Grant's Birthday Party

It was three weeks late, but Grant's birthday party finally happened on May 6 and I think he'll agree that the wait was worth it. He had a blast having our basement turned into a giant reptile terranium courtesy of the Lizard Queen and her friends. Turn on your speakers and enjoy the show! (I know it's a worm song, but it's all I could find that had to do with slithery things :P

April Showers Bring...April Flurries???

Well, it's still "winter" in Halifax. We do get a beautiful fall but I think that's so we don't go crazy waiting for summer to arrive. Not much is new here but I do have a few little stories to tell. Hope I don't bore you death.

I was awakened this morning by Dallas going crazy at the window. She's pacing back and forth, whining and panting heavy (it wasn't Rob - he's in Toronto). So, what goes through my head? Great, I have to deal with a burglar on my own...where's the Louisville slugger? Then I hear a strange noise outside that doesn't sound like a burglar but a strange animal. It's almost dawn so I can see outside a bit (I'm not going to mention the light dusting of snow that appeared overnight as I'm in denial). What the #&$ is that scattered on the front lawn? Ducks!! Five ducks. A couple of females surrounded by some competitive boys. All quacking and chasing each other. The fact that I had a flock (is it a flock...herd, school..whatever) of ducks on my lawn was rather odd but watching them make webprints in the snow was also an unfamiliar sight. Am I drunk? Because I did go to Jann Arden last night and had a helluva good time so maybe I had more cocktails than I thought and I'm in the hallucination stage? Nope. The dog really is going crazy and there really are ducks and snow on the front lawn. Did I get out my camera...gosh, I could hardly find myself at the crack of dawn let alone the camera.


Photo: Our little family of ducks has turned our front lawn into their home for the spring. I was finally able to get some pictures of our new house guests. They're kind of cute...but make a big mess.


So, speaking of cameras, I wish I had my camera for this next story, but it's probably good I didn't as getting these ones developed at Costco could pose some questions.

Grant and his two little friends were playing outside yesterday. It was a beautiful day and we were all out in our t-shirts and jeans. I came inside to look after a few things but shortly after I heard the outside tap get turned on. I finish what I'm doing (I'm not the rush to the scene type, though maybe I should be) and go outside to check on things. As I round the corner I hear giggling and a little voice saying, "This is going to be so much fun...I'm so excited!" My eyes meet upon two bare bottoms (with the exception of their bike helmets) standing by the kiddy pool that's been dragged out from under the deck. Of course, the third little boy was still fully clothed, including his bike helmet, just watching them in amazement. My reaction...

"Boys, what are you doing?"
"Just filling up the pool so we can go for a swim. It's a hot day ya know!"
"Boys, why don't you have any clothes on?"
"We can't swim in our clothes mom, they'll get all wet." Now, there is logic to that response but the fact that their clothes are placed right beside the tap where the pool is being filled, tells me they're not as clever as I'd like to think. Anyhow, it all worked out, nobody drowned or suffered from hypothermia and I think it's only one of the many tales we'll have to tell to their future in-laws.

Back to Jann Arden. Love her, loved the concert. She has such crisp vocals and her humour is totally entertaining. She sings a good story...though she's definitely in need of some happy pills. It also helps to enjoy these events when you have a friend who owns a skybox so you also get a great view and it comes with a waitress. Thanks Nat!

Now back to the naked boy. Grant turns five this Sunday. We had scheduled his party for Sunday but now our Reptile Guy has suddenly withdrawn from his obligations. I will use his name, Charlie Deveaux, so that if anyone ever Googles him, they'll find out not to use him unless they want to disappoint a houseful of preschoolers. Note: Do not use Charlie Deveaux -- he is a slimy reptile and should be eaten by his bearded dragon. I'm not bitter. After I finish here I get to spend this evening calling parents to inform them that we have rescheduled to a date that is yet to be announced. Grant is taking it quite well...he's definitely easier going with these types of things.

Rob returns home from Toronto tonight. Hopefully his return will be easier than last week when he was in St. John's, Newfoundland. He was supposed to fly home on Wednesday night (just on time for the Easter weekend). Newfoundland was experiencing some bad weather, not that that is news, but his flight got cancelled. They informed him his next available flight would be Sunday evening. Yes, 5 days later. He could try standby but it looked like he was going to be one of hundreds waiting for standby flights off of The Rock. Rob decided to drive, yes, you can drive off of an island but it includes a very traumatic ferry boat ride where the sleeping arrangements include a metal bunk. Well, after a day and a half of driving and ferrying, Rob made it home on Friday morning. He was in a great mood!! There's that sarcasm again.

