Monday, April 27, 2009
Okay, okay, even worse
I'm shamed into posting because we're doing a Web 2.0 thing at work and we have to create a blog. I thought "wait, I've created a blog already!" (actually two, I also have one I created for work using Movable Type that I should revive and use to post conference reports and stuff). So instead of creating a blog, here I am blogging again. Maybe I'll continue, I was supposed to be documenting family life and have totally gotten off track.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Six months and no post
Well, it just occurred to me that even though I love FaceBook and all my "friends" know what I'm up to, it all vanishes! And part of the reason I was going to keep this blog was so the kids would have a record of what we did when. So, I'm back! And even if I'm the only one who knows I'm still blogging, well, that's okay. Someday I'll email the address to the kids and let them read it.
Part of the reason I'm not blogging is because I don't have any pictures. Our trusty camera died. We got 8 years out of it, so I guess I can't complain, but we need to buy a new one and haven't really made an effort yet. I bought Delaney one in California, so I guess I could use that. It's digital and a Polaroid, so doesn't take bad pictures. The only thing is that the batteries die at an alarming rate. I guess I'll have to get her some rechargeables. Now I know not to get a digital camera that runs on normal batteries!
We were in California for 10 days from Feb. 13-23. We flew into LAX and had a hotel booked in Santa Monica. It was amazing, 2 blocks from the beach. The weather was great. I had a bad cold and napped a fair bit for the first few days, but the kids had a great time. We went to Santa Monica Pier, shopped down 3rd Street, had breakfast at a funky cafe and supper at Forrest Gump's (is that what the restaurant is called? you know, I mean the shrimp place). We spent a day at Universal Studios and rode the Jurassic Park ride twice, the Mummy roller coaster once and did the studio tour. We also went through the Haunted House. Connor kept looking for the exit, he really wasn't crazy about it. There was a Japanese couple behind us, and the man kept leaning on Aidan for protection! Finally I grabbed Aidan's hand and then he leaned on me the rest of the way. So I'm not too sure what all was in the there, but the kids were impressed.
Then we set out for Palm Springs. The van we had rented had a GPS thank goodness! We just listened to the lady and she got us from door to door. Uncle Ken asked which route we'd taken and I didn't have a clue. Who says technology is a bad thing? We saw Auntie El and George the first day in Palm Springs but they left the next day. Then Auntie Lynn and Uncle Ken stopped by to say hi before they left for LA and Carlu's. So, it was us and Nana and Mimi for the rest of the time. Sean and I bought the kids a frisbee and a ball for the pool, and Nana bought them some noodles. They were perfectly happy to hang out in the pool and around the condo. We did a lot of relaxing. Aidan discovered that he likes shopping, and bought a couple of shirts and a very cool hat (I'll post one of Mimi's pictures when she gets them to me) at the discount mall. I was still not feeling too good so didn't buy anything - very disappointing! We spent a day at the Living Desert which is kind of like a Zoo but also shows the plants of the desert, etc.. The kids and grandmas seemed to enjoy it. Sean got to go golfing one day but it was really REALLY windy. We also spent a day at a park with bumper boats, mini golf, a climbing wall and go-karts. The boys (including Sean) all made it to the top of the climbing wall. I was impressed!
We left Palm Springs to go back to LA a day early because our flight left at 7:00 am. The drive was easy again, although there was a lot of traffic. Connor slept the whole way which is really strange for him. He says he gets a bit carsick, and he probably does - he comes by it honestly since both Mom and Brent suffer from it! We flew home through Toronto, which was a huge mistake since we had to go through Customs there which meant claiming our bags and hauling them through 3 long, long lineups. We were glad to get home and sleep in our own beds, and very glad that the -45 degree weather had broken and it was hovering around 0.
Since then we've almost finished the hockey season. Aidan had a great last game, his line scored 2 goals and he got an assist. They lost in overtime, but the crowd was cheering madly and they played a great game. He's going to be playing spring hockey in the 3x3 league, playing for Team Sweden and also soccer. I think he's gotten a lot of confidence about his athletic ability from playing, and it's great to see. We always knew he had it in him, but I'm not sure what was stopping him. He's also quite the ladies' man, going to the pret-teen dances and according to his hockey team-mates, he dances every dance with a girl!
Connor's team lost both their games in the City Finals which was disappointing because they are a good team when they get it all together. Connor also had a good last game scoring a goal and getting an assist. It was too bad, but there's always next year. And the tournament that he's still in starting on the 19th. I think since we've had a little break from hockey it won't be too bad. Connor's looking forward to soccer and he's also going to play football this year. That means that in September he'll be playing all 3 sports. Heaven help us!
