Our Family Vacation 2007 -Part 1

As many of you know our family vacation this year was a road trip to Dawson Cree, BC to visit Trevor's sister Karri, her husband Rob, Karri's belly which as Sarah will tell you houses her GIRL cousin and to attend the Packard Family Reunion. A road trip(with three kids under 5) may be a daunting idea to many but we thought it would be a fun experience. We had confidence so we knew we could make it. That "confidence" came in the form of Grandma, Papa and their 5th Wheel. Luckily G & P ( not to be confused with P & G=which I think is proctor and gamble) were coming along with us so if there was going to be misery it was going to be shared misery which made us feel all the better prepared to attempt the trip.

G & P arrived on Friday evening to find that we had packed everything but the house itself. ( actually we didn't pack Megan's inhaler or Trevor's allergy meds either- but more on that later). After finally getting car seats arranged, suitcases packed, the fridge loaded (in the camper that is) and the DVD players hooked up we were ready to go. Saturday morning we handed off Megan to G & P as they were in charge of her for the day. We squeezed Ethan and Sarah into the van and we were off. Ethan was still not feeling well after having a terrible sore throat and cold for the past week so he was quickly unamused by the basket o'entertainment that I had carefully created for each of them. The tray we bought him wouldn't stay in place and nothing would stay on it because he kept tilting it the wrong way. We soon relented to putting on a movie for him which was sooner than we would have liked but he was feeling so bad that nothing else was going to work. Sarah and I played little dolls and Polly pockets. One little conversation sticks out in my mind - - - Sarah had just given me a boy doll who was fully dressed in a tuxedo but appeared to be missing his feet altogether. I asked her where his feet and shoes were. She quickly looked up and said " I don't know - just pretend he lives in Hawaii " Hmm. I understand the no shoes in Hawaii with all the sand and all but I think they still need feet though??!

After some sticker booking, coloring, reading, more doll playing we arrived in a town just past Saskatoon for lunch. Stopping at the town's school yard we picnicked and let the kids play. Megan was particularly found of the space and seemed to relish the opportunity to be out of that damn car seat. She walked all around the playground while we ate our lunch ( we had our eyes on her at all times) but she was 100% content.

After lunch we headed to our final destination for the day: Silver Lake. Papa's sister Barb and her husband Iver run the golf course and campground there and since it was a significant birthday for Barb (more than 59 less than 61) we were staying for a few days to celebrate.

And celebrate we did. Barb's four boys Darryl, Norm, Don and Dale were there along with Darryl's wife Lana and their daughter Olivia. Hot dogs were roasted, cake was eaten, beer was consumed. The only unfortunate part of the whole weekend was that it was beyond sweltering hot. And as adults we couldn't handle it so one can only imagine the toll it took on the kids. Megan was sick the first night up screaming and crying and sounding like she had croup. AT 1 am the camper was our only option so as Sarah slept soundly right next to us I rocked and bounced while Megan cried and finally slept. Oh you feel so helpless when they are sick. On a more positive note I'm happy to report that Ethan slept in the tent that night for the first time and it looks like we are moving his room to our backyard as soon as we are home. I think he slept for more than 12 hours straight.

After another day of swimming in the little lake, playing on the swings, crafting, eating and overheating, the meltdowns that were on the horizon all day arrived. Megan was so hot that we finally took her into the lake (against her will) to cool her off. As other campers watched we dunked her while she screamed at the top of her lungs. I was waiting for Social Services to be called as it sounded like we were torturing her but really it was for her own good! Sarah was so hot and tired that after trying everything to please her to no avail we finally but her in the car, turned on the air and some Anne Murray and in minutes she was out. Ethan decided to join her just for fun and to cool down. He too fell asleep and ended up sleeping 12 hours again after we finally moved him to the tent because he didn't want to get up. When it finally cooled down Megan enjoyed hangin out, relaxing and wandering even though she was coughing lots and still under the weather.

Monday morning we packed up but this time Trevor and I took Megan and G&P took Ethan and Sarah. After saying good byes we were on our way to the next part of our adventure.

On our way

Looks like there is barely room for Ethan and Sarah - we almost had to leave them behind!

Just hanging out enjoying the freedom of no carseat for a few minutes

A quick swing before getting back in the car again

At the campground

Air conditioning in +37 weather is the greatest gift in the world

Wide awake one minute ..... sound asleep for the next 720

Playin in the dirt

In the camper

Sarah just couldn't keep Papa away from the Pollly Pockets

Peek a boo

Another Princess in the Making

This morning Megan and I were up early. Let me rephrase that - this morning Megan was up early. I was an unwilling participant in the early rising but not much I could do about it. I plan to get back at her as a teenager.

