Hangin' Out at the Lake

March 2007 - A day trip to Lake Louise. We drove up and had lunch at the Post Hotel in the village, then went to see the remnants of the ice sculptures at the Chateau. Scott hiked all over these mountains when he spent a year here back in 1992, and he tobogganed off the peak of Mount St. Piran. It may be a couple of years before the munchkins are up for a walk to the tea house.

Baby Steps

Feb. 2007 - Matthew learning to skate on the Bow River in Bowness Park. He was using dual-blade skates that strap onto his boots. This year we'll get him on real skates. The community center in our neighborhood builds outdoor rinks each winter, and it's free for residents to skate there. Scott is planning on playing some hockey with his business associates this year as well.

Playing with Big Cousin Jenn

February 2007 - the kids tobogganing with their big cousin Jenn.

Jenn, just a snapshot for you to look at while sitting on the beach down under. We had our first snowfall of the year on Thursday.

Autumn Afternoon

An autumn afternoon at Bowness Park beside the Bow River in Calgary. Caitlyn had to collect leaves and other outdoor items for her autumn school project. They eventually made leaf art. Scott's goal that day was to avoid getting a hernia while playing on the see-saw, as he likely had another golf game lined up for work the next day. When a neighbor recently asked Caits what her Dad did for a living, she replied that he played golf. Scott's happy that he's managed to play about 40 rounds this year (mostly work related) and his scores are better than ever (shooting a personal best of 83).

Havin' a Ball @ Matty's B-Day Party

Geronimo....look out below!!
There goes the three year old pulling a Spiderman and living up to the image of the superhero on the front of his shirt. We had Pit O' Balls set up in the backyard for Matthew's birthday party. It was a hit - to say the least. He also loves letting out a battle cry as he runs and hurls himself off of a six foot drop and into an ocean-like foam block pit at his gymnastics ("be-nastics") class at the Canada Olympic Park. The other Moms can't help but laugh at his antics. He's a character.

Little Dancing Princesses

Little Princess Caitlyn at her jazz dance class (far right silhouette). They learned a dance routine for Splish Splash I Was Takin' a Bath during her first dance program. Now in her second dance program, she is learning ballet and tap. Her ballet tutu is priceless - I'll have to put a photo of it on here. NOTE: I know you can't see their faces, but Scott thought this photo looked artistic.

Matthew's Mudroom Modifications

Matthew sure is a hands-on kind of little guy who can't resist climbing work ladders and lending a hand whenever Daddy's tools come out. Here he is helping Daddy hang up coat hooks in the mudroom. He had already overseen the installation of new curtain rods in the breakfast nook that day. Once their Saturday jobs are finished they go play golf in the backyard with Matty's set of junior clubs and practice balls. Scott took him to a driving range (or "driving strange" according to Matthew) this summer. Matty was most effective with his nine iron.

Livingroom Engineering

Daddy assists the kids with their home construction project. They managed to reach the ceiling with the tower, then mischievous Matty couldn't resist toppling it.

Caitlyn's First Day of Kindergarten

Caitlyn and I on her first day of Kindergarten. Daddy, Matthew and Grandma also came to drop her off, see her classroom and meet her teacher Mrs. Roberts. Thankfully the school is only a five minute walk from our house. Of course the kids seem to find a way to stretch it into ten minutes most days. Max has also been getting some exercise walking back and forth. I have been volunteering at the school periodically. It seems strange being addressed as Mrs. Mills by a room full of kids.

Grandma Visits Banff Topless

In early September Grandma took advantage of a seat sale and booked a last minute flight from London to Calgary. She managed a 10 day visit which overlapped with Matthew's 3rd Birthday party. We all piled in the jeep and trekked off to Banff with the top down one afternoon. The kids weren't quite sold on going topless the first time we tried it, but they came around. They seem to enjoy the hat and sunglasses aspect of the experience. Grandma also seemed OK with it.

Summer Lunch

We installed a sun shade on our south-facing back deck this summer. It makes sitting out there much more bearable for adults and backyardigans alike. It was almost like adding a room off the kitchen. The little ones even used the outdoor table for painting pictures. Of course, the potted blueberry and tomato plants were ravaged on a regular basis.

If you don't like the weather.....wait 5 minutes

I guess in our case today....it is maybe 5 hours not 5 minutes.
Let me explain.......
Today in Calgary we had a very hot hot day. I think the high was to be 18 and I think we reached 23. I knew a cold weather system was coming at some point....but still being a newbee in Calgary I dress the kids in winter coats, boots hats and mitts.
I drop them at the babysitters while I go to work and am apologizing to the babysitter that I may have gotten it wrong and dressed them inappropriately for the weather today.
She was taking them to two play parks today.....and me as a newbee mom still here in Calgary am thinking maybe I need to re-think what they take with them and bring along two sets of clothes and shoes. My poor children. Everyone will make fun of them on the playground......winter boots what was that mother thinking!!!!!!
I drove home with the kids apologizing for my bad call, hoping they still had fun and could climb all the equipment in their winter boots in 23 degree weather.
Well lo and behold.....5 hours later and we are in a friggin snow storm.....Yes I would not lie. The snow is flying like I have never seen it. I would almost have to say I would expect that there may be snow plows out tomorrow plowing our streets so we can all drive somewhere. Oops I forgot....I do not live in Kitchener any more......Calgary does not really have many snow plows. They just wait until it turns 23 tomorrow (or hope that that will happen.)
I am still adjusting to our life in the west.
Jen and Glenn if you are reading this....I envy you that you have the ocean right across from your apartment......enjoy....this is the reality back home.

Johnson Lake Banff Park Labour day weekend.....our local beach

This is how we spend our weekend days with the kids here in Calgary. Just a short drive to our local beach. Coming from Ontario we have had to make some adjustments. Gone are the days of beach life at Wasaga beach. The hot humid summer....the sand sticking to you and it is just SOOOOOOO hot.
The water in August and September here can be VERY cold. But Heh....if it is a hot day what better way to cool off. The view is a little better.....some mountains to look at over the lake.....big adjustment. There is not alot of sand. But I don't think many people know about this spot....so we don't have to share much space.
The number one rule of going to Johnson lake......the kids play in the sand....try and get into the water......if they do, they get very cold quick. If they get very very cold....you pack them up....head for the Banff hot springs....(temp usually 40 celcius)....and get warm. After we are all showered up and clean we head for dinner in Banff and fight all the tourists for a spot on the Crown and Rose patio. Spectacular view there. We share a really LARGE platter of nachos and usually by the time we are back in the car headed home the kids are fast asleep. I was warned of the traffic on the way into Calgary on a Sunday. Hey it's like driving through Kitchener Waterloo expressway at 11am during the week!!!!!! Who could ask for a better day.
How do I explain our "Life in the West" any better than this.

Happy birthday message to Jen Schimpf part 1

This set of video's is just too funny. The kids will never let me record them doing anything. But this time they just wanted to send their beloved Jen a birthday wish.
To all of those who view this make sure you watch all three. They are really cute and pretty funny. Jen and Glenn enjoy!!!!!!

Happy birthday message to Jen Schimpf part 2

Happy birthday message to Jen Schimpf part 3