Visiting the Relatives

After my strenuous "run/walk" this morning, we hoped into the van and drove to Minot to "visit the relatives". The kids had an absolutely fantastic time and we enjoyed the trip as well. Here are a few of the "family photos"

Look Dad- That guy looks just like you!

"Hmm- we climb like them, make noise like them, eat like them, jump around like them - I think it is safe to say we must be monkeys!"

Our three little monkey's taking a break from the heat in the stroller

The hit of the day - a water fountain inside a Lion's head!

The head of our clan - Papa and Grandma with little Miss Meg

Always willing to pose, Sarah stopped looking at the otters long enough for me to snap this pic

Oh- how fun - we get to stick our head through this hole and be penguins

and tortoises ( coolest one I've ever seen)

and buffalo (hmm- how many of these things are there)

and lions (okay mom I've had enough fun- are we done yet?)

After our visit to the zoo Grandma and Papa graciously took the kids back to the farm and Trevor and I stayed overnight in Minot to celebrate our ten year anniversary. Who would have thought ten years ago that a night in Minot would be such a luxury- but it was.

A Beautiful Country Morning Ruined

Last night Trevor, the kids and I drove down to the farm so that we could get up early this morning and head to Minot with G & P. Before we left I went for a nice walk down the gravel road towards the turnoff on the road that takes you to the farm. It was a hot and humid morning already but it was so nice to be able to look up and see the town on the hill and look out and see the pastures. What a perfect morning I thought and then it got ruined.

Why you ask - because my task that morning was not to take in the scenery or stroll through the fields. I was out for a RUN! Yes I ruined what was a beautiful country morning by making myself go for a run.

It started out nice and I thought hey this isn't too bad. Maybe I am getting better at this. I seem to be going at a nice pace and don't seem to be tired out. . . . Hmm it sure is hot out here though. I should have worn shorts. . . . okay the wind is blowing all my hair forward and it is getting caught in my glasses. I can't see. Good thing I will be running against the wind when I get back . . . . hmm no one would know if I just walked instead of ran would they. . . . oh ya Val knows how long it takes to get here and back ... she would know if I take too long . . . . Man I am tired . . . . this running sucks . . . . who actually enjoys this . . . . Yeah -- there is the cattle crossing at the end of the road --I wonder if they have any kind of special bat phone at this entrance so I could call for help ---no no no - you are almost half way done and the cattle crossing is a good reminder that you are doing this so that you don't end up a cow. . . . hmm running against the wind in this humidity is a bit of a challenge . . . . I wonder if they would find me if I just lay down in this ditch . . . . maybe that isn't a good idea there are some cows over there. . . . what are you cows looking at . . haven't you seen someone run before. . . . okay so technically crawling on the gravel is not running but really what the hell are you looking at . . . . Did I just yell at some cows? . . . . Oh I am almost done - just around this bend -- What ? another little bit of road before the turn into the yard? ... who added this new section since I left 20 minutes ago- I could have sworn I was almost home. . . . okay pull yourself together, smile, look happy, stand tall, run confidently into the yard, announce "that was a great run - can't wait to do it again tomorrow!"

So Much To Say

Megan's new favorite toy is a play phone although she would prefer the real one. As little as she is she seems to have an active social life. She is on it for hours and always seems to have a lot to say. Can't imagine what it will be like when she is a teen!

"You think you have a busy life - let me tell you about mine. Today I have been up and down those stairs at least 20 times. I even fell down them once but don't worry I was okay. I've been taking all the toys out in the playroom and making a real big mess. My brother tried to take a toy from me but I told him - screamed at the top of my lungs and grabbed it back I did. No kidding- I yanked it right back from him! I'm also trying out a new trick where I don't sleep much in the day - I think it is really driving my mom crazy! Oh think I see a snack for me - hope it is nothing that comes on a spoon- I'm on strike from all utensils! Gotta run. Talk to you later."

2 Gummy Bears and a Worm for Breakfast

Well today I realized the grave mistake I have made in rewarding Ethan with gummy bears and gummy worms when he pees in the potty. My problem ? The only time I have been able to actually get him to pee on the potty is first thing in the morning. Yep sleep still crusted in the corner of his eyes, sheet creases on his face, morning breath and all - it's the perfect time to get him to go as it usually ends in success. On to the problem. Today he tried but couldn't go, got off and decided to try 2 more times and finally - he peed! Of course as any parent of a 2-?year old knows they might forget to pick up their toys but they don't forget a treat they have been promised. So there we were at 8:00am- having 2 gummy bears and a worm for breakfast.

The Waiting Game

** I'm posting this one a bit late but it has been such a ritual at our house for the last year that I want to include it.


