Here's a few of our recent adventures.  We spontaneously decided to go spend the night in Canmore at a "lodge" (tourist for "small cabin") then went to see the ice sculptures at Lake Louise.  We also saw dog sled races and the boys tried out cross county skiing for the first time.  Rogue bought a 2 piece puzzle ring and Knox bought a lego Chima speeder set (this is written in at Rogue's insistence for your reading pleasure).  Dan and I got each other's company.  We also got to go to a Flames game, thanks to Michelle offering ups tickets, and the boys got new jerseys.  Knox tapped out before the first period ended, but Rogue asked one million questions, resulting in a a new infinite knowledge of hockey.  Finally, there was a photo I felt I HAD to take, and as you can see, the snow was a titch deeper than I had expected, but I was committed by that point. 

I'm back!  For the three of you who care!

Back in business!!!  Had to redo my password to get back at it.  Let's give this a whirl.

Bedtime

Dan and I are upstairs, and he calls down to the boys "Are you guys ready for bed?"
Rogue: "No." Then whispering to Knox "say no."
Knox: "No...Daddy what did you say?"

Now Knox is upstairs and his leg isn't working.  Repeated efforts to stand are unsuccessful, until Dan says this friend of his had this happen to him, and he ended up needing a cast and couldn't take part in Christmas.  Hallelujah!  I witnessed a miracle!  Knox managed to struggle to his feet with the pain entirely gone!

First of all, this photo has nothing to do with today's blog.  But note the tiny smiley faces on Rogue's toes, and the little faces in the background.  These boys always share the SAME SQUARE on the couch, then wonder why they don't get along.  They play, then fight, then play some more.  When they do fight, the best punishment is telling them they are FORBIDDEN to play together, that they must stay alone in their rooms for an indiscriminate length of time.  This inevitably leads to them sneaking out of their rooms, plotting against me, to continue their role playing without my knowledge.  I love that type of deception.  I mean, who's deceiving who?


So I arrive today in Vancouver for a health and well being conference for persons with disabilities and...the sun is shining, the grass is GREEN, and the trees still have leaves.  WTF???  Am I still in Canada?  I have just left the land of snow, slippery roads and tobogganing and have arrived one hour later (or at exactly the same time when you account for the time change) in the month of September.  I have successfully travelled in time!!!  Went for dinner with the co-worker I am here with, and then sent some drunken texts (I am still learning) to my husband, which I always seem to do on these occasions.  I also got upgraded to a king sized SUITE, which is at least four times the size of the hotel room Dan and I had in New York.  I have my very own kitchen, circa early 80s, complete with a Kelvinator stove and a smell right out of Grandma's house.  Yeah, that's right.  You heard me.  I do have a beautiful, close up view of the downtown core out my patio window, which is pretty cool.  Tomorrow's sessions run from 8:30-8:30, which seems a bit much.  It includes supper,which I am anticipating to be sandwiches and fruit.  If I aim low I can only be impressed, right?  Okay, I'm heading to bed now  It's 8:49 locally, which means NEARLY 10:00 at home.  No wonder I'm exhausted.  Nighty night.

Pride of Parent

Last night I bore witness to what appeared to be a miracle.  A week ago, the boys attended swimming class, and did the usual routine.  Then, this week, they swim.  All of a sudden, Rogue can FULLY swim, on his front, on his back, he can somersault into the water off the edge, he is trying to do handstands - who is this kid?  He was so confident, and just willing to try anything!  And Knoxy.  He can back float like a dead man, so I told him to "do his swim moves" while he was floating.  And then HE was swimming.  They blew my mind.  I could not stop watching them, and asking them to do it again and again.  Already they exceed anything I can do in the water, and I am so proud of them both.  So proud.  I love you boys.

A Weekend with Jenn

So this is what a weekend with Jenn entails:  clean towels with a brand new soap waits for you in your bedroom.  You get to buy fancy cheeses and drink it with a wine you choose together at the provincially owned liquor store.  You go to stores that feature local artisans, and feel the pride of the area surround you.  You make Bailey's from scratch, and have a nip with breakfast.  You have a nap, guiltlessly, in the middle of the day, knowing your hostess is doing the same.  You drive around a city that values family and morals above having open houses and open restaurants on a Sunday.  You laugh until you cry.  You leave knowing that you've just spent time with a true friend.  Thanks Jenn, for everything.

Independent Blog...or is it?

Brothers in arms.

Foster Family Foto.

Diamond Head in Honolulu.