Kaitlyn is 13!!!!!!

Yesterday marked a big day for Kaitlyn. She finally can say she's a teenager. Matt and I find it hard to believe she's 13 already. Seems just like yesterday where we waiting 20+ hours for her to arrive. Spending all night in the hospital just praying she would just make her arrival quickly. Now look at her, she's 5'1" and a beautiful young lady. We are so proud of the person she is turning into!

To celebrate her special day, last weekend she has 2 friends spend the night. They had fun watching movies and doing crafts. The next day they went to the movies. It was a simple but very fun "party". Yesterday was a snow day so she spent the day just hanging out at home playing on her new Facebook page. One of her girls friends came over in the afternoon to hang out for a bit, which was a great surprise for Kaitlyn. We couldn't go out for her Bday dinner so we made tacos and Matt made a special Daddy dessert for her.

Today since the weather is better and the roads are open we are taking her out for her birthday dinner that we missed out on last night. She is taking after her "Auntie" Brooke and turning her Bday into a month long event!

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has arrived!!! I think Matt is even more excited than the girls about snow finally arriving here in Inverhuron. Friday morning we woke up to about 2 inches of white fluffy stuff. It was so beauitful and fun to watch it falling. It didn't last long on the roads, which I was thankful for. Kaitlyn had friends over and we needed to drive them half an hour away to the movies!

It lighty snowed over the weekend and then Monday morning we woke to about an inch then this morning about another 2 inches. Today has been partly sunny and bare, wet roads. I took advantage of the weather and drove up to WalMart to do a little shopping before the major wind/snow storm they are predicting starts tonight.

The girls had a blast last night playing in the snow and sledding down our little side hill. I have to say I'm glad that this year isn't as bad as last year and I pray the BIG snow fall holds off another week so we can drive to Detroit next Wednesday night for our flight on Thursday morning!!

Our trip to Texas

We had a wonderful time visiting Dave and Linda for Thanksgiving week. We flew down on Saturday and enjoyed an evening of catching up and swimming in the pool. The weather was nice during the day but the nights get cold. I am surprised how cold they do get.

Sunday~ we took off to Houston to see an Aero's hockey game. It was alot of fun and we enjoyed seeing the fast paced game. We ended the night eating our first of many BBQ dinners!

Monday~ Dave took us out on the sail boat. He has it at a marina near Galveston Bay. Took about an hour and a half to get there but OH what a day it was out there on the water. The wind was blowing enough that we were able to sail almost across the bay and back. Kaitlyn even got a lesson on "driving" the boat and took over for a while. It was SO peaceful out there laying on the front of the boat being rocked by the waves and letting the sun shine down on me.

Tuesday~ we took the drive up to Austin to see Brian, Karyn and Mia. It was SO good to see them and we were able to spend 4 short hours with them. We also got to be apart of Mia's first meal out at a restaurant. She did very well! The visit was way too fast but we are so thankful we were able to go!

Wednesday~ was a shopping day! The girls made a pumpkin pie with Grandpa for Thanksgiving then we headed out to the mall for a little retail therapy. That evening we did family pictures at the Mill that is right in their development. They turned out SO wonderful. Go to http://www.momentsintimefotos.com/ and you can see a sample of them.

Thursday~ was Thanksgiving and we had a nice lazy day of watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and of course eating LOTS of turkey day food. We all ended the day playing in the pool and lounging in the hot tub.

Friday~ found us on the road again. We headed up to Waco to the Homestead Craft and Children's fair. What an awesome experience!!! It was very interesting to see how they made, grew and process everything themselves. We listened to their "band" and choirs which were some of the most inspiring and talented people I've every seen! And our last fun treat was that Anna Elhers, who is living in Waco now, came over to visit us at the fair. She is the daughter of good friends of ours from WA. What a treat it was to spend a little bit of time with her. We ended our evening eating Mexican, my favorite, and drinking too many margaritas. It was a wonderful way to end a great week.

Saturday morning found us up early and off to the airport. It was a full day getting back home, once in Detroit we had to make a few stops before we crossed the boarder.

All in all it was a wonderful time, one with many memories. Now we have 18 days before we head back to Detroit to fly out to Bremerton for our 2 weeks home for Christmas.

One Year Anniversary

Last Wednesday, Nov 11 marked our 1 year anniversary of moving to Canada. It was such a busy day and I find my days, weeks and months all molding into one another. I forgot to take a moment and reflect on this past year. Amazing how one year ago we had a foot of snow by now. Kaitlyn was upset with us for moving her away from her friends. Matt was busy trying to figure out his new job. Grace was just being Grace, the one we can plop anywhere and she would make a million friends and be totally content. And then there was me, trying to find my place in this new world of mine. I had some lonely days back then. Being the new kid on the block in a community where everyone knows EVERYONE was a bit hard.

