and The kids all ate well. They even went out and played on the trampoline for a while. Then Kasmira reminded Jason that he promised to setup the tent if it was not raining, so he went and got the tent, and we all helped get it setup for the kids to sleep in, Kyler had asked to join them, and was told he could. So Georgie, Kasmira and Kyler were put to bed in the tent and us adults sat outside nearby with drinks and listened to them, scolding as needed. Eventually Georgie asked to sleep with Matea in the trailer and Kasmira was disciplined and sent to her bed in the house, leaving Kyler, asleep alone in the tent. We decided that I ought to sleep with Kyler out in the tent, so that's exactly what I did, I got some bedding and headed out there when everyone else headed for bed. That'd be around 10 local time I figure.
Kyler had had an awesome day and really enjoyed everything and had been very well behaved.
Miranda's email - July 2nd:
Today is Saturday so it started with our typical "Saturday morning breakfast" with dad and his group. Smitty's is under construction but it worked out well. We had breakfast (with one pee break in the middle) and then came home. On the way out of the parking lot Q announced that he saw a "hooker". Which we all started to laugh. I was looking for scantly clad women, Jack for a tow truck and Q turned out to be talking about the anchors that are on decoration on the light posts :)
We went home and happen to meet mom as she was ready to go. Q was so sad she was leaving for work and said he wanted to go too. Took nana's hand and off they went! Q put on his shoes and went to work. He worked with mom for about an hour and a half or so then J and I picked him up.
While he was gone J and I went to the mall. Jack got 2 new pairs of shorts, 2 new shirts and 2 wicking shirts as a "swim shirt" for the pool. As well as 4 new books (buy 3 get the 4th free!). I stopped at Reitmans and got new pants and 2 new tank tops. Both Jack and I managed to get in with Simone to get our hair cut. We hit up the dollar store (long sparklers, a lighter, and a travel deodorant and razors for mom's house for me) and then Canadian Tire (for black spray for the kids bike decorations).
Then we went to the paint supply place and checked out some colours and found some nice ones. We had Mom look at them and basically between 3 different people and 5 colours everyone picked the same colour! So that's the one. They did suggest that we buy it in Toronto so I think Q and I will go and pick it up on Wednesday night instead.
We picked up Q and J and Q went to Williams and then we headed home. Q had cookies and licrious for lunch and J and I went back to the mall for our hair cuts. Then over to the dutch shop and then to the bank.
After we got home Q took Dad outside to play on the swings and I went upstairs to check my email for a bit and fell asleep! I woke up at 5pm when mom got home! Opps!!
I went for a swim with Q, Nana and Jack while Dad BBQ'ed some burgers and hotdogs for us to eat and we had supper in the gazebo! When supper was over we all got changed and Q told Nana she had no "good toys" so off to Toys R Us we went! We got some new playmobile stuff, some chuggington toy and a race car track for hot wheel cars!
After there we went to Canadian Tire and picked up some tissues, mean green and a new beach umbrella. We paid and on the way out noticed how dark it looked outside. We walked to the other side of the mall to get some popcorn and then we saw it... insane rain! We had to google to see the radar and such and mom called dad about it. WE found out the wind was so bad it blew the gazebo over and Jack and Dad even went out and put it back'ish. There was hail and crazy stuff. We watched at one of the doors and it looked like a tornado was going through the parking lot! We waited it out in the mall. We got some ice cream, waited some more, went to the bookstore and found some chunggington books and waited some more, played in the kids are and... then left! We packed everything up and headed out to the car. We went home and along the way we saw trees down, some serious damage to some signs and such. It was crazy!
Then Mom and I started to work on the bike stuff while Dad, Jack and Q played with the new toys. Mom got all the gears cleaned up but we can't get that one off the other wheel! It's driving me bonkers! Anyway we went to Walmart around 9:45pm or so to find a chain and they had nothing :( So on Monday I think I'm going to go to the bike store and see if they have an old one I can have for free.
When we got home I found out Q passed out on Jack lap so he was up in bed. I cleaned up the kitchen, got the grease off my hands and then went to bed.
I"m just heading off to bed. I hope you guys had a great day!
We started the day bright and early Kyler was up for 6:00 ish, we went upstairs to see if anyone else was up, no one was, so we started trying to get their Wii working, while we did that Kasmira came up and we got everything figured out, so Kyler and Kasimra played some Wii Playground until a few more people woke up. When everyone was up around 7 or 8 we started breakfast, pancakes with fruit.
Then it was outside to start getting things ready, Us boys got the garage doors open and pulled out the equipment and figured out who would drive which vehicle. Kyler chose to ride the orange quad (surprise) And I was quite familiar with the workings of that unit so we all agreed. Chris had his speed machine and Grandma and Grandpa got a rhino each. Jason changed the oil in his smaller quad so that he could ride that one. With everyone assigned, Grandma and Jason finished arranging the picnic food. hot dogs and chips and loaded it all into one of the rhinos. The other rhino was setup with a blanket in the back and two of the girls started out there.