Okay, off I go to make some phone calls. Hope all is well with the rest of the world.

As Winter Passes...Slowly

I seem to recall the same thing happening last year. January and February pass with little to report. And this year is no different. While our winter has been mild, it has also been uneventful. We did finally manage to put our ski passes to use when February brought just enough snow to make our trips to the hill worthwhile. The kids have really gotten into it this year and Grant seems to thrive on the compliments from the older generation on his skiing ability. He returns a really quick "thank you" and carries on as though he's a boy with a mission. He's just playing cool. The three of us have also done quite a bit of skating so when they become teenage delinquents, they cannot blame it on lack of activity or attention from their mother. I can't take all the credit for the future delinquency though, Rob has joined us on a few occasions so I will have someone else to blame as well.

Photo: Ashley trying some hockey at the neighbourhood pond while Grant (below) prefers just to race anyone who agrees to do so (and let him win).

Photo: Grant and I with Ashley holding the camera.
(Hmm, I seem to have a halo over my head. How symbolic.)

Photo: Grant and Ashley taking some time at the hill to love each other.

These are a few of my favourite things...

Well, winter is slowly passing and that old saying about March coming in like a lion, blah, blah, blah is going through my head. Just though I'd share a few of my favourite photos since it's been a slow news month.

Photo (above): This is Grant and his little friend Olivia. Ashley's school held a Ceilidh (only in Eastern Canada do schools hold Ceilidhs) and these two did some dancing of their own. They are friends from preschool and will go to school together in September. I think they were arguing about who gets to lead. Trouble.

Photo (above): Wonder Grant. This is what happens when your mommy tinkers on the computer too much.

Photo (above): There are only so many years left when you can have a bath with a bunch of your friends before it becomes just plain weird. Enjoy.

Photo (above): When the snow finally arrived, the boys were all ready for it.

Happy New Year!

Photo: People say I don't post my own photo...there I am in the back (green top). Happy?

This year we decided to host our own New Year's Eve party. It was one of those on again, off again plans that ended up being very on again. We had 22 adults in total and a heck of a lot of fun. My friend Nathalie received one of those real deal karaoke machines for Christmas and while I thought we weren't karaoke people - it turns out we are...and we had a great time figuring that out. The night started with Rob on the mic, which should come as no surprise. However, it wasn't long before the line-ups and upstaging started to take over. It seems our coffee table presented itself as a great stage and no one needed any coaxing to perform. Ashley had gone for a sleepover at a friend's house and everyone else had their kids at a neighbour's house with a couple of babysitters so it was an adult only night where some of us took full advantage of it (not me...of course not). Not sure how Roy ended up wearing Nathalie's heels or at what point Rob actually lost centre stage, but it's all in good fun! Here we go...

Photo (above): This is Rob and Roy...

...and these are Rob and Roy's feet. Roy...how did you get your
feet into those heels? Roy claims these shoes were great for dancing.

Photo (above): Hmmm, maybe they were singing Lady Marmelot. Rob definitely enjoyed it.

Photo: It's not a party without silly hats and horns.
Photo: Rob and Norma in a duet. Back off Norma, he's all man and he's mine.

Photo: Let me guess...at the Copa, Copa Cabana... Go Brian!

Photo: Karaoke Kween Nathalie with husband Larry.

Photo: Three Connors brothers...and Brian again!

Merry Christmas 2006

Photo: Ashley and Grant are just a little bit hyper waiting for Santa's big arrival.

Whew, he came and he left toys instead of coal! A few mishaps this year left Ashley and Grant a little bit concerned that Santa would be leaving coal in those boxes instead of toys. Fortunately, Santa is very forgiving and decided they were pretty good kids when it comes down to it. As some of you probably heard (we know the neighbours do) that it was a musical Christmas this year. Ashley received an electric guitar (amplifier included) and a karaoke machine. Grant received a drum set. Hmmm, gotta have a word with Santa as to why he didn't bring ear plugs for mom and dad. However, they are having a lot of fun with their instruments and Ashley is planning on taking acoustic guitar lessons later this winter. We were fortunate to receive many invites over the Christmas season and spent Christmas eve with neighbours and Christmas day with some good friends.