Delaney's ringette was a huge success. She loved it and can't wait to play next year. They each got a hoodie with their team number and a VV Falcons logo on the back, as well as a trophy and 2 medals. The coaches were great, the families were all a lot of fun and Delaney had a super experience. Now on to the dance recital at the beginning of May and First Communion the last weekend in April.
Okay, that's no where near caught up, but at least I've hit the highlights!
Part of the reason I'm not blogging is because I don't have any pictures. Our trusty camera died. We got 8 years out of it, so I guess I can't complain, but we need to buy a new one and haven't really made an effort yet. I bought Delaney one in California, so I guess I could use that. It's digital and a Polaroid, so doesn't take bad pictures. The only thing is that the batteries die at an alarming rate. I guess I'll have to get her some rechargeables. Now I know not to get a digital camera that runs on normal batteries!
We were in California for 10 days from Feb. 13-23. We flew into LAX and had a hotel booked in Santa Monica. It was amazing, 2 blocks from the beach. The weather was great. I had a bad cold and napped a fair bit for the first few days, but the kids had a great time. We went to Santa Monica Pier, shopped down 3rd Street, had breakfast at a funky cafe and supper at Forrest Gump's (is that what the restaurant is called? you know, I mean the shrimp place). We spent a day at Universal Studios and rode the Jurassic Park ride twice, the Mummy roller coaster once and did the studio tour. We also went through the Haunted House. Connor kept looking for the exit, he really wasn't crazy about it. There was a Japanese couple behind us, and the man kept leaning on Aidan for protection! Finally I grabbed Aidan's hand and then he leaned on me the rest of the way. So I'm not too sure what all was in the there, but the kids were impressed.
Then we set out for Palm Springs. The van we had rented had a GPS thank goodness! We just listened to the lady and she got us from door to door. Uncle Ken asked which route we'd taken and I didn't have a clue. Who says technology is a bad thing? We saw Auntie El and George the first day in Palm Springs but they left the next day. Then Auntie Lynn and Uncle Ken stopped by to say hi before they left for LA and Carlu's. So, it was us and Nana and Mimi for the rest of the time. Sean and I bought the kids a frisbee and a ball for the pool, and Nana bought them some noodles. They were perfectly happy to hang out in the pool and around the condo. We did a lot of relaxing. Aidan discovered that he likes shopping, and bought a couple of shirts and a very cool hat (I'll post one of Mimi's pictures when she gets them to me) at the discount mall. I was still not feeling too good so didn't buy anything - very disappointing! We spent a day at the Living Desert which is kind of like a Zoo but also shows the plants of the desert, etc.. The kids and grandmas seemed to enjoy it. Sean got to go golfing one day but it was really REALLY windy. We also spent a day at a park with bumper boats, mini golf, a climbing wall and go-karts. The boys (including Sean) all made it to the top of the climbing wall. I was impressed!
We left Palm Springs to go back to LA a day early because our flight left at 7:00 am. The drive was easy again, although there was a lot of traffic. Connor slept the whole way which is really strange for him. He says he gets a bit carsick, and he probably does - he comes by it honestly since both Mom and Brent suffer from it! We flew home through Toronto, which was a huge mistake since we had to go through Customs there which meant claiming our bags and hauling them through 3 long, long lineups. We were glad to get home and sleep in our own beds, and very glad that the -45 degree weather had broken and it was hovering around 0.
Since then we've almost finished the hockey season. Aidan had a great last game, his line scored 2 goals and he got an assist. They lost in overtime, but the crowd was cheering madly and they played a great game. He's going to be playing spring hockey in the 3x3 league, playing for Team Sweden and also soccer. I think he's gotten a lot of confidence about his athletic ability from playing, and it's great to see. We always knew he had it in him, but I'm not sure what was stopping him. He's also quite the ladies' man, going to the pret-teen dances and according to his hockey team-mates, he dances every dance with a girl!
Connor's team lost both their games in the City Finals which was disappointing because they are a good team when they get it all together. Connor also had a good last game scoring a goal and getting an assist. It was too bad, but there's always next year. And the tournament that he's still in starting on the 19th. I think since we've had a little break from hockey it won't be too bad. Connor's looking forward to soccer and he's also going to play football this year. That means that in September he'll be playing all 3 sports. Heaven help us!