Around 9:00 we all loaded up and rolled out, we started by cruising down the gravel road for about 15 minutes before we got to the cut line we were going to follow. The gravel road was pretty dusty and we had to keep nearly 300 meters of space between vehicles to be able to see. When we got to the cut line, Chris told us to have fun and promptly dove his quad into a puddle. Kyler was a little nervous but more excited, hey was sitting behind me on the quad at this point. We started to drive down the cut line for a bit, kinda bumpy terrain, but mostly easy stuff, we stopped after about 15 minutes and took a look around and talked for a bit about how the machines worked and stuff. Kyler asked to go ride with grandma and the girls for a bit. I got an empty quad at that point so I took the opportunity to push the machine a little and learn more about it's handling. After a bit we got to our first of many gulley's or narrow ditches, depends on what you want to call them. Mom was pretty worried about going down, but Jason and Grandpa just told her to go for it. We cruised for a while watching Chris go jumping into different puddles getting stuck. When Kyler was on my quad, we went to winch Chris out, he LOVED it. after that Kyler was very disappointed if a 'rescue' was done by a vehicle he was not in. after about 2 hours of playing around, dropping into puddles and the like, we arrived at Rod's Log Cabin in the bush, we all looked around, it was a pretty rotten/rundown place, but you could see Rod and the boys had been working on it. The kids found a toad near the creek and caught a butterfly or two while Jason started a fire and Grandma got out the food. We cooked up our hot dogs and realized we had forgotten condiments, but oh well.
After Lunch Chris, Kyler and Kasmira each grabbed a tree and up they all went, Chris went nearly 4 or 5 stories up, Kyler went up 2 or 3 up and Kasmira 1ish. Kasmira asked Kyler and Chris if they could see her house (they could not) Then it was time to pack up and move on, Kyler followed Jason to the creek to get a bucket of water for the fire.
We headed out again, this time Kyler rode with me again, this time between my legs, I guess he had left my quad because he couldn't see. Soon after we left he started telling me how I was controlling the quad and asked if he could drive. From that point on, he controlled our speed and I held the end of the handlebars and "helped" him steer (I also did the shifting). He loved doing that. We pushed deeper down, Jason and Chris wanted to show us the big beaver dam. After about another half hour to an hour we got to a huge "puddle"/"lake" that looked deep and went from one side of the cut line to the other. Jason drove his quad around the edge of it, it looked like he was trying to float it, but he got stuck with water up to the fenders, he stood on the seat and called for someone to come 'rescue' him. I was told my machine was the best equipment to try that section, so I gave K to Grandma and off I went, I got through with a bit of splashing and pushing the machine through, even though it felt like I was going to sink the machine all the way down. Then I turned around, tossed J a winch line and tugged him the rest of the way. Chris decided it was his turn to have a go, and he took off going nearly straight into the puddle... and stopped dead, and sank... down to the seat, his engine died and Chris jumped off in belly button deep water. He pulled his quad back to dry ground and tried to start it but couldn't. He decided to work on it while everyone else crossed. Next, Jason said it was Mom's turn, so with all the kids on board, Grandma followed the track the Jason and I had followed, but she got her rhino stuck, we fought with it for a while and tried pulling out with a tree and with my quad, but nothing was heavy enough. The kids started freaking out in the back so Jason tossed them all to me and I put them on solid ground, and Jason took over driving from mom, then it was back and forth and splashing and thrashing. Finally Jason and Chris sent Grandpa in with his Rhino to push the first one out. He did just that, and got stuck right where mom had, so we turned mom's around and pulled Grandpa out. At this point Chris called over and said his cylinder was dry but he couldn't start it, he'd been having battery trouble all day. So they decided to float his quad straight over and then try to pull start it on our side. Chris waded into the pond to get close enough to the winch line that Jason threw to him and they pulled his machine through the water. Then Jason and Chris spend nearly 30 minutes working on Chris' quad and pulling it to get it going. In that time we fed the kids a snack and did a little exploring of the space nearby.
Chris and Jason decided that while they could get Chris' quad to start, too much water had gotten into the oil and it was not a good idea for him to drive it. so they said we had to tow it home. between Grandpa and Jason they decided to skip the beaver dam and head back to the house. So, back around the pond we went, first me, then Jason, then Grandma with three of the kids, we all got over rather easily this time as we had flattened out the deep ruts and knew our lines. Then it was time for Grandpa and Chris with the last rhino and the quad in tow. Chris rode in the rhino for the first 10 feet, then his quad tipped over and he basically swam back to it to flip it, then Georgie started to get upset so Jason waded in and sent Grandpa out with Georgie. Jason and Chris fought with the two machines for a bit and finally got them both to the homeward side. We all did a check and arranged our kids where they wanted to be, Kyler driving my quad again, and away we went.
Since we had covered the ground earlier the going was quick, Our quad burned a little oil and stank so Kyler and I took up the rear, and with him driving we slowly fell behind, but we were having fun and Kyler liked the pace, so we stuck with it, whenever the others hit a ditch or gully, we caught up to them pretty easy so it wasn't bad. I got to drive for a bit when K said his thumb got tired. We eventually got to the gravel road with hardly anything more then a push or two on Jason's bumper to get him out of a puddle (he had the only 2 wheel drive).