Photo: Introducing Rob on guitar and Grant on drums.

Photo: Grant plays an encore to a sell-out basement crowd.

Photo: Poor Ashley, all she got for Christmas was...everything.

Photo: Grant is the king of his own toy mountain.

First Snow of 2006/2007

Photo: (Top) Ashley and Brooke in their usual Seventeen Magazine pose. (Bottom)Grant and his friend Lane enjoying some snowplay in the backyard.

I guess it's that time of year when the buzz around the water cooler is "weather". December 4 brought this year's first snowfall. We received quite a dumping that forecasters failed to warn us about. The kids were ecstatic and since it came late in the day, the city didn't come to a stand still and the army was not needed. Hard to believe, but 72 hours later, this was all gone and it looked like it hadn't even snowed.

Forgie Meets T.O.

Oh no, she's back again! While it was only four months ago when I last set foot in old T.O., it was good to be back. Rob and the kids gave me a plane ticket home for my birthday so I could have a pre-Christmas visit with family. I had a busy weekend and managed to get quite a lot of visits in considering my time was short and I didn't have a vehicle. I arrived on Thursday evening and Ailsa graciously picked me up at the airport. We went back to her place and had an early evening as we'd be going to the One of A Kind show with my mum and niece Jeanette the next day. After wandering around the massive show most of the day on Friday, we went for some dinner and drinks at a downtown pub and then back to Fiona's where we chatted until 2 a.m. before heading back to Ailsa's. The next day we did some shopping and then I went for a visit to the Forgie compound where I saw grandma and grandpa Forgie, Sharon, and Elizabeth. We then went for dinner at my brother Stuart's new house. Following that we went back to Ailsa's where Roxanne came by and we hit the wild town of Newmarket for a few late night drinks (after already consuming a few too many at Ailsa's). The next day I met up with Kelly, Kim and Tracey in Scarborough for brunch and was feeling a bit fluish (okay-hungover) but still enjoyed some really nice company. It's always appreciated when friends and family take time out to see you when you're in town...thanks guys! Also, an extra special thanks to Ailsa for her hosting and chauffeur duties and Kelly for getting me to my brother's and out to the airport where I could return to Rob and the kids who seemed to cope pretty well without me. Sniff, sniff. PS: Happy birthday Ailsa...this is your last thirty-something birthday (just in case you forgot that).

If you don't like the weather...

Photo: Gee Toto, I don't think we're in Toronto anymore.

I know, I know - probably every province in Canada (well, maybe not Ontario) has that expression about the weather and just waiting five minutes. However, this province does bring some pretty wild and very amazing weather. It normally takes two of us to move the trampoline when we need to mow the grass under it so it's pretty impressive when the wind can pick the trampoline and its enclosure up and throw them into the forest. This happened on a windy day in November. Fortunately, it was nothing a few new parts couldn't fix.

Always a Leaf Fan

Photo: What else do Canadians do on a Saturday night, even in Halifax.

Photo: Rob and our neighbour Shawn.

I'm not sure if I need to question why Rob and Shawn spend so much time together. Oh well, as long as everyone is happy, that's all that matters in life. Isn't it? LOL.

Halloween 2006

Okay, I'm a terrible, awful mother - I will confess. I had my camera all set to go this Halloween, but failed to use it. The kids had a great time and the weather was absolutely perfect. That's two Halloweens in a row without winter gear under the costumes. The kids managed to get our end of the neighbourhood done, which (for those who've been here and understand) is quite an accomplishment. Ashley was a lady vampire and Grant alternated between Batman and a football player. You just have to look at last year's photos to see his costume. Don't ya love recycling!

A Very Well-Behaved Birthday Weekend

Photo: Kim and Brock at Peggy's Cove just before a wave surge.