Anyway we went downstairs and she wandered into the play room and headed straight to the dress up area. She stood in front of the hats and gestured in a way that made me think she wanted to wear one. I took down a cowboy hat and placed it on her head. She looked at me, took it off, threw it on the floor and gestured again. This time I picked up the tiara and placed it on her head. She happily shrugged her shoulders, looked coy, smiled and toddled off content to be a princess for the morning. Looks like we have another princess in the making. Can one household live with two princesses?

"Camping" with Friends

This weekend we had the opportunity to go "camping" with friends. In all actuality they camped and we commuted. Our friends Karen, Quinton and their daughter Lily , along with other friends Kim, Dave ,Evan and Andrew plus a couple other families reserved sites at Echo Valley Camp Ground near Fort Qu'Appelle. Being only a 25 minute drive from the cabin we drove out and "camped" with them during the day and evening and then went back to the cabin for bedtime.

The weekend was great. Out of pure luck the camp sites were within eye and earshot of the kids playground so on Friday night the kids played for hours over there while the adults enjoyed a nice steak dinner and then engaged in some friendly bocci ball (damn Quinton for his long throws!). Of course the evening couldn't end without roasted marshmallows and smores. Ethan appeared to love the smore however it took him 40 minutes to finish the one and only one he had. Now that is savouring one's food. I on the other hand didn't have that will power and ate mine in record time!

Sarah and Evan having no fun at all - yeah right - they had a blast goofin' off together

Saturday was a bit raining but that allowed Sarah, Grandma Judy and I the chance to run around the yard in our bathing suits. Lucky for you all, Trevor was golfing so there was no one to take pictures !! Whew. The boys enjoyed (well maybe that was the wrong word-) endured a game of golf and then Karen and Quinton stopped by the cabin for lunch and a visit with my family. Ethan and Lily enjoyed cuddling on Q's lap for movies because on a rainy day that is just a fun thing to do.

Movies and flashlights -Lily's prepared for a Dora-a-thon - Ethan for a power outage. Someone is going to be disappointed! Looks like Q can handle it though.

That night we again drove to the campground and feasted on bush pies- another yummy camping tradition. What is better than pizza filling between two slices of bread roasted toasty on the fire! Hmm - I'm hungry just thinking about it. At one point during the night all 7 kids were huddled in Kim and Dave's camper coloring and watching a movie. We couldn't have asked them to be any better!!

Karen catching a snuggle with Ethan.

Sunday was a scorcher so we stopped by the camp on our way to town and played in the paddling pool for a bit. Megan got to enjoy the experience for the first time as we had left her home with Grandma and Gramps the previous two nights. Not alot for a toddler to do while camping except eat dirt and panic people by walking to close to the fire. Of course G & G didn't complain about the one on one time they got to spend with Megan.

When the rain kept us from the campground the kids entertained one another by building tents out of the two big chairs. Megan found her own hideaway under the kitchen sink -- a perfect fit!

Our Littlest Monkey is 1 so Let's have a Party!

A year ago Trevor and I were at the Pirates of the Caribbean movie when I felt the first pang of labour pains. Today we had her first birthday party. Her love to climb on, in, under and over things lead us to pick a Monkey theme for the party. Unfortunately she was still not feeling well so she didn't swing about in her usual smiley manner. She had a few moments here and there where she was happy (likely when the drugs where in full force) but for much of the day she just needed to be cuddled and carried. On any other day this would have been fine but getting a party ready is made more difficult when you only get to use one hand!

Alas the party did come together and fun was had by all. Many friends and family stopped by for monkey cake, banana splits and some fun (but windy) times in the back yard. I bought the older kids some balloons that shoot about like rockets. They appeared to be a hit with everyone except Megan as one dove directly at her and scared the crap out of her! Poor kid -- just what she needed when she was already feeling bad enough - a wayward flying balloon rocket chasing her around the yard.

Regardless of the throat infection, wild balloons and windy weather it was a great day. Although I hate that time goes by so fast I can't wait for the years and years of birthday parties that lie ahead. ( I know those words will likely come back to haunt me but really - I love birthday parties right now!)