When we got home, we rolled up to the garage and parked everything then sat around outside and talked about the trip for a while. Then it was inside, and Jason started the steak dinner and we all went through the shower, K and I shared the shower stall. Dinner was good and The kids all ate well. They even went out and played on the trampoline for a while. Then Kasmira reminded Jason that he promised to setup the tent if it was not raining, so he went and got the tent, and we all helped get it setup for the kids to sleep in, Kyler had asked to join them, and was told he could. So Georgie, Kasmira and Kyler were put to bed in the tent and us adults sat outside nearby with drinks and listened to them, scolding as needed. Eventually Georgie asked to sleep with Matea in the trailer and Kasmira was disciplined and sent to her bed in the house, leaving Kyler, asleep alone in the tent. We decided that I ought to sleep with Kyler out in the tent, so that's exactly what I did, I got some bedding and headed out there when everyone else headed for bed. That'd be around 10 local time I figure.
Kyler had had an awesome day and really enjoyed everything and had been very well behaved.
Miranda's email - July 2nd:
Today is Saturday so it started with our typical "Saturday morning breakfast" with dad and his group. Smitty's is under construction but it worked out well. We had breakfast (with one pee break in the middle) and then came home. On the way out of the parking lot Q announced that he saw a "hooker". Which we all started to laugh. I was looking for scantly clad women, Jack for a tow truck and Q turned out to be talking about the anchors that are on decoration on the light posts :)
We went home and happen to meet mom as she was ready to go. Q was so sad she was leaving for work and said he wanted to go too. Took nana's hand and off they went! Q put on his shoes and went to work. He worked with mom for about an hour and a half or so then J and I picked him up.
While he was gone J and I went to the mall. Jack got 2 new pairs of shorts, 2 new shirts and 2 wicking shirts as a "swim shirt" for the pool. As well as 4 new books (buy 3 get the 4th free!). I stopped at Reitmans and got new pants and 2 new tank tops. Both Jack and I managed to get in with Simone to get our hair cut. We hit up the dollar store (long sparklers, a lighter, and a travel deodorant and razors for mom's house for me) and then Canadian Tire (for black spray for the kids bike decorations).
Then we went to the paint supply place and checked out some colours and found some nice ones. We had Mom look at them and basically between 3 different people and 5 colours everyone picked the same colour! So that's the one. They did suggest that we buy it in Toronto so I think Q and I will go and pick it up on Wednesday night instead.
We picked up Q and J and Q went to Williams and then we headed home. Q had cookies and licrious for lunch and J and I went back to the mall for our hair cuts. Then over to the dutch shop and then to the bank.
After we got home Q took Dad outside to play on the swings and I went upstairs to check my email for a bit and fell asleep! I woke up at 5pm when mom got home! Opps!!
I went for a swim with Q, Nana and Jack while Dad BBQ'ed some burgers and hotdogs for us to eat and we had supper in the gazebo! When supper was over we all got changed and Q told Nana she had no "good toys" so off to Toys R Us we went! We got some new playmobile stuff, some chuggington toy and a race car track for hot wheel cars!
After there we went to Canadian Tire and picked up some tissues, mean green and a new beach umbrella. We paid and on the way out noticed how dark it looked outside. We walked to the other side of the mall to get some popcorn and then we saw it... insane rain! We had to google to see the radar and such and mom called dad about it. WE found out the wind was so bad it blew the gazebo over and Jack and Dad even went out and put it back'ish. There was hail and crazy stuff. We watched at one of the doors and it looked like a tornado was going through the parking lot! We waited it out in the mall. We got some ice cream, waited some more, went to the bookstore and found some chunggington books and waited some more, played in the kids are and... then left! We packed everything up and headed out to the car. We went home and along the way we saw trees down, some serious damage to some signs and such. It was crazy!
Then Mom and I started to work on the bike stuff while Dad, Jack and Q played with the new toys. Mom got all the gears cleaned up but we can't get that one off the other wheel! It's driving me bonkers! Anyway we went to Walmart around 9:45pm or so to find a chain and they had nothing :( So on Monday I think I'm going to go to the bike store and see if they have an old one I can have for free.
When we got home I found out Q passed out on Jack lap so he was up in bed. I cleaned up the kitchen, got the grease off my hands and then went to bed.
I"m just heading off to bed. I hope you guys had a great day!
July 1st - Letters to eachother
July 1st
Arnold's email - July 1st:
Friday we got up pretty early and went upstairs and watched some old Inspector gadget episodes, we hung out until Grandpa and Grandma came out of their room, we had a waffle breakfast then went downstairs to play with Lego for a bit. I helped Mom and Dad pack the car a bit and we were on our way to Jason and Sasha's.
We started out around 9:00 and headed for Edmonton, then went around to a service station not far from the old Archery place in Spruce Grove. There we stopped for Gas and Kyler got a snack. We talked about what we wanted to do and decided to head to the old farm in Busby for a while to see what it looked like, we figured that it would only add an extra 30 minutes to the drive.
