someone's over the hill

It is hard to believe that SOMEONE in our house is 40! Still makes me shake my head in amazement! Where have the last 10 years and a few days gone??!!! When Phil and I first met he was 29 (or 1 day away from 30 I found out later on in the conversation)! Time waits for no man or woman! Anyway, we had a family party at Phil's mom and dad's last Sunday .. and of course I forgot my camera. So, I borrowed Carl's and took a few photos - thanks Carl. Grady is not dressed up because he was sick and went through a few sets of clothes! He also kindly threw up on me ... and I went through two sets of dress clothes before 10am! All are well now, and even Phil doesn't seem that much different than he was a few days, even years ago!!!

a visit from the "cousins"

We were glad that Michelle felt like driving a bit more and coming up to visit us, right after the long trip home for Grandpa's funeral. The 8 kids under 8 had a grand time - playing with almost every toy we own, playing the Wii, hunting for chocolate eggs, playing on the trampoline, going to the park, swimming, eating Michelle's homemade donuts, making kites ... and I can't remember what else. And, Michelle tells me they made it home in 4 1/2 hours, so I expect a few more visits now, since I don't think I could get there that quickly!

rather overdue news

It has been a busy month since the last post. Samara was in the Music Festival at the beginning of the month. She played the Can Can ... with distinction! It was a positive experience for her and she is excited for next year already.

Samara, Keithan and Rhett finished off the skating year with a carnival. Rhett was dressed as a hockey player for The Good Old Hockey game song. Keithan was dressed for the 60's era for At the Hop. Samara was dressed in a "ball gown" for the Titanic theme song. I didn't take many photos ... just videos unfortunately and I don't seem to be able to load them. The one photo shows Keithan receiving his medal for being a Canskate Champion ... we're not sure why or how he was chosen! Samara felt a little dejected and I reminded her we have to be happy for Keithan. He agreed, stating that he was sure happy he got it!!

Samara and Keithan also had parent teacher interviews, or rather showed me their portfolios! It seems to me that they both received good reports!

On a sadder note, we went home for Grandpa Woods' funeral the last weekend in March. It was nice to be there. All of the cousins, except Jarvis, were there. Grandpa will be missed but remembered for the good grandpa he was. 87 years is a good long life, but still seems short when it is time to let go and say goodbye.

Not too long ago we hosted the Winter Games in our fair city. We watched some hockey, speed skating, badminton and synchronized swimming. The synchronized swimming was special as we had some family participating, and their team won silver. It was an impressive performance. Wish I could post the video, but it is too large. We all had a feel of the jelly hair! We enjoyed having Emily and Hannah's parents and pet guinea pig stay with us. It was all over too quickly!

our winter get-a-way

Well, we didn't exactly get away, but it was a break from the usual! Felt a bit like a cruise (a really short one) if you stretched your imagination! We stayed at the West Edmonton Mall and took in Galaxy Land, the sea lion show, mini golf ... and a little shopping. The kids preferred the tame rides. Bumper cars was the favorite. I'm hoping they get a little more adventurous in the future. Rhett would have went on some "scarier" rides but he was too short! He was the only one who would go on the ship ride. I convinced Samara to try the swing ... and she survived!! I went for a round on the big roller coaster, but it wasn't as great as I remembered!! It felt like a really bad chiro treatment the way it whips your neck around!

60th anniversary event for grandpa and grandma

I'm a little delayed in posting a few photos of Grandpa and Grandma's 60th celebration in January. The trip there and back seems to get longer, but it was fun to be home for a bit. They had a good day with some more good memories to add to the last 60 years! Another memory ... and a photo to prove it ... is that Phil also came "home' with me! I think that's the third visit since we've been married; maybe a sign we won't make 60 years!! Joking!! He is coming back home for the family reunion this summer so that is record breaking news!