Here are some pictures of the party. There are few of other people as Megan didn't want to be put down so I didn't get much of a chance to snap any pics of those who were there. Just pretend there are pictures of the following people: Tim, Marnel, Presley, Drew, Kim, Evan, Andrew,Dave, Karen, Quinton,Lily, Regan, Kale, Peggy, Neil, Ian, Catherine, Aaron, Connor, Christian, Mattea, Tomas, Kerri, Nevin, Annika, Josh, Uncle Trevor and Auntie Stephanie!

One? What's so hot about One? So far it hasn't been so great!

Monkey in the Middle

Why are all these people looking at me and where is that cake I was promised?

" Hi- yeah I'll have to call you back I just got my cake and they are all waiting for me to dig in, make a mess, have fun and generally make a fool of myself- little do they know that I am going to eat it daintily like a little princess"

Whoever gave me this pink tissue paper knew what they were doing ! It rocks! And this tutu is just my size - perfect. (thanks to everyone for the presents -I've used them all and love them)

All About Megan

How does it happen? One day you are giving birth to a little bundle of joy and then in the blink of an eye she is turning one, climbing slides, saying momma, and laughing at herself like she is the funniest thing in the world. Time has a funny way of passing by too quickly when you least want it too. Yet when your kid is throwing a temper tantrum in Walmart time all but stops. Somethings not quite right there!

Regardless today Megan is 1. I can hardly believe it. A year ago we were at the hospital trying to pick out a name for her ( Megan seems to suit her perfect - good choice Trev.) 9 months ago she was sick with bronchitis and a terrible cold. All we could do for her was cuddle her and pray for her to get better quickly. 6 months ago her personality was emerging - she was all smiles and giggles. 3 months ago she was standing in the middle of the room doing squats and picking up things from the floor. Today she is on the move, into everything and one of the three delights of our lives!!

For keepsake purposes here is a list of things about Megan we want to remember. Feel free to add your own comments in the comment section if you have a thought or memory that Megan might like to know about when she is older.

Megan Johanna Black

Weight at Birth: 7lbs 14 ounces

Weight at One: 18 lbs 11 ounces

Eye color: Blue

Hair Colour: dark at birth, lightening up each day. This summer it has taken on a strawberry blonde look.

Number of Teeth: 6 although from some of the nights we've been up with you teething one would think you should have a mouth full by now!

Sleep Schedule: You usually fall asleep around 9pm and on a good night sleep til 7. On a less than good night you will be up once or twice. This pattern only started within the last week because I am weaning you. Today will be the last day for nursing.

Shoe size - well I bought all size three shoes for the summer but your long monkey feet kinda hang over the end of most of the sandals. So I guess size 4 is more accurate!

Clothing size: 9 months for the waist 12 months for length. Lucky for you hand me downs aren't working and you have had many new items bought for you. When I put you in Sarah's old pants we find you naked a few minutes later-- the pants left wherever you crawled right out of them!

Nick Names: Meg, Maggie, Miss Maggie, Mega Muffin, Maggie Doodle or Doodle. Of late Scrappy has been added to the list. This one was chosen after you showed your strong determination to hold onto toys that kids are trying to take from you. You scream and tighten your hold until they back away. If they happen to get it from you you chase them to take it back. Definitely can tell you are a third child - have to fight for what you want I guess!

Personality: You are always smiling. You love to watch the other kids and are very laid back. You find Ethan hilarious and sometimes belly laugh when you are watching him play. While you love to hang out with mom, you do go fairly easily to other people (especially if I'm not around). You love to cuddle and give hugs. Most recently you learned to give kisses. When we say kiss you smack your lips and proceed to go to everyone in the room to give them a kiss.

Favorite foods: You are a great eater. You like to feed yourself so don't take much from the spoon anymore. You like avocado, bananas, blueberries, chicken, carrots, peas, corn, potatoes and chili. You would drink a hundred bottles of milk a day if we let you (sorry but we don't). So far there aren't many foods you won't eat.

Favorite things to do: We have a little red car in the back yard for kids to ride in. No matter where it is stored (under the tree or behind something) you always find it and climb in. For a moment you pretend to drive it but then you like to turn around stand up and hang on the bar that is along the back for others to push the car around with. There are many pictures of you in and around and on the car for you to see.

You like anything you can climb. You stand on the picnic table at Grandma and Papa's, climb up to the piano at Grandma and Gramps' and climb into the dishwasher when I am emptying it. And your favorite is of course the stairs. You can climb up and come down all on your own. You have fallen down a few steps before but haven't had any major injuries. You love to stand at the top of the stairs and throw toys down them but we don't let you do this often for safety reasons of course (and for the mess that is left at the bottom!)