My friends Kelly and Kim (along with her little guy 10-month-old Brock) flew into Halifax for a long weekend on October 27 (just a few days after my thirty-somethinth birthday). I guess you get to a certain age when the idea of spending your birthday weekend at home and ordering Chinese food is actually an adventurous thought. Brock was great little visitor and Ashley and Grant entertained him extremely well. We managed to go make it to Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove. Our trip to Lunenburg was nice but Peggy's Cove was pretty cool. It was a stormy day and the waves were going wild. A lady that works in the tourist shop said she hadn't seen the waves coming up to the lighthouse since Hurricane Juan. Even after she has travelled the world a few times over, we actually found somewhere Kelly hadn't been - and I think she was actually impressed by. Ashley and Grant were quite sad to see Brock leave and Grant referred to him as "soooo adorable." And how could I forget - for my birthday Rob and the kids got me a flight to Toronto (on my own) at the end of November. Wow, four days off...what am I going to do with myself? Thanks guys!

Photo: Brock needs to grow into his sou'wester hat a bit more.

Photo: Some pretty angry waves at Peggy's Cove.

Apple Picking in the Valley

Thanksgiving weekend brought with it sunny skies and warm, beautiful weather. On the Saturday the four of us went to Riverbreeze Farm to enjoy the province's biggest corn maze, giant sling shots and outdoor fun. Photo: Ashley preparing to launch her ball from the sling shot. Hit the target and win an ice cream!

Photo: Grant (red shirt) catching a ride on the Cow Train Express.

Being the first day of Sunday shopping, Rob decided he should go into work that Sunday so the kids and I went to the Valley for some apple and pumpkin picking. Did we really need 25 pounds of apples? No. But did we have fun picking them? Yes.

Photo: Fearless Grant climbing to the top of the tree for the best picks.

Photo: Wedding crashers Ashley and her friend Kaleigh try to break up a pumpkin wedding on the way home from apple picking.

Our neighbours Roy & Joanne were kind enough to invite us over for Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday. We had a really nice time and it was great having turkey and not having to do all the work.

Hey Big Sister...

After recovering from the excitement and chaos of the summer months, we welcomed our first visitors for the fall 2006 season. Rob's sister Cheryl and her boyfriend Brian arrived in Halifax the last week in September for a visit with her little brother and some golfing.

Photo: Hanging out at Peggy's Cove are Cheryl, Brooke (Ashley's friend), Brian, Ashley, Grant and Rob.

Photo: Rob watching the waves crash at Peggy's Cove.

Cheryl & Brian seemed to fit a lot into their week which included a few rounds of golf and lots of touristy things. They managed to make it up to New Brunswick to visit some friends for a few days and returned to Halifax just in time for Cheryl to clean up a disaster in our downstairs bathroom. Although I don't think she was too upset about doing it after being rewarded with a few bottles of her favourite imported soap. (You'll have to ask Cheryl about this one).



Photos: (left) Cheryl & Brian at the always familiar Peggy's Cove. (right) Cheryl contemplating the meaning of life at Peggy's Cove...it's a common occurence there.

Photo: Ashley and Brooke on their modelling shoot at Peggy's Cove.

The kids loved having aunt Cheryl and Brian around and behaved pretty decent. We never realized Cheryl has become such a dog lover and even Dallas was sad to see her leave...boo hoo. Hey Brian, don't forget your clubs. Again, you'll need to ask them about this one. Next visitors are Kelly and Kim who arrive at the end of October. Stay tuned!

Sweet September Brings Satisfaction

Sorry, maybe I should get a job writing tag lines for the local paper. But wow, what a month September proved to be. Sunday shopping (finally) and The Rolling Stones both found their way to Halifax. Sunday shopping excitement requires no description of how much easier our lives have just become, but the Stones concert was the whipped cream and cherry on top of my other sundae.

Even though I lost everyone I went with, watched the concert on my own in what was probably record rainfall, and wandered the streets of Halifax until I caught a cab home...I had a great time! You know you're having fun when you're surprised it's over already. The Stones apparently took the stage for over two hours but it felt like I'd been there just shy of an hour.


So why did I lose everyone I went there with? Well, when you rely on actually hearing a cell phone ring at a rock concert with 50,000 people, that's your first mistake. Secondly, when you rely on your cell phone working when your entire body (including the undergarments under your undergarments) feel like they've just come out of the washing machine, that's your next mistake. Finally, don't think you can go pee and find your way back through 50,000 standing concert goers. So, rather than drown in my sorrows (no pun intended) I decided to make do and enjoy the night. My standing area view wasn't the greatest but it certainly was warm squeezed in there with the other general admission ticket buyers. There was so much pot in the air that I figure merely breathing helped numb the shivers.