When we got to the farm it looked like nothing had changed, all the buildings are still there, most of the old equipment is still on the yard. But under closer inspection you notice that everything has aged and that some stuff is not the same anymore. We rolled onto the yard and talked with the owner, introduced ourselves, she offered us a tour, so we accepted. She told us that they have converted the place to a horse riding arena. They have 9 horses, we saw two of them. Van Goghs sold out the milking parlour, so everything in there had been ripped out and that building was a mess, then the back building where the cows used to stay has had sand poured over the floor and is the main arena now. All the small pastures for the cows up the hill were empty and green. the old calf barn has been turned into a Equine medical area, she had a 1 year old Painted Pony in there with a hoof problem and a Tennesse walker with a sun/skin irritation. Any way we talked a bit about the Van Gogh's and the farm and then left, we'd spent 30-45 minutes there, which was a nice stretch of the legs, and K got to see horses and goats (they use goats to mow the lawn, they had maybe 30 of them).
We headed to WhiteCourt next, Kyler and I played some tic tac toe, and slept, then when we got closer I read him the email you sent us, then we started talking about lunch, Kyler said he wanted a McDonald's toy just like his brother, and Grandma said that would not be a problem, so we went to Lunch at MCD in Whitecourt. Then it was on the road again, some more games and reading and sleeping. As we got close to ValleyView, we called Jason to find out where they were, they had gone to the town's Canada Day party, so we met them there. When we arrived Kasmira noticed Mom and Dad's HHR right away and came sprinting up to us, we had a quick introduction and we sent her back to the play area to show Kyler around. They ran past Jason and Chris as they came to see us. Kyler and Kasmira went to one of the three bouncy castles they had setup at no charge, and we followed to watch as Kyler learned who his cousins were in the crowd of kids. After a little while on the castles, Kyler asked to go to the face painting, where he got a green Maple leaf on his cheek. Then he wanted to try the park for a while. He was not engaging his cousins alot at this point, but he had met them and seemed to like them.
After the visit to the park he and I returned to the rest of the family and we were told that Jason and Chris needed to go to the shop to get some things for the next days' activities, so we all packed into our cars, and we headed to the shop. When we arrived, we went for a tour of the shop, the kids played on a forklift and oogled at the massive tools around the place. Then we went outside, first stop was a big green articulating tractor that kids climbed into to look at. Then one truck with a sleeper and one without. While the kids were in the trucks, Chris was setting up one of the picker trucks, and when the kids were through their second truck Chris was ready for them with the crane. Kyler was invited up and Chris taught Kyler how to operate it, Grandpa held the hook and Kyler pulled him a few feet from the ground. The girls took turns on the crane as well.
Chris put away the Crane and the kids went into one of the sleeper cabs, they convinced Jason to take them for a spin around the yard in the truck. Chris finished putting the Crane away and we all met up in front of the line of trucks. Kyler asked Chris if he could go for a drive in the big green tractor from before, and Chris agreed, so all 4 kids climbed up into the cab and Chris took them around the yard. On their spin around the yard, they noticed the scissor lift, so they had to try that next, Jason took everyone except mom and Chris up the scissor lift to nearly 4 stories high, Kyler didn't even bat an eye at the height, we had to scold him for trying to climb the railing.
From there, it was over to the rino and the bobcat, Mom and Chris were driving the rino and brought it over to his trailer for loading. I took K onto the bobcat and taught him how to control that machine, he picked up on it right away and was driving around in no time. At this point Jason hitched up the trailer to a truck and Chris had rolled the rino up onto the bed in prep for transport. We arranged that K and I would go with Jason and Kasmira to town to get Jason's other bobcat and Mom and Dad would take one girl and Chris would take the last. this meant that Kyler got to ride in a pickup truck pulling a loaded trailer which he thought was cool.
When we got home, we mostly chilled, had some drinks, and the kids played for a while, mainly on the trampoline and out on the lawn. The girls went to bed around 8 but K showed no sign of being tired, so we let him stay up for a while. Chris and Jason took out their big Lego sets from legoland and let Kyler play with them. He really enjoyed that, especially one of the big cranes. He played nicely for nearly 45 minutes, then I was ready for bed, so I took him down with me and made him go to bed.
Miranda's email - July 1st:
Shortly after Q came to visit (think 3am?). His "tummy couldn't sleep alone". So he snuggled right in beside me and just about killed me!! I was/am so tired this morning. I got up at 5am and drugged myself and went back to bed. Q was still there and wouldn't leave. So I told him tonight he is sleeping alone in his room. I can't do this! I'm getting no sleep, I feel like my whole sinus cold is back on my right side of my face and I'm so grumpy.
Thankfully Q played ok by himself (after waking up the whole family) finally Papa went downstairs with him around 7am or so and Jack around 7:30am. I was up around 8:45 am and went downstairs. I had some breakfast and responded to you.
We all got on our red clothing and headed out the the parade. It was fun. Q was ready to go home quick and we didn't get the good spot we had last year (we were in the sun) but fun. Next year we are going to go early and put our chairs out along the side of the road :)
The parade was a blast then we went right home. Dad did some fancy driving with the car to get us out of our spot! We got home and had a swim! What a good thing it was SO hot. I had sweat dripping down my back.
After our swim Papa brought out Q's lunch order and he ate while I "worked out" in the pool. When he was done we went upstairs and had a nap.
Our nap finished around 4pm and we went downstairs and got the last few things ready for the party and Q wanted to go swimming again. I refused to wear my "family only" bathing suit so I borrowed one from Nana.
We swam for a bit then got out when everyone arrived. Q and I got changed and visited with everyone. We had supper and then dessert and everyone left. It was such a good meal, steak, chicken, potato salad, normal salad, cheese and tomatoes, yummy yummy yummy!