Then we fast forward to a year later. Kaitlyn isn't mad at us any more, but she still does talk about her friends back in WA. She has made lots of good friends here who I know she will be mad at us again for having to leave them when ever we move again. She keeps herself busy with band, student council, horse back riding and drama club. Grace is still fun loving Grace who has sprouted into quite the hockey player. Her life evolves around hockey. She also is busy with her friends and drama club. Matt has "found his feet" out at the Bruce and is making a name for himself. He has accomplished SO much this past year and continues to set goals for himself and his team. Ones that they are exceeding on a weekly basis. It definitely has been a wonderful move career wise for Matt. And then there's me. I went from too much time on my hands to WAY too busy!!! I started a children's program at church that takes up a TON of my time organizing but it is SO worth it each week just seeing those kids excited about coming to church and learning what we have to teach them. I am also working part time for Babcock Service Inc ( the same company Matt works for ). I have been doing some administrative work for the guys up here. I am also involved in a weekly bible study that I really enjoy. Along with all the running around of kids that I do I find myself falling into bed exhausted each night.

Looking back this past year really did go by quickly. We are excited to see what God has in store for us this next year. Hopefully not as much snow! HA! Thanks to all our family and friends who have supported us in this adventure. It's hard being so far away but I am trulythankful that we get to come home like we are and share some special time with each of you.

See all you Western Washington family and friends in a month!!!

Halloween

Kaitlyn our gypsy and Gracie our 80's rocker went out trick or treating last night. Both of them had friends invite them over to trick or treat with them. Which was so good because we don't live where there are many people plus we don't know our neighbors that we do have very well. Gracie came back with 2 shopping bags full and Kaitlyn had one shopping bag. So now we have WAY too much candy, about 30 bags of chips and 9 cans of pop. Think I am going to freeze some of this candy for later.

With both kids gone last night Matt took me out to dinner. I had Tandori Salmon and Matt had a Lamb shank. Oh it was SO good! I was a very different night not having the kids around and it being Halloween. I guess this is the beginning of our kids growing up.

Anyway, it's hard to believe November is on us and in just 3 short weeks will be heading to Texas to visit Dave and Linda for Thanksgiving. I do have to say my holidays are all mixed up and those usual "feelings" you get around this time of year are just not there. I think this has to do with Canada celebrating Thanksgiving in October and then having Halloween. Just a bit backwards. Our trip to Texas is one we are looking VERY forward to. It's been about 6 or 7 years since we were down there last. Plus I think we are also looking forward to some warmer weather!

Well, over the next few months we have a lot planned and lots going on so stay tuned to all our adventures! And to our family and friends in WA~ we will be home for Christmas and can't wait to see you all. We miss you all very much and look forward to seeing you when we get there!

And she canters......

Here is a video of Kaitlyn cantering on Twinkie!! It is so cool to see her sprout into a wonderful horse person. She really has a passion for it and loves learning all that she can. Matt and Grace were even able to come see. Kaitlyn rides later now and so after hockey they were able to come over and got there just in time to see her ride.

A canter and an assist

Well it's been a fun week here in the Halsted household. Wednesday Kaitlyn had her horse back lessons. She has been riding a different horse ( Twinkie ) because Ben, her usual horse, is hard to get into a canter. Last week she rode Twinkie, it had been since last winter that she rode him. They were getting used to each other. This week they were both more comfortable with each other and Kaitlyn was able to get Twinkie into a canter. My baby was smiling from ear to ear! She has been wanting to canter for months. She did a few circles around the arena and of course mom forgot the camera! I'm so proud of her. She really is becoming a wonderful rider and I am beginning to realize that her comfortableness on a horse comes from the interaction she has with that horse and spending time with it. I see a friendship growing between these horses and her.

On Thursday Grace had a hockey game. It was a great game. One that was very evenly matched. Grace is starting to find her place out there on the ice and getting after the puck. At one point she stopped the puck, looked up to see where her team mates were, passed it to another girl and that girl scored. It was SO exciting to see!! The funny thing was when the game was over and I went to the locker room I told Grace "Congrats on getting an assist" and she didn't even realize it!!

What a fun week!! Our girls are the BEST!!!

Horse back and Hockey

Our days have been filled with horse back lessons and hockey practices/games. Kaitlyns horse instructor moved all her horses for the winter to another barn with an indoor arena. This is a different one from last year and I have to say a much better one! The barn is attached to the arena so we don't have to walk in the blowing snow any more! All the horses are making the adjustment very well and everyone seems to like the new place. Kaitlyn has moved from riding our beloved Benny to Twinkie. Twinkie is the first horse Kaitlyn rode when she got here. She is preparing to learn how to canter on Twinkie along with getting used to riding a different horse. Something her instructor and I felt Kaitlyn needed to do. It's important to try out different horses and learn how to adjust yourself to their "quirks". We are hoping this next coming week Kaitlyn will be able to try a canter.

