School Musical

I think I mentioned in a previous post about Samara being in the school musical again this year.  She had a fairly minor part last year in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and this year, although she had high hopes of being the main character, she still got a significant role as Scuttle the seagull in "The Little Mermaid".  She did a super job and it wasn't hard to tell she loves this center stage kind of thing.  Must be from her dad's side :)  The ability to carry a tune however, is not from her dad's side so I'll lay claim to that part of her talent!

inspecting the "snarfblat"

The cast

And ... for my first attempt at adding a video:

The quality is poor ... but gives you an idea.  Musicals are all fun and great ... but the amount of work behind it is astonishing.  The teachers and kids spent hours and hours practicing and rehearsing but it all went well in the end.  The costumes were amazing as well.  Contact me early for tickets for next year!  Ha ha!  Next year Keithan is able to try out and he's excited about it, but only if it is a boy one! Stay tuned ...

future fireman?

Grady had his first field trip the other day!  He plans to be a policeman and a farmer and help at A&W when he grows up, but he was happy to be a fireman for a day!

birthday update

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For those keeping track, we finally celebrated Keithan's birthday last weekend.  

It was the easiest party ever to prepare for, but was the most tiring in the end!  He decided he wanted a sleepover party so I allowed him to invite 3 friends.  The plan was to set up the tent in the back yard and sleep there.  We have had 2 weeks of amazing weather, but of course on Friday night it was extremely windy and threatening thundershowers.  Plan B was a blanket fort in the basement.  It was a fun time of pizza and ice-cream cake and overall loudness!  They had pillow fights (supervised), dart gun fights, a few rounds of Wii games and even a few quiet moments of Lego building.  Unfortunately the weather didn't co-operate for playing outside.  

Bonus:  No one was injured! 

I finally got them settled down and sleeping by 10:45pm.  They were up at 4:45am raring to go!  The kids went home around 11:00am and that was the party :)  

The next day my kids were in bed by 6:30pm and didn't get up until after 8:00am!!!

rainbow brite

Our view from the front step:

LoVe Rainbows!

Since the kids weren't sleeping yet I had to get them out of bed to see this whole double rainbow. I was quick with the camera because it was still raining lightly. Of course I can never capture the moment like it was anyway. Rainbows give the me the "awe" feeling ... and when I'm driving I have to focus on keeping between the ditches when the kids and I are trying to pick out all the colors! 

Good thing this one was right outside the front door!

9 years young

This boy is one year away from double digits!!  Much to his disgruntlement he hasn't even had his 9th birthday party yet but he officially turned 9 a few weeks ago.  I am trying to convince him to forgo the party completely but he continues to  badger me and is still holding out hope that I will pick a date so he can invite the masses.  

A little update on Keithan this year:

• LOVES soccer (and is really quite good at it says his coach)

• second love is kizi games and minecraft (have no idea what is so exciting about that game)

• spent his birthday money on running shoes (weird but true)

•  often has his nose in a book (preferably Archie comics or Captain Underpants)

• has ZERO phone etiquette  (when talking to school friends ... shudder)

•  thinks he's too big for hugs  :-(

at least he can't say I didn't make him a cake!

Indoor soccer until the snow disappeared

Just look at him ... the model of cooperation in this shot with Scott and Terry.  Maybe he can teach his brothers something.

 
So, there you have it until the "real" party.  Hope he forgives this too busy, too disorganized mom who has trouble getting her ducks in a row.   I better check my calender right this minute ....

spring break - rest of the events!

Some cross country ski action

Waxing up for the icy trail

Cool boots

Off like a herd of turtles

Some inside action ...

Chess ... and more chess

Some creative play

egg hunt extravaganza!

A party and show for Grandma ...

Cake decorating

Honored "guest" with a special chair

Adair

Dancing dudes

A little magic

photo op:

So this about wraps up our trip to grandpa and grandma's.  It was a fabulous time with more than a few laughs ... especially over the kids tribute party for Grandma!!  From here we came back home via Calgary and stopped to see Uncle Harvey at the hospital.  Cousin Jessica was also in the same hospital but I just missed seeing her (was having gall bladder surgery).  We enjoyed some wonderful hospitality in Airdrie (thanks Molly and family) ... and a tiny bit of shopping at Cross Iron Mills mall. We also had our first Five Guys burger experience.  It wasn't bad, but I came away thinking A&W has some pretty tasty burgers! And cheaper.  Also had a quick stop to say hi to Grandma O on our way through Red Deer. 

Hope you don't mind the vintage filter on some of the pictures.  I just love the effect, but maybe there is such a thing as overkill! 

spring break event #2

Asessippi Ski Resort

Mini Banff :)

Keithan

Daudi

Adair

Rhett

Myself, Grandpa and Grady

Heading to the Black Diamond Bunny Hill

Pit stop area

Gavin - he skied, but I don't have any pictures

Samara

Was a good crazy day!

Mom and dad's cottage on the ski hill should be finished by Christmas time and we are going to ENJOY it to the fullest!  This was the last weekend of the season so the conditions were a little sketchy but we had a great day. We are looking forward to this annual event!