Once everyone left Jess came over and we went for a swim in the pool (2 hours) and then had dessert and headed out for the fireworks. We got there in time to have some fun before.
Mom and I had found small sparklers the day before and some glow stick wrist bands so we played with those. It took a bit to get Q to want to play with one but he did eventually. Thankgoodness! We got some cute photos of him! And Jess and I got to feel like kids again! I did burn my fingers, my pants have a hole in them and my leg is burnt. It hurts alot!
Anyway we are home now after a snack and drink and moving Q's bed in here. He couldn't sleep alone and instead of dealing with another crappy night I'm having him in here on a mattress and me in my own bed. I'm not 100% happy but hopefully it works. Mom agreed to take him tomorrow night so I can get a full nights sleep ALONE!
Arnold's email - July 1st:
Friday we got up pretty early and went upstairs and watched some old Inspector gadget episodes, we hung out until Grandpa and Grandma came out of their room, we had a waffle breakfast then went downstairs to play with Lego for a bit. I helped Mom and Dad pack the car a bit and we were on our way to Jason and Sasha's.
We started out around 9:00 and headed for Edmonton, then went around to a service station not far from the old Archery place in Spruce Grove. There we stopped for Gas and Kyler got a snack. We talked about what we wanted to do and decided to head to the old farm in Busby for a while to see what it looked like, we figured that it would only add an extra 30 minutes to the drive.
When we got to the farm it looked like nothing had changed, all the buildings are still there, most of the old equipment is still on the yard. But under closer inspection you notice that everything has aged and that some stuff is not the same anymore. We rolled onto the yard and talked with the owner, introduced ourselves, she offered us a tour, so we accepted. She told us that they have converted the place to a horse riding arena. They have 9 horses, we saw two of them. Van Goghs sold out the milking parlour, so everything in there had been ripped out and that building was a mess, then the back building where the cows used to stay has had sand poured over the floor and is the main arena now. All the small pastures for the cows up the hill were empty and green. the old calf barn has been turned into a Equine medical area, she had a 1 year old Painted Pony in there with a hoof problem and a Tennesse walker with a sun/skin irritation. Any way we talked a bit about the Van Gogh's and the farm and then left, we'd spent 30-45 minutes there, which was a nice stretch of the legs, and K got to see horses and goats (they use goats to mow the lawn, they had maybe 30 of them).
We headed to WhiteCourt next, Kyler and I played some tic tac toe, and slept, then when we got closer I read him the email you sent us, then we started talking about lunch, Kyler said he wanted a McDonald's toy just like his brother, and Grandma said that would not be a problem, so we went to Lunch at MCD in Whitecourt. Then it was on the road again, some more games and reading and sleeping. As we got close to ValleyView, we called Jason to find out where they were, they had gone to the town's Canada Day party, so we met them there. When we arrived Kasmira noticed Mom and Dad's HHR right away and came sprinting up to us, we had a quick introduction and we sent her back to the play area to show Kyler around. They ran past Jason and Chris as they came to see us. Kyler and Kasmira went to one of the three bouncy castles they had setup at no charge, and we followed to watch as Kyler learned who his cousins were in the crowd of kids. After a little while on the castles, Kyler asked to go to the face painting, where he got a green Maple leaf on his cheek. Then he wanted to try the park for a while. He was not engaging his cousins alot at this point, but he had met them and seemed to like them.
After the visit to the park he and I returned to the rest of the family and we were told that Jason and Chris needed to go to the shop to get some things for the next days' activities, so we all packed into our cars, and we headed to the shop. When we arrived, we went for a tour of the shop, the kids played on a forklift and oogled at the massive tools around the place. Then we went outside, first stop was a big green articulating tractor that kids climbed into to look at. Then one truck with a sleeper and one without. While the kids were in the trucks, Chris was setting up one of the picker trucks, and when the kids were through their second truck Chris was ready for them with the crane. Kyler was invited up and Chris taught Kyler how to operate it, Grandpa held the hook and Kyler pulled him a few feet from the ground. The girls took turns on the crane as well.
Chris put away the Crane and the kids went into one of the sleeper cabs, they convinced Jason to take them for a spin around the yard in the truck. Chris finished putting the Crane away and we all met up in front of the line of trucks. Kyler asked Chris if he could go for a drive in the big green tractor from before, and Chris agreed, so all 4 kids climbed up into the cab and Chris took them around the yard. On their spin around the yard, they noticed the scissor lift, so they had to try that next, Jason took everyone except mom and Chris up the scissor lift to nearly 4 stories high, Kyler didn't even bat an eye at the height, we had to scold him for trying to climb the railing.
From there, it was over to the rino and the bobcat, Mom and Chris were driving the rino and brought it over to his trailer for loading. I took K onto the bobcat and taught him how to control that machine, he picked up on it right away and was driving around in no time. At this point Jason hitched up the trailer to a truck and Chris had rolled the rino up onto the bed in prep for transport. We arranged that K and I would go with Jason and Kasmira to town to get Jason's other bobcat and Mom and Dad would take one girl and Chris would take the last. this meant that Kyler got to ride in a pickup truck pulling a loaded trailer which he thought was cool.