While wandering down (or up, I'm not sure as I had no sense of direction) Robie Street I found a nice police officer who gave me some tips on how to catch a cab (legally). Presto...I was on my way home. Of course, that's the evening Cheryl & Brian were arriving from Toronto so my Alice Cooper make-up and Ozzy Osbourne-like ramblings may have made her a bit nervous at first. However, once the effects of the alcohol began to wear off, we were having a nice conversation and wondering where the heck Rob was. Two hours later, he showed up via cab as well.

Anyhow, that's how September has been so far. Pretty sweet. We'll update you on the rest of Cheryl and Brian's visit soon.

It's funny, they banned Sunday shopping for so long and now that they've allowed it, the only day stores have to close is Remembrance Day. The traditional "sacred" closing days are now up to retailers. They're a bit "different" out here.

On the Road Again...and Again

August 23 - 25, 2006: Well, before she could change her mind I quickly packed up the kids and headed to the P.E.I. ferry to visit Ailsa and her gang on the Island. The journey there was a great adventure for the kids who have never travelled on the Northumberland Ferry. It was a lot of fun and they had a great (though very windy) time watching the water for whales and seals on our way over to the island. No sightings though!

Our adventure on the Island was even better. We discovered that the east side of P.E.I. holds many beautiful sites and though we didn't see a lot of places, we quickly discovered that Basin Head Beach in Singing Sands Park is stunning. The kids were able to wander about the water finding crabs, star fish and quite surprisingly a lobster.

Photo (below): Grant and Cameron making a bed for their crab.

Photo (above): Ashley holding the starfish she caught at Basin Head beach

Grant, our resident dare devil, decided to jump off the pier which stands about 15 feet high. He emerged from the water screaming, "That was awesome!" There's actually a long version of that story but I'll save you some reading.

Photo (above): Grant making a splash with me directly above him getting set to jump

Photo: Grant climbing up the very high ladder back onto the pier.

Photo: Ashley and Maddie being "cool" at Basin Head.

Our adventures also found us in Cavendish which is more of a touristy area and Murray River where we went on a seal watch but didn't have much luck seeing many seals. We also went to Sandspit Amusement Park and to a cemetery (don't ask) where the kids tried to spook each other silly. We all enjoyed one another's company and were quite sad with the realization that it would probably be another year before we made company with one another again unless we make it home over the winter. Sniff, sniff!

FTV Sneak Preview: September brings Rob's sister Cheryl and her partner Brian for a visit as well as Rob's long-awaited Stones concert here in Halifax. Keep checking for updates!

Note to Ailsa: As promised, I looked it up and they have no beverage cans in P.E.I. because people don't recycle them. They have a 98% return rate on bottles...best in Canada. It's an environmental thing!

Happy 7th Birthday Ashley!

Once all the company departed and things settled a bit, Ashley celebrated her 7th birthday with a Hawaiian Luau on August 20th. We prayed for good weather and well, at least it didn't rain! The 10 girls and 3 boys bobbed for apples, had water balloon fights, coconut and tacky tourist relays completed with a pinata. I think the water balloons were the biggest hit but they all had a blast.

Photo: Ashley decided it's easier to bob for apples when you're in the tub!

Photo: Rob was brave (or dumb) enough to be the target for the water balloon shots.

And Finally...

August 12 - 16, 2006: The Provan family which consists of Charmaine (Bubbles), Norman, Taylor, Collin and Rachel were the last family to visit us this summer. Mitch decided his last summer before starting university could be spent at home earning some money for school.

Photo: Brad Pitt before he got messed up with that Angelina Jolie. Oh sorry, that's Taylor with Collin...but there is a resemblance, isn't there.

Photo: Taylor, Rachel, Grant and Ashley on rocks at back of our property.

Photo: Ashley and Rachel lost somewhere in a bubble bath

Everyone had a great time but we didn't see a whole lot of them as they were quite anxious to do their own exploring and came with a pre-planned itinerary. Of course we did send them to Lunenburg for the Lobstermen Tour and they all enjoyed that. Ashley and Rachel had a lot of fun just being buddies again and they got along very well. Grant couldn't get enough of his "big brudders" even if he told them several times a time to go away...but that's what makes Grant who he is! After leaving here they went on to P.E.I. and then home through the States.