Delaney's ringette was a huge success. She loved it and can't wait to play next year. They each got a hoodie with their team number and a VV Falcons logo on the back, as well as a trophy and 2 medals. The coaches were great, the families were all a lot of fun and Delaney had a super experience. Now on to the dance recital at the beginning of May and First Communion the last weekend in April.
Okay, that's no where near caught up, but at least I've hit the highlights!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Oh my, I'm so bad at posting...
I can't believe it has been all summer. We had a good one. The wedding in Calgary was a highlight for the kids. They loved hanging out with their Alberta cousins and Delaney was thrilled to see her first bride in person. The adults also had a great time catching up. We definitely have to get together more often!!!
We're getting back in the swing of things. All three boys are playing hockey this year (Connor is playing A2 out of Roblin Park and Aidan is playing A3 out of Sir John Franklin - Sean is playing something at the Highlander but says his team is rusty!). Delaney is playing ringette for the first time and is enjoying the orientation camp. She's also dancing (of course) and they're all still taking music lessons.
I'm off to Victoria for a conference tomorrow, I've never been so am looking forward to it. I've been spending a lot of time on FaceBook, it's a terrible addiction. So sign yourself up...
I haven't downloaded pictures yet from the kids' first day of school or anything but I'll post them when I do. And I promise to update more often. Exciting stuff does happen to us every now and then...
We're getting back in the swing of things. All three boys are playing hockey this year (Connor is playing A2 out of Roblin Park and Aidan is playing A3 out of Sir John Franklin - Sean is playing something at the Highlander but says his team is rusty!). Delaney is playing ringette for the first time and is enjoying the orientation camp. She's also dancing (of course) and they're all still taking music lessons.
I'm off to Victoria for a conference tomorrow, I've never been so am looking forward to it. I've been spending a lot of time on FaceBook, it's a terrible addiction. So sign yourself up...
I haven't downloaded pictures yet from the kids' first day of school or anything but I'll post them when I do. And I promise to update more often. Exciting stuff does happen to us every now and then...
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
First art showing
First up-do in the making
Two more days and counting...
until the end of the school year. I've been to the zoo twice on field trips, the boys both have field trips to the bowling alley (not sure how educational that is - but they do have to buy their own lunches so I guess there is some life skills involved!).
Connor's last soccer game is tonight. It's been rained out twice, the last time the same night as a tornado hit Elie, which is about 20 miles west of Winnipeg. We were on the far west side of the city for the game, and it looked pretty ominous. They let the kids start and Connor scored a goal right off, but then the lightening was spotted all around us so the referee called it. Good thing, it was terrible weather. Today is kind of cool, but there won't be any rain or lightening I think!
We're looking forward to the summer holidays!
Connor's last soccer game is tonight. It's been rained out twice, the last time the same night as a tornado hit Elie, which is about 20 miles west of Winnipeg. We were on the far west side of the city for the game, and it looked pretty ominous. They let the kids start and Connor scored a goal right off, but then the lightening was spotted all around us so the referee called it. Good thing, it was terrible weather. Today is kind of cool, but there won't be any rain or lightening I think!
We're looking forward to the summer holidays!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Marathon... and the O'Haras ran
not the whole thing! I ran the half (and beat last year's time, thank you very much!) and Aidan and Sean ran the Super Run. We were all up at 5:30 in the morning to head out to the University where it all takes place. Next year we're all going to do it, Connor can do the Super Run too and Delaney and Mimi will do the 10K walk. Anyone else want to join us?
I started the morning out saying I was going to run the full marathon next year. Coming into the stadium at the end of the half, all that was going through my head was "no way am I running the full... no way am I running the full..." - we'll see. I guess if you do the training, you probably feel the same way the last two miles, but can do the first 20 or so the way I do the first 10 for the half.
The kids are into the last week of soccer, and we are so looking forward to summer vacation! Nana and the Bavieras are visiting the first two weeks of July, so that looks like a lot of fun. We're all heading to Calgary at the end of August for my cousin Kathy's daughter's wedding. I'm really looking forward to seeing my Hanson cousins, it's been a long time!! We made a flying trip out there a few years ago, but it has to have been 5 years or so.
Summer, here we come!!!
I started the morning out saying I was going to run the full marathon next year. Coming into the stadium at the end of the half, all that was going through my head was "no way am I running the full... no way am I running the full..." - we'll see. I guess if you do the training, you probably feel the same way the last two miles, but can do the first 20 or so the way I do the first 10 for the half.