You have started to like dolls although are just as happy to push around the empty doll stroller. This way if Sarah is around you might get lucky and get a ride in it yourself.

One thing you don't really care for is TV. It is rare that you would sit and watch anything with Sarah and Ethan. On occasion you have watched Baby Einstein but it doesn't enthrall you like it did Sarah. Except for a few times when it would have been nice for you to sit while we did something - we are fine that you don't like TV. You have started to like books so we will just read to you instead.

You like swimming and splashing in the pool or tub if the water is warm. Anything cooler than warm and you scream at a ear-piercing level! We will be taking swimming lessons in September so hope all goes well- fingers crossed.

What we love most about you though is that you are part of our family. You are absolutely loved and adored by all of us and I am sure you have many years of being spoiled ahead of you!

Birthday Suit

Funny how it happens that we follow in the steps of our parents without even realizing it. Well actually this time I knew what I was doing and did it anyway. As a I remember past birthdays of mine I have a vivid memory of my Grade Two party. For some reason all the kids were looking at photo albums of mine and too my HORROR Josh Shaw, the cutest boy in grade 2 at the time, saw a picture of me as a 1 year old NAKED. My mom had labelled the picture " Birthday Suit". I couldn't believe he saw this and ran to my room crying, forever mad at my mom for taking such a picture. I thought I might have to cancel the rest of the party, switch schools and change my name.

Hmmmm. Apparently the trauma didn't scar me for life as today as Megan was running around before her party naked I felt a strong impulse to take the same picture. She was too cute and what can one little picture hurt right?

In all fairness to Megan I decided to post both of them so that hopefully she doesn't suffer the same emotional trauma that I did when she is finally old enough to read this and realize that I didn't just stick this pic in an album but actually posted it on the blog!

The Party before the Party

Tomorrow is Megan's Birthday but as it happens Grandma and Papa as well as Gramps and Grandma were all in the city so we couldn't not have a little party with them since none of them can come tomorrow night. With beer can chicken, potatoes and veggies prepared and Saskatoon cobbler warming in the oven we all sat down for a great meal. Our minister Kathy who lives near by and who was it all week also came by. Sarah made her feel welcome by fighting to sit by her and then monopolizing her time with non-stop conversation! Unfortunately Megan was still sick with a throat infection that started on the weekend so she wasn't interested in her meal (or her party for that matter). Trevor soon took her down stairs and rocked with her til she was fast asleep. So much for any pictures of her opening presents or playing in cobbler. All I got were a couple of pictures of her playing on the counter while I got supper prepared. Regardless of spilt milk, apparent mass chaos with Sarah and Ethan and no birthday girl in sight, the meal was great and a good time was had by all. Can't wait for round 2 tomorrow.

A Trip to Ipsco

This morning we decided to pack a picnic lunch and head out to Ipsco with Marnel, Presely and Drew. It was a beautiful day out and except for the pesky geese that kept trying to eat our lunch we had a great time. The kids tried out the big slide and Sarah was brave enough to go down beside me on her own. ( well okay she was grabbing onto my arm for dear life but technically she was on her own track of the slide!). The train was running every half hour for a few minutes and since there were few kids they convinced the girl running it to take them for some extra rides! Sarah practiced the monkey bars about 25 times as she is quickly becoming addicted to them as she gets more successful in climbing all the way across. Ethan and Drew liked seeing the sheep and the peacocks. Megan as usual was her happy self just coming along for the ride.

Presley and Drew

Sisterly Love ( or is that the start of a head lock?)

Best buddies (aka - The Troublemaking Twosome!- they look so innocent)

Hmmm- what is so fascinating about that fat woolly animal - nothing that I can see

Finally a swing built for all of them - we need this in our park behind our house!

Weekend at the Lake

Many uses for a hammock

This weekend we were able to get out to the lake to visit mom and dad which was nice since mom has been on holidays the whole month and dad lives out there for the summer. The kids had a great weekend playing at the beach (despite the green yucky water), going for a boat ride, building a tent in the yard, having "brekas" as Trevor Jones used to call it at the breakfast counter and playing on the lush new lawn. Saturday night Megan came down with a fever and so she was pretty sad looking all day Sunday. The only good thing about her being sick was that everyone got to cuddle with her because she was too hot and tired to do much else.