A series of unfortunate events...

Finally got us to a great day of skiing...

Phew - what a day! Drew and Cierra and Matthew all headed off to church this morning leaving Mitchell and Marlee and I at home because of Marlee's chicken pox. I took Mitchell out for a quick run/ walk before they left so he ended up having a good nap. Marlee and I hung out doing odds and ends until the guys returned for lunch. We did up soup and grilled cheese and then started to get ready for skiing. Dad offered to come to our house to stay with Mitchell and Cierra since they couldn't go there (mom's medication advises specifically against chicken pox exposure!). He got here at 3 and we headed out at 3:22.

Marlee was upset by the time we rounded the corner because we forgot her little bag with snack and accessories. Oh well - we were on the move! She promptly fell asleep after a few tears anyway.

10 minutes later we realized that we didn't have Matt's ski boots. Back we go. And that led to the discussion about each of us being responsible for our own things and yet looking out for each other (I forgot my boots 2 weeks ago remember?). Not sure that we have this solved but we considered some alternatives.

We pulled in at 3:56 and raced the kids to their respective lessons. Made it! And left poor Darryl waiting as we went back for our stuff.

But we both had to go the washroom. Now or on our way back? On our way back. Got our stuff and stopped in (on our way would have been WAY easier - less stuff to take!!!). "7 minutes" later we joined Darryl to go up the hill.

And my boots don't fit. I forgot to get the bindings adjusted after the rentals last time. MANNN!! I sent the boys up ahead and finally 10 minutes later we were on the hill

for

the

best

skiing

we

have

had

yet!

It was beautiful. Mild weather, few skiers, good company.

After their lessons we got a few more runs in

(and we had a wipe out getting off the chair lift - thank goodness for helmets -

I put my pole in Marlee's way and down we went).

Then we headed home to a hungry boy and dinner waiting for us. Thanks dad!

And here's to (hopefully) some more days like today where YES we can get over some unfortunate events and move on to bigger and better things.

Sometimes the park is worth it despite the pursuing rain clouds

We decided to still go to the park after school today. We switched plans and went closer to the house but nevertheless... The baby slept and a great game of chase ensued between Matt, John and Marlee and I. Up and down the slide and over the jungle gym. It was exhausting. I think Matt was quite surprised that I can still play a mean game (that ends with tickles at each catch)! Regardless, it was a lot of fun. I'm glad we took the chance.

Boating

Clark and his girlfriend Alissa entertained our family for the afternoon. He took us all out on his boat for the afternoon around the bay and then they prepared dinner for us afterwards.

Yes - he and his girlfriend are quite brave to suffer with all of us in such close quarters. We actually had a lovely time other then the constant barrage of questions wondering when we were going to stop so they (the kids) could swim. We adults preferred to take our time and look at all of the amazing cottages and homes along the waterfront that we will never be able to afford. They were entertained by their bottomless stomachs - thank goodness we had quite a few snacks on board.

We did stop close to our end of town and Drew, Marlee and Matthew went in for a rather quick dip (it was 16 degrees - Yikes!) I ahhh had to look after Mitchell!

Speaking of Mitchell - he did well with his first boat ride and first time wearing a life preserver.

Much better then his brother did (August 2003 - 8 months old)

Thanks Clark for a great time!

26th out of 168!

Drew participated in his first race today and came 26th out of 168! He started running in November with Glen and they decided to train for a 1/2 marathon in May. To be better prepared they decided to do a 10K race today in Aurora. I was prepared to go watch but after asking a few times I really got the feeling he preferred to do it on his own so we went on to church. (I can understand actually). Way to go Drew!

Since I don't have any race pictures I'll share a few related pics...

The cool running attire...

A slimmer, skinny Drew...

I really noticed it in these clothes - he's noticing his pants are getting looser!

I can't wait to get back into running but unless my eating habits change I'm not likely to see the same results. It might also be good to find a motivating running friend like Glen!

The boy loves trees!

We stopped at the park on the way home from a few appointments and Matthew immediately wanted to climb the trees he did last year at the Terry Fox Run. No way. But this one was closer to the playground and a bit more accessible. He has also been trying Andrea's tree as well as the one at school (until he is told otherwise). I hated climbing tees as a kid - we had a great one in our backyard that my brother climbed. I wish there were more that Matt could try out but for now he will have to suffice with these few.

Marlee learned to ride her two wheeler today! Just before our first snow in the fall I realized that she was pretty much balanced on her bike and the training wheels were air born. We talked about taking off her training wheels and then we got snow. With the sidewalks finally fairly dry this week we gave it a go. She took maybe two walks with me beside her and then she was off. And so calm about it! She hasn't wanted to go up the hill which is understandable but even the last bit you could tell she was getting tired and I just said - "What do you think - should we finish up now - are you tired?" She agreed and that was it. Man she's growing up fast!

Lessons learned about today...

Todays prompt is about the weather or specific events or things we have observed. (I'm a little confused). So I was going to write about the weather but instead (as I'm sure it will come up later) I will write about that another time.

So today I am going to write about the gorgeous day we had here at the cottage - probably the last for this year as tomorrow will be spent closing up the cottage for the most part. And what did I learn? That I am becoming a pool person - not so much a lake person. I love to sit by the water but the whole "not seeing where I'm swimming" thing kind of gets me. And that is a little dissappointing for the kids. I did venture into the water today - as it was really hot. I got wet - wen ton the lilly pad - but I didn't stay. I will work on that.

As for the weather... I talk about it a lot and it definately affects us regularly. Just check out my project 365 to see how often I talk about it!