September 11, 2001

It is amazing to think that the tragedy of 9/11 was already 8 years ago. I know for me it is still fresh and just think of ALL the major changes in the world since then.
A tragedy that has affected us all and yet every year it seems to become more and more a distant memory.
I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when the news hit and what crazy, heart stopping news it was.
I have a heavy heart today for all the families who lost their loved ones on this horrible day and my thoughts and prayers go out to those families :(

Back to School

Today was the day that most parent's have circled on their calendar. It is bittersweet as today is the day that the kids "get out of my hair" and back into routine. It also means it is that much closer to the end of summer though which is a horrible thought :(
I just realized I forgot to send their kleenex boxes to school with them so I suppose I will send them tomorrow.
Kianne was nonchalant about the first day of school and shot me down when I asked her if she wanted me to walk with her. I guess that is what happens when you go into grade 5 ;)


Corey was excited to ride his bike and see all his friends. The only reason he wanted me to walk with him was so I could help him carry his stuff. I guess in grade 3 it is still acceptable. When I realized that he just wanted to use me as a donkey though I sent him on his way ;)

I am really looking forward to this school year and have high hopes for a great year. Corey has a really good teacher that I know he likes and Kianne's so far seems nice. Unfortunately she will always be the guinea pig with teachers as she is the oldest.
So with the first day being done and only 9 more months to go... here's to a Happy Back to School Day for students, parents and teachers :)

Best Long Weekend Ever

Due to a change of plans on the Edmonton side we ended up being in Manitoba. As dissapoining as it was to not be able to be with Michael this past weekend we had a great time anyway.
With summer weather finally arriving we took full advantage of it! We booked a campsite at our favorite place and did lots of hiking and swimming and wading and sightseeing etc...
Of course there were a few bumps to the trip including deflated air mattresses, a big rock in the windshield, a broken ignition that Jay was thankfully able to fix and banana on my most favorite mei tie among other "little bumps" that seem to happen when you go camping with little kids. But the weather was amazing, there were almost no mosquitos and the kids actually slept really well.
The "big kids" didn't want to come so they stayed with their Dad. It's to bad though because I think they would have had a blast with all the kids there. Plus it would have been fun to have them along.
We only stayed two nights just because it was too hard sleeping on a bed of rocks. We got home late Sunday night and then on Monday spent the day at Hecla Island and Morton Park.I still like Opawpiskwa way better but at least we know :)
We are hoping that we'll be able to get out one more time this year for some fall camping seeing as how my September is open!

Welcome Back

Yes I am welcoming myself back. I feel like I have been on a blogging hiatus the last little while. I have all sorts of things to write about but just can't seem to find the time to sit down and do it. I mean for goodness sakes I haven't even finished blogging about our trip to Banff and in 10 days we are leaving to Edmonton.
The kids are in their last week of swimming lessons and registry for fall activities are in full swing. Kianne will figure skate again and both the kids want to play guitar. Corey will finish up soccer in the fall and take a break over the winter before starting up again in the spring. It really works out quite well that the kids have found things they like during opposite seasons. Better for scheduling and great for the wallet ;)
I have been super busy with weddings and have not had a weekend off since we got home from Banff. I have another one this coming up Saturday and then a little break in September. As much as I love it I am ready for a break. I just want a full weekend to relax and if the weather is nice we will hopefully take off.
Like I mentioned earlier we are going to Edmonton for sure the first weekend of September to go visit Michael. If there are anymore nice weekends i.e. not freezing temps we will for sure pack up the tent and head out!

New Books

I am so excited! I just purchased four new books! Buying books is for sure one of my guilty pleasures. I guess it is because they are all for me. No one else in this house will have any interest in them or want to touch them or play with them or even care that they are here. They are all mine.
As most moms know this is a rare circumstance and so I relish in this little delight.
The reason I ordered four is because when you order online at Chapters/Indigo once you spend $39 you get free shipping. Well, for a shopaholic like myself free shipping is really what it's all about :)
So what did I get you ask?
The Time Travellers Wife-After seeing the trailer for this movie I just knew I HAD to have the book!



My Sisters Keeper- Another one inspired from seeing an add for a movie.


Love the one you're with- Emily Giffin. Love this author so had to try it out.



And finally Can you Keep a Secret- Another great easy read author Sophie Kinsella


Maybe once I am done reading them if I am feeling really energetic I may even do a review :)

Day 4- More Adventures

Okay this is getting harder to remember because I have taken so long to post about our trip. So what I think was day four really may be day two or five or whatever. Either way you get the drift of what we did and the things we saw ;)
So I am pretty sure that this was the day we drove up to Jasper and on the way stopped in at the Icefields and Athabasca Falls. In the morning though we sat in the hot springs at Upper hot springs in Banff. Both were an amazing sight to see.
The hot springs were cooled to a temp of 39 degrees Celsius. It was HOT. We went in the morning so we could avoid the rush of other tourists and it actually worked quite well.
Driving to Jasper was quite the experience we were so high in the mountains and some of the sights were amazing while nauseating at the same time. We drove the Icefield Parkway which basically connects Banff National Park and Jasper. There were mountain glaciers everywhere and it was incredible to see the natural wonders that surrounded us. We stopped at the Columbia Icefield and took in the amazing wonder of this ancient ice that is over 1000 feet thick.
It was quite the hike up and Jayson was amazing pushing Matthew and Jordyn in the trailer up this steep incline of a hike.






After the glacier we continued on to Jasper. Stopped for dinner at A&W and really was not overly impressed with the town. Just didn't do it for me. If I had to pick I would spend more time in Canmore than Jasper.
Anyway on our way home is when we stopped and saw Athabasca Falls. It is not the biggest falls you will ever see but it is still beautiful.
That is the thing about the Banff area, the scenery is breathtaking. You cannot help but be amazed and know that there is a God who created this all.

Day 3- Swimming?

Brrr... that is one thing about being in the mountains there are no beaches or nice warm lakes to enjoy summer swimming. Kids being kids though want to swim in the summer. We asked around and there were two suggestions for swimming lakes. One was Johnson lake and the other was Cascade Pond. We chose Cascade pond because it was closest to our campground.
The colour of the water was amazing and the scenery, breathtaking... oh and the temperature as well ;)