calgary - part deux

Blog part two continues to be a photo retrospective of our busy time. I have a pile of photos and videos which speak to an action packed Spring break. I'm certain the kids don't have a clue as to how fortunate they are. I hope this blog will serve for years as a reminder of how bloody hard I work for their entertainment. Love you, you little devils.

The upside of big cities - awesome indoor activities for the kids in Winter.

The girls - are sweet, fast friends.

My babysitting duty at the bottom of Sunshine Mountain. My friends Diane and Becky are very brave indeed entrusting me to herd these kittens.

We are set to ski.

The kids are fed and dropped off at ski school - we definitely earned our four hours of skiing freedom.

 The day is done and spirits are still high for our Gondola descent down.

Next stop... Drumheller's famous Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Elliott's words upon entry - "This place is amazing." And it truly is.

Aunty and two of her biggest fans.

Now that's a Canadian landmark.

Exhausted and in love following all the week's activity. Note the T-rex that made the trip home from the Museum. Another battle that mama lost.

Our last day in the big city - live theatre. T-rex got to join us for Jack and the Giant Peach.

 Part two of our last day - Aunty, Uncle, Aidan and Grandma took the kids to the zoo while I packed.

Calgary's newest addition - Penguins.

 Grandma and her grandbabies.

The zoo still looks like a flood zone.

Energy levels are falling. 

We've nearly been away for five years but each time I step off that plane Calgary is again home to me. I sincerely thank my Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and West besties for carving out so much great time to spend with me and the kids. It means the world to me that we have not lost our connections and friendships after a great deal of time and distance.

Much love, Aimee, Kate, Elliott and T-rex

summer lovin'

Nothing like following up a trip down south with one of those famous Maritime storms. We've had two days at home following this past one and it's making me long for last week's sun, sand and let's be honest - rum.

We had a great inaugural trip to the Dominican Republic with our friends Alex and Julie Best. The only criticism I think we all had was the food. It looked great and the restaurants were beautiful but it really was deplorable.  Thank goodness for fried eggs and pineapple dressed pina coladas served in coconuts.

 My sunshine buddy.

 A view of the beach from the resort.

 Beautiful white sandy beaches.

A view facing the other direction towards the beach market. 

CJ and me. Note the cock-eyed glasses - I landed on my face in the sand during an earlier beach volleyball game.

 The Bests.

Shark attack.

Julie and I looking to impress our little men back at home.

More fun on the beach - on my birthday.

 Our manly men.

So that's a jump forward before I step back to our Calgary trip. Proof to Donna that we did make it South. And a HUGE thank you to Grammie Donna for taking such good care of our babies while we were away, especially during some unexpected renovations. We love you very much.

Aimee

... six weeks later

No blogs and no excuses other than being away for weeks, tired and flat out busy. First there was Calgary then we returned for a few days before Cody and I left with friends to the Dominican Republic. We returned from down South to a house under full construction. Today is a snow day so no workers and no distractions other than very active three and five year olds.

Starting with Calgary, we had an action packed trip. The kids experienced many firsts and did so with pretty good spirits. First ski lifts, first ski lessons, first time to the dinosaur museum, first wedding, a couple indoor gyms, their second live play, and many visits with friends and family.  So bear with me will you as I recap some of the highlights of these past weeks over a series of blogs. A series because I'm a little lazy and they'll get a little long.

Getting cozy with Grandma.

Kate picking up with her Calgary girls Sophie and Lauren and getting all dolled up.

 Playing outside at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  The kids had a few adventures in that tree.

On our way to a day in the mountains. Aidan is the best, he literally read to them all the way to the ski hill.

First adventure - the Tube Park at Mount Norquay. 

 Our handsome Aidan ready to ride.

Turns out Elliott was too little to partake and Kate too scared, so we had to find other activities to keep busy while Aidan fully enjoyed the park. Here's E exploring his first igloo.

A shot of the tube park which scared me quite exquisitely on my solo run.

 Aunty and the troops.

Next activity - ski lift to a nature outlook.

I may be smiling here with E on the lift but I was actually terrified.  He was so small on such a big high lift. He was absolutely mesmerized by the experience and sights.

 Here comes Kate and Aunty off their lift.

 Elliott chilling.

Notice that Rhonda can't even stand yet due to the heights and the terror of being up there with too small of kids, oh and the thought of riding the lift down the mountain!

I guess this is the next best thing to actually skiing.

That takes us to less than the half way point on our trip to Calgary.  Thanks to my Mom and Dad, Sister and Brother Norm. As always you guys were so kind and accommodating. Love you all and miss you every day.

Aimee, Kate and Elliott