When we got home, we mostly chilled, had some drinks, and the kids played for a while, mainly on the trampoline and out on the lawn. The girls went to bed around 8 but K showed no sign of being tired, so we let him stay up for a while. Chris and Jason took out their big Lego sets from legoland and let Kyler play with them. He really enjoyed that, especially one of the big cranes. He played nicely for nearly 45 minutes, then I was ready for bed, so I took him down with me and made him go to bed.
Miranda's email - July 1st:
Shortly after Q came to visit (think 3am?). His "tummy couldn't sleep alone". So he snuggled right in beside me and just about killed me!! I was/am so tired this morning. I got up at 5am and drugged myself and went back to bed. Q was still there and wouldn't leave. So I told him tonight he is sleeping alone in his room. I can't do this! I'm getting no sleep, I feel like my whole sinus cold is back on my right side of my face and I'm so grumpy.
Thankfully Q played ok by himself (after waking up the whole family) finally Papa went downstairs with him around 7am or so and Jack around 7:30am. I was up around 8:45 am and went downstairs. I had some breakfast and responded to you.
We all got on our red clothing and headed out the the parade. It was fun. Q was ready to go home quick and we didn't get the good spot we had last year (we were in the sun) but fun. Next year we are going to go early and put our chairs out along the side of the road :)
The parade was a blast then we went right home. Dad did some fancy driving with the car to get us out of our spot! We got home and had a swim! What a good thing it was SO hot. I had sweat dripping down my back.
After our swim Papa brought out Q's lunch order and he ate while I "worked out" in the pool. When he was done we went upstairs and had a nap.
Our nap finished around 4pm and we went downstairs and got the last few things ready for the party and Q wanted to go swimming again. I refused to wear my "family only" bathing suit so I borrowed one from Nana.
We swam for a bit then got out when everyone arrived. Q and I got changed and visited with everyone. We had supper and then dessert and everyone left. It was such a good meal, steak, chicken, potato salad, normal salad, cheese and tomatoes, yummy yummy yummy!
Once everyone left Jess came over and we went for a swim in the pool (2 hours) and then had dessert and headed out for the fireworks. We got there in time to have some fun before.
Mom and I had found small sparklers the day before and some glow stick wrist bands so we played with those. It took a bit to get Q to want to play with one but he did eventually. Thankgoodness! We got some cute photos of him! And Jess and I got to feel like kids again! I did burn my fingers, my pants have a hole in them and my leg is burnt. It hurts alot!
Anyway we are home now after a snack and drink and moving Q's bed in here. He couldn't sleep alone and instead of dealing with another crappy night I'm having him in here on a mattress and me in my own bed. I'm not 100% happy but hopefully it works. Mom agreed to take him tomorrow night so I can get a full nights sleep ALONE!
June 30th - Letters to each other
While everyone was apart we wrote letters/emails to each other. Here's the e'mails:
Arnold's e'mail June 30th:
We've been having a good day, we started at the airport pretty good, we waited maybe 15 minutes in line to check our bags and get our tickets. Tickets were easy to get, just showed my license and it was all good. Kyler was quite interested in the conveyor belt that the bags left on. After we got our tickets, we went and sat down in a cafe near the windows and watched the planes while I sent some last minute texts and emails.
We moved to security screening and didn't have to wait at all, Kyler was able to see the x-rays of some bags going through, which he thought was pretty cool. Then it was a walk to the gate. we got to the gate around 8:00 and brought our tickets to the agent to get them adjusted to get us seated together.
Next we went to the bathroom and changed, then did a short walk around the gate area and back to our gate to take some pictures of our plane and then pre-boarding. Boarded the plane, and found our seats, Kyler settled down pretty quick, a couple pictures with his camera and getting his headphones and we were good.
Once we got underway everything was good, K and I watched "Rango", then had beverage service, then Kyler watched 'diary of a wimpy kid' he took alot of pictures of the inside of the plane for you and Quinton. Neither of us could really sleep. We arrived nicely in Calgary, and waited a little as we disembarked. As we left the plane we talked to a stewardess and asked to see the cockpit, She asked the pilots and they agreed, so K stepped into the cockpit and looked around. Then we made our way to the baggage claim, where we saw grandma right away. our bags were the 3rd and 4th off the plane, so we were under way pretty quick, we headed to Airdrie and got some lunch at Tim Hortons.
Once we got to Grandma's house she gave us the tour, Kyler noticed the electric Lego train set, so once we were done the tour we went back to the lego and we setup the train set. I started to work on building one of my old favorite sets of Lego, Mom and Dad told me to take a couple sets home if I want.
Later Grandpa came home and we talked for a bit and then had supper, Ginger Beef and Sweet and sour Pork and rice. After dinner we got vanilla pudding (K's choice). We went out to the garage and hung out for a bit, K noticed some tennis rackets, so he was playing with them in the garage, Grandpa asked if he wanted to take them to the park. So we went to the park nearby, Played there for a while, K found a cool monkey bars that are X shaped, he had a blast on that then he and Dad took one racket up a hill and hit the ball down the hill to me, which I returned.
From the Park we followed a trail down to a nearby lake walking and talking. Ended up being nearly an hour walk. When we got back, we went down for some more lego, then upstairs and played some games, tic tac toe on my phone, and then memory and "go fish" with Grandma. Just now we've finished a couple of episodes of "inspector gadget" and we're getting ready for bed.