Every morning at 8:30 Sarah is on the look out for the first sign of the neighbourhood kids going to school. As soon as she sees the first one heading towards Presley's house (where all 5 of them catch the bus), she is off her chair and out the door. Usually she just sits on the step, sometimes she runs to the sidewalk if she has a burning conversation that can't wait until they get home from school.

At the end of the day, we begin the ritual all over again- this time waiting for the bus to drop all the kids off. Here are a few pictures of "the waiting game".

This particular morning was cold out and I couldn't find her in the house but was sure she wouldn't have gone out but alas - rain, shine, sleet, snow - she's as committed as a postman.

Perfect time for a pretend picnic while you wait!

Future Donald Trump?

The other day I picked up a few games for Sarah at a garage sale. One of them was Monopoly Junior. Much like the adult version, the kid version has properties to buy (price range $1.00-$5.00). Each property is a fun activity(balloon stand, Ferris wheel, water slide) and if they buy it they get to place a ticket booth on it. Whoever lands there must buy a ticket and pay the owner of the ticket booth.

Sarah and I have played it twice now and both times I have lost. Last night she took all my money and left me broke! Not only did she have 9 ticket booths to my 3 but she kept getting chance cards for free stuff. Sadly I have to admit that I wasn't even trying to let her win or lose so the game could be done. As you can see she absolutely LOVES the game and was even convinced last night to buy the haunted house because I told her she could make money off it!! Donald Trump look out - Sarah Black is on her way and she has much better hair than you!

Notice all Sarah's yellow booths - might need a magnify glass to find my blue ones

It makes sense to me

Question : Ethan , why are you wearing your sister's pink rubber boots?

Answer: My feet were cold. (Of course - I should have known)

I Wanna Play Too !

After our fun but hot trip to the library it was high time to bring out the sprinkler and cool off. Sarah, Ethan and their friend Mattea all tentatively ran through and got sprinkled (there weren't in there long enough to get soaked!) Megan however decided that this all looked like to much fun so instead of sitting on the blanket I had strategically placed out of water range she hopped up and headed in. As you can see from the pictures she DID get SOAKED and LOVED IT !

While she continued to keep going back to the water the other kids decided that a Popsicle was a better and tastier way to cool down. Once again not to be left out Megan eventually joined them for a cool treat too! I think it felt great on her teething sore gums!!

We're going on a Field Trip

Today my friend Kerri and I reverted back to the days when we worked at the day care together and we decided to take our kids on a field trip. With bag lunches, hats, sunscreen, bugspray, sunglasses, water for all and a twoonie in our pocket we headed out for our adventure. We first took the bus to the library downtown. As was the case with the 10 daycare kids we used to take, our crew was thrilled with the ride. Much giggling and laughter filled the bus as we turned a corner or hit a bump.

The library also provided some fun times. Many of the pictures of Mighty Megan climbing into chairs were taken at the library. Ethan and Sarah and Annika took turns at the computer. Josh played with cars and hid his NEW hat in the toy box so his mom could hardly find it!

From the library we went across the street to a new play structure in the park. Not much time was spent there however as hunger pains from all necessitated an immediate lunchtime! After a quick scope of the park we zeroed in on the one bench that was open. Sorry to the lady who had sat down on the bench beside to read her book and have a quiet lunch! Unlikely to happen with us around.

After a lunch of sandwiches, hot dogs from the vendor, fruit and juice, we got out the bus schedule only to discover that the bus came in 5 minutes or 35. In a split second decision we decided to try to make the first one so we tossed everything in the bags and hurried the kids to the bus which was pulling up as we arrived. As Kerri was following the older kids on I had this nagging thought that we should make sure we were on the right bus because for some reason there are two number 11 buses that go in opposite directions. Sure enough -- wrong bus. So we shuffled them back off the bus and on to the one that showed up right behind. (really - couldn't the bus people come up with a better plan than two number 11's)

The ride home was quiet as the kids were hot and getting tired. All in all it was a successful trip- no kids were lost, fun was had and all returned home safely! We'll have to do it again soon!

Who is that Cute Kid?

Now that Megan can walk she is always sneaking off somewhere. Here is where I found her today- talking to that cute kid in the mirror again!

Hmm- looks like someone needs to wash that mirror!

Faces only a mother could love!

Today as we were cleaning Sarah's room , Ethan excitedly and with pure enthusiasm exclaimed "Look mom -- A picture of me and Sarah." As he was 100% sincere I was surprised to turn around and see this --

Hmmm ...... It would explain alot .....

