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!