I hope you guys have had a good day as well.
Miranda's e'mail June 30th:
After we dropped you off we got back on the highway and headed out of the city. It was kinda busy for a bit then slowed to nothing and no-one on the highway. We enjoyed that stretch. We stopped at McDonalds and had a bathroom break and picked up something to eat and got back in the car. Q had a "hotcake" and with his breakfast we got a toy as well. He has been loving this little ball toy. It expands to be a "dragon". I managed to get all of our breakfast for $4.00 :) I love coupons!
We didn't stop again until Sarnia. When we got here around 10am or so we went to Canadian Tire, used the washroom and looked for a new pool thermometer for Dad and had *no* luck. I called the house and no one was home so I called Mom's cell. She was at Zellers. We went right there and met up with here. Did some more shopping (Q got a new towel, hat and some bubble blowers) and found a non-cool thermometer for the pool. Then we went to addition elle and got mom a new red shirt, and I got 2 new sun dresses :) Mom is going to wear one today and I'm going to wear the other. The coupons I had (2 of the 25.00 off ones) worked great, the other 2 (buy 100.00 get 50.00) expired on the 21st :( But that's alright. Mom ended up buying that as well. Then we went next door to Bonnie Togs and got some new shorts and T-shirts for Q. I was going for just shorts (they had a 2 for 10 thing going on) but nothing out there really "fit" him. Then I forgot to look for the elastics inside the pants so I got suck with 2 pairs of shorts that don't fit him (size 5s). But that's alright. A safety pin and we are set to go!
We went right home and had a "break". I got the car, generally, unloaded and in the house. Q entertained mom for a bit. Then dad came home (was running around town) and we visited for a while. You wouldn't guess this but he bought 4 new chairs :) With our 2 they have a complete "set" now.
We had some cookies and went in the pool with Sarah who came to visit. Mom brought out some cookies and raspberries and water and we found the orange and black boat for Q and blew it up and Q went inside and floated around the pool. We hung out for an hour or so doing that then we went out. Q stayed home with Dad and Mom and I went to the stores to buy a few more things. We got home and started cooking. We made cupcakes, a reduction sauce, jello (just the first few rounds) and then took another break. Well I did. Mom sent me upstairs cause I was yawning so much.
Then back down to do another jello mix and make supper (a variation of our asparagus meal from last week). After supper we went to Grandma and Grandpas house for a quick visit and home again.
We came home and Dad cleaned up the kitchen and mom and I went for another swim with Q to try and wear that poor boy out! No such luck, however he did do a better swim this time around!
When we got out we got everyone into pjs and Q played with the wii and Mom and I did some more work in the kitchen and decorating and got some of the last of the jello done. I went and picked up Jack at the train station around 10pm and then home and finished the last layer of jello and then off to bed. Well sort of. I was in bed when you called and checked my e'mail and went to sleep.
Arnold's e'mail June 30th:
We've been having a good day, we started at the airport pretty good, we waited maybe 15 minutes in line to check our bags and get our tickets. Tickets were easy to get, just showed my license and it was all good. Kyler was quite interested in the conveyor belt that the bags left on. After we got our tickets, we went and sat down in a cafe near the windows and watched the planes while I sent some last minute texts and emails.
We moved to security screening and didn't have to wait at all, Kyler was able to see the x-rays of some bags going through, which he thought was pretty cool. Then it was a walk to the gate. we got to the gate around 8:00 and brought our tickets to the agent to get them adjusted to get us seated together.
Next we went to the bathroom and changed, then did a short walk around the gate area and back to our gate to take some pictures of our plane and then pre-boarding. Boarded the plane, and found our seats, Kyler settled down pretty quick, a couple pictures with his camera and getting his headphones and we were good.
Once we got underway everything was good, K and I watched "Rango", then had beverage service, then Kyler watched 'diary of a wimpy kid' he took alot of pictures of the inside of the plane for you and Quinton. Neither of us could really sleep. We arrived nicely in Calgary, and waited a little as we disembarked. As we left the plane we talked to a stewardess and asked to see the cockpit, She asked the pilots and they agreed, so K stepped into the cockpit and looked around. Then we made our way to the baggage claim, where we saw grandma right away. our bags were the 3rd and 4th off the plane, so we were under way pretty quick, we headed to Airdrie and got some lunch at Tim Hortons.
Once we got to Grandma's house she gave us the tour, Kyler noticed the electric Lego train set, so once we were done the tour we went back to the lego and we setup the train set. I started to work on building one of my old favorite sets of Lego, Mom and Dad told me to take a couple sets home if I want.
Later Grandpa came home and we talked for a bit and then had supper, Ginger Beef and Sweet and sour Pork and rice. After dinner we got vanilla pudding (K's choice). We went out to the garage and hung out for a bit, K noticed some tennis rackets, so he was playing with them in the garage, Grandpa asked if he wanted to take them to the park. So we went to the park nearby, Played there for a while, K found a cool monkey bars that are X shaped, he had a blast on that then he and Dad took one racket up a hill and hit the ball down the hill to me, which I returned.