The kids are into the last week of soccer, and we are so looking forward to summer vacation! Nana and the Bavieras are visiting the first two weeks of July, so that looks like a lot of fun. We're all heading to Calgary at the end of August for my cousin Kathy's daughter's wedding. I'm really looking forward to seeing my Hanson cousins, it's been a long time!! We made a flying trip out there a few years ago, but it has to have been 5 years or so.
Summer, here we come!!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Happy (Belated) Mother's Day!
I had a really nice weekend. Saturday we went out to the farm and everyone was there that could make it along with some aunts and an uncle from the States. The kids played games and ran around and the adults visited. It was really a nice day.
Yesterday I got breakfast in bed and then collected all my Mother's Day loot. Aidan made me a card and wrote me a poem:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
You're my mom
And I'll always love you.
From Connor I got a card that says "My love for you keeps growing and growing and growing" as you unfold the card and see a flower unfolding. He also gave me a certificate where MOTHER is spelled out and each letter means something. "O" is for owesome - you gotta love it. I also got some coupons for free hugs and room clean-ups which will come in handy.
Delaney made me a lovely story book about why I'm special and a little yellow clay bowl to put my jewellery in. It's very precious and she decorated it with rainbows. It's very, very nice! She couldn't wait to give it to me, and then she told me that when she has a daughter she's going to send her to the same school so that she can also have a pot. I guess I should look for a potting class she and I could take together maybe.
The whole family gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure and a very nice pair of bookworm earrings. Delaney was especially excited about the earrings and asked if I'd pass them down to her some day. Also, I can put them in the bowl when I'm not wearing them, of course.
Hope everyone else had as nice a Mother's Day as I did!
Yesterday I got breakfast in bed and then collected all my Mother's Day loot. Aidan made me a card and wrote me a poem:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
You're my mom
And I'll always love you.
From Connor I got a card that says "My love for you keeps growing and growing and growing" as you unfold the card and see a flower unfolding. He also gave me a certificate where MOTHER is spelled out and each letter means something. "O" is for owesome - you gotta love it. I also got some coupons for free hugs and room clean-ups which will come in handy.
Delaney made me a lovely story book about why I'm special and a little yellow clay bowl to put my jewellery in. It's very precious and she decorated it with rainbows. It's very, very nice! She couldn't wait to give it to me, and then she told me that when she has a daughter she's going to send her to the same school so that she can also have a pot. I guess I should look for a potting class she and I could take together maybe.
The whole family gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure and a very nice pair of bookworm earrings. Delaney was especially excited about the earrings and asked if I'd pass them down to her some day. Also, I can put them in the bowl when I'm not wearing them, of course.
Hope everyone else had as nice a Mother's Day as I did!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Quick update
Sean's away for some training, and it's the first week of soccer. Both boys did great at their first games, but both teams lost unfortunately. Oh well, plenty more to win! Delaney starts tomorrow with a practice. Thursday is the school concert - Connor is involved in some special dance and keeps asking me if he has to go. Yes, he does...
Exciting news last week was that both Aidan and Delaney made the 50 finalists (out of 1600) in a model contest I entered them in. It was in the comics on a Saturday, and you had to submit a picture of your child. I only entered because I could do it online, and because we'd just had some family pictures taken and there was a beautiful one of Delaney. Then I decided that it wasn't fair to just enter her, and I entered the boys as well. I didn't have a good picture of Connor, otherwise I'm sure all three would have made the finals! They went this past weekend to get a picture taken that will be used in the final judging and then we have to go this Saturday for the final selection. Top prize is a trip for four to DisneyWorld in July. So, here's hoping one of the kids wins... although I keep telling them not to get their hearts set on it. Even if they don't, they will each get a $50 gift certificate, so that's pretty good.
Exciting news last week was that both Aidan and Delaney made the 50 finalists (out of 1600) in a model contest I entered them in. It was in the comics on a Saturday, and you had to submit a picture of your child. I only entered because I could do it online, and because we'd just had some family pictures taken and there was a beautiful one of Delaney. Then I decided that it wasn't fair to just enter her, and I entered the boys as well. I didn't have a good picture of Connor, otherwise I'm sure all three would have made the finals! They went this past weekend to get a picture taken that will be used in the final judging and then we have to go this Saturday for the final selection. Top prize is a trip for four to DisneyWorld in July. So, here's hoping one of the kids wins... although I keep telling them not to get their hearts set on it. Even if they don't, they will each get a $50 gift certificate, so that's pretty good.
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