Mighty Megan

Really-- nothing else describes our little Miss Maggie better than - she is a maniac. She has now been walking for about 2-3 weeks and will not be kept down. In fact she is moving past walking of late and is more into climbing on, under and in things. If she is down stairs she has to climb up. If she is up she has to climb down. We have her little booster seat stored under the craft table in the basement. At least 5 times a day we find her sitting in it chewing on some toy she has picked up along the way. She took a bad fall today on the cement step outside, banging her face but recovered fairly quickly after. Our neighbours mom has nicknamed her Mighty Megan and I think it is the perfect title for her because she certainly is that.

"Look mom I can climb into my stroller all by myself !"

"Are you going to just stand there and take pictures or could you help a girl out here?"

"No one will ever find me here- just because I was here 20 minutes ago and then 15 minutes ago and then 10 minutes ago they will never think to look under the table again"

" This walkin' gig is pretty great. I can take Ethan's things alot faster now"

"Fine I'll carry your lunch bag dad but don't expect me to carry your laptop too -it probably weighs more than me"

What happens when Mom's away ?

Last weekend I took the rare opportunity to sneak out to the lake with just Megan on Friday night and Trevor brought the other kids out on Sunday morning. While the visions (more like delusions) of time spent filling in baby books and reading a novel never actually happened I enjoyed the quieter pace for a day. Megan seemed to know that I was looking forward to some free time as she stayed up til 11:30pm Friday night and only napped during lunch and supper on Saturday -- Turkey! She and I strolled through Fort Qu'Appelle on Saturday morning and she got to play in a old wash bin of water in the afternoon. Uncle Trevor and Auntie Stephie joined us at the lake on Saturday night. Uncle Trevor tried his best but Megan out lasted him and didn't go to bed until I went myself at 11. I actually considered bringing 2 books in case I finished one - must be sleep deprivation that caused me to delude myself into thinking I would have so much free time I could read a whole book!! I didn't even get through the magazine I brought!

While Megan and I hung out at the lake Trevor and the kids had a great day. As you can see from the pictures, Sarah dressed herself all on her own. Yes that is the shall Grandma Val knitted her for cold winter days and yes she is wearing it as a skirt! Yes that zip up fleece looks a tad bit to small - go figure since it is Megan's! What can I say - this is why we have "style disagreements" most days because I wouldn't have let her leave the house like this but this proves me wrong I guess - she wasn't arrested by any fashion police so perhaps I should lay off the clothing rules for awhile. I think that will be harder than it sounds.

Regardless of the outfit they had a fun day filled with lots of activities including going to the park, Petland, Rona and the Museum. Water, animals, tools and dinosaurs -- what more do you need?

Graduation Day

Thursday the 14th of June was Sarah's graduation day. She is officially a PHD graduate. After a grueling year of learning letters and numbers, going on field trips, making friends, eating snacks and having fun, she earned her Preschool Half Days diploma. After a near miss of the ceremony because mommy couldn't find the car keys, she arrived in time to get ready secretly with the rest of her class. To our delight they processed in to the graduation song in full graduation cap and gown (too cute at this age!). Unfortunately the story takes a bit of a turn here when Sarah, bringing up the end of the line, took one look at the crowd assembled and broke into tears. No convincing could get her to go back with her friends so after a quick disrobing of the gown she and I sat at the front of the room on the floor and watched as her friends sang a few songs. We then watched the year in review through an adorable montage of pictures put to music. Wow how they change in such a short time. In order to receive their diploma they had to answer a skill testing question- What would you like to be when you grow up? Among many ballet dancers and future firemen, Sarah proclaimed she is going to be a highland dancer. (Guess I better get her registered for those lessons!) After presenting Mrs. Dueck with a small gift of appreciation ( how do you truly honour all the time, love and energy she gave to our kids?) we moved on to enjoy cookies and juice with family and friends. While the day may not have turned out as planned, it was awesome all the same. Grandma Judy, Grandma Val and Papa, along with Daddy, Ethan and Megan all were on hand to join in the fun and mark this first milestone in her academic career! (Okay I'm making it sound a bit grand for a preschool graduation but although there will be many more achievements this one really felt like a step between being a preschooler and being a big school kid). Coincedentally after the graduation Sarah and our family attended a BBQ at her new elementary school with all the other school kids on the block and their families. A fantastic time was had by all until a huge storm blew in and we all had to run for cover. After a brief sing-song in the van we all made a wet run to the house where we stayed for the night!

Sarah after the ceremony - we had to redress her so we could take a picture!

The one and only Mrs. Dueck & Sarah

Sarah and her friend Grace

Ethan after a few too many cookies!

Megan after someone snuck her a cookie with icing. Can you tell she is a third child? I think Sarah likely had to wait to have a cookie with icing until she was 2.