From the Park we followed a trail down to a nearby lake walking and talking. Ended up being nearly an hour walk. When we got back, we went down for some more lego, then upstairs and played some games, tic tac toe on my phone, and then memory and "go fish" with Grandma. Just now we've finished a couple of episodes of "inspector gadget" and we're getting ready for bed.
I hope you guys have had a good day as well.
Miranda's e'mail June 30th:
After we dropped you off we got back on the highway and headed out of the city. It was kinda busy for a bit then slowed to nothing and no-one on the highway. We enjoyed that stretch. We stopped at McDonalds and had a bathroom break and picked up something to eat and got back in the car. Q had a "hotcake" and with his breakfast we got a toy as well. He has been loving this little ball toy. It expands to be a "dragon". I managed to get all of our breakfast for $4.00 :) I love coupons!
We didn't stop again until Sarnia. When we got here around 10am or so we went to Canadian Tire, used the washroom and looked for a new pool thermometer for Dad and had *no* luck. I called the house and no one was home so I called Mom's cell. She was at Zellers. We went right there and met up with here. Did some more shopping (Q got a new towel, hat and some bubble blowers) and found a non-cool thermometer for the pool. Then we went to addition elle and got mom a new red shirt, and I got 2 new sun dresses :) Mom is going to wear one today and I'm going to wear the other. The coupons I had (2 of the 25.00 off ones) worked great, the other 2 (buy 100.00 get 50.00) expired on the 21st :( But that's alright. Mom ended up buying that as well. Then we went next door to Bonnie Togs and got some new shorts and T-shirts for Q. I was going for just shorts (they had a 2 for 10 thing going on) but nothing out there really "fit" him. Then I forgot to look for the elastics inside the pants so I got suck with 2 pairs of shorts that don't fit him (size 5s). But that's alright. A safety pin and we are set to go!
We went right home and had a "break". I got the car, generally, unloaded and in the house. Q entertained mom for a bit. Then dad came home (was running around town) and we visited for a while. You wouldn't guess this but he bought 4 new chairs :) With our 2 they have a complete "set" now.
We had some cookies and went in the pool with Sarah who came to visit. Mom brought out some cookies and raspberries and water and we found the orange and black boat for Q and blew it up and Q went inside and floated around the pool. We hung out for an hour or so doing that then we went out. Q stayed home with Dad and Mom and I went to the stores to buy a few more things. We got home and started cooking. We made cupcakes, a reduction sauce, jello (just the first few rounds) and then took another break. Well I did. Mom sent me upstairs cause I was yawning so much.
Then back down to do another jello mix and make supper (a variation of our asparagus meal from last week). After supper we went to Grandma and Grandpas house for a quick visit and home again.
We came home and Dad cleaned up the kitchen and mom and I went for another swim with Q to try and wear that poor boy out! No such luck, however he did do a better swim this time around!
When we got out we got everyone into pjs and Q played with the wii and Mom and I did some more work in the kitchen and decorating and got some of the last of the jello done. I went and picked up Jack at the train station around 10pm and then home and finished the last layer of jello and then off to bed. Well sort of. I was in bed when you called and checked my e'mail and went to sleep.
So behind!
I can't believe it! I looked at the date today and realized an entire month has gone by! I'm so sad I haven't kept you updated.
To give you an overview our June/July/soon-to-be August went like this:
June 30th to July 7th Arnold and Kyler were in Alberta. During this time (June 30th to July 5th) Quinton and I were in Sarnia hanging out with Nana and Papa.
July 8th to July 17th we all hung out at home. Arnold worked but we just chilled as a family.
July 17th to July 23rd Amber, my niece, was visiting. All the kids went to soccer camp at Forward Baptist Church.
July 21st to July 23rd Jenn, Jason and family came to visit for a few days before heading off to visit with Jason's family.
July 23rd to July 26th I was in Sarnia with all the kids. In that time we got them settled for Camp Heslop as well as 2 beach days and an over-nighter at the Pinery!
And now I'm home. Doing some serious yard work and catching up on everything going on. Hopefully I can update the blog today!
So here we go!
To give you an overview our June/July/soon-to-be August went like this:
June 30th to July 7th Arnold and Kyler were in Alberta. During this time (June 30th to July 5th) Quinton and I were in Sarnia hanging out with Nana and Papa.
July 8th to July 17th we all hung out at home. Arnold worked but we just chilled as a family.
July 17th to July 23rd Amber, my niece, was visiting. All the kids went to soccer camp at Forward Baptist Church.
July 21st to July 23rd Jenn, Jason and family came to visit for a few days before heading off to visit with Jason's family.
July 23rd to July 26th I was in Sarnia with all the kids. In that time we got them settled for Camp Heslop as well as 2 beach days and an over-nighter at the Pinery!
And now I'm home. Doing some serious yard work and catching up on everything going on. Hopefully I can update the blog today!
So here we go!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Vacation #1-2 out of the way!
Well we are done our "end of the school year" vacation! At least Q and I are done. I've been e'mailing the boys and they have been e'mailing us every day so I can update when they get home (complete with pictures!)
For now we are just chilling out today. I promise I will get more done on Friday so maybe an update by monday? :)
For now we are just chilling out today. I promise I will get more done on Friday so maybe an update by monday? :)
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