We have also begun our hockey season with Grace. She has had a few practices and this weekend had two games. It was so fun to see her back out on the ice and I have to say she looks GREAT out there. Her confidence this year is so high and she really is getting to understand the game. Another added bonus is Matt is helping coach her team. She is loving having her Papa on the beach next to her. Her game yesterday they got stomped. That team has been on the ice a month longer than us so they had a better "feel" then us who have only had a few practices. Today's game was SO awesome!!! The girls played so great and it was more evenly matched. Very fast paced and everyone come out with their game on! Grace played so well and is getting more aggressive out there going after the puck. We are so proud of our Pee Wee Tiverton Thunder girls!!!

Here are a few pictures and videos from this past week. As time goes on I will keep you posted on how the girls are doing. It's a busy time of year but it is also a very fun one. Who knows, you may hear about Matt and I out there playing a little pick up hockey. We are going out tonight to check it out and see if it is something I would like to do or not. Just not sure but who knows!!

18 years!

I can't believe 18 years have pasted SO quickly. I feels just like yesterday I was standing there in my grandparents church, in the dress my grandma made, getting married by the man who helped organize "Turkey Fest" ( the event where Matt and I met ) surrounded by all our friends and family.

Looking back on this journey Matt and I have been on....we have moved 10 times, had 2 beautiful girls, cared for my mom til her death, bought a trailer and took many fun camping trips, spent 10 months with Matt gone for 3+ weeks home for 4 days while he was in New Orleans, went back to work part time, then moved to another country. There are so many more adventures we have been on and many more to come.

I am so thankful to have met Matt and have him as my best friend. 23 years ago November we met at an all night church event the day after Thanksgiving. I still wonder why my parents allowed me to date a guy who was 3 years older than me and out of high school. But I am SO thankful they did. Matt has been the best thing, after Christ, that has ever happened to me.

I love you Matt with all my heart! Thank you for choosing me as your wife!

I am excited and ready to see what the next 18 years will hold for us!

Blue Jays/ Mariner Game

Matt was able to get these awesome tickets from work for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Seattle Mariners. So we headed to Toronto! We picked up the girls at lunchtime on Friday and got to Toronto about 4:00. We did a little shopping, got those winter coats, pants and gloves for the girls. Now all they need are boots-why do feet grow SO fast!?! Matt got all his gear for hockey. Yep he needs gear and nope he's not playing-yet. He is going to be the assistant coach for Grace's team this year. After dinner we headed to the pool for some fun. The hotel had one water slide and the girls had a blast.

Saturday morning we headed into Toronto ( we stayed in Brampton which is about 30 minutes outside of Toronto ). We took the girls up in the CN tower. It is the tallest building in the world right now. We went to the VERY top which is called "The Bubble". It's glass all around. We were up over a million stories. After it was time to head to the game. Our seats were in the second row behind and to the left of home plate! It was SO cool!!! The girls got to get their jerseys signed by the General Manager and Mike Sweeny. It was pretty cool sitting in those VIP seats. You got hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and pop. Then in the 5th inning they passed out ice cream!!!

We ended our day at Costco. Anytime we can go to a Costco is pure joy for us. We sure miss shopping there. Plus Matt scored on a chest freezer so now we can buy in bulk and freeze it! YEAH!

It was another memorable weekend for us and we continue to thank God that He has provided this wonderful adventure for us to be on. We do miss our family and friends and before we know it we will be headed back but for now we are really enjoying what lies ahead for us!

School Update

I know I said I would update you all about the first day of school weeks ago but life happens and boy it sure has been happening around here. The girls have been in school for 3 weeks now and they both are just loving it.

Kaitlyn's teachers name is Mrs. Blackwell. She just loves her. There is a lot of order and the expectations are laid out very well. Something Kaitlyn thrives on. She has joined band this year and is still playing the flute. She also decided to put in an application for Student Council. She had to write and "essay" on why she wants to be apart of it and what she could bring to the Council. There were 22 kids who applied and only 12 were chosen. Kaitlyn is one of them. They had their first meeting last week and she is SO excited about it. We are SO proud of her and are just loving how she is growing up and maturing. These are wonderful experiences that will take her far in her life.

Grace's teachers name is Mrs. Smegal. We had heard she is pretty tough, something we think Grace really needs. She will be challenged this year. But I have realized her teacher is not tough, she just sets the bar a little bit higher to help the kids achieve at a larger standard. Something Grace has not encountered yet. Kaitlyn had a teacher like this in 4th grade and it really set the standard for her and so we are very excited to see what this year holds for Grace. Grace has joined Choir for the 2nd year and is VERY excited about hockey starting in the next week or so.

I have to say the girls are doing very well so far in school. They both come home and usually sit down to do homework. Something they decided on their own. It quite amazes me but hey I'm not complaining!

So that is our update on school. Lots more has happened in the last few weeks so I will update as time allows me to. So keep watching!

Kailtyn's Horse Show

Here is a video of Kaitlyn's routine from her show. She did SO well. We are VERY proud of her. This being her first time in a show ever. It was not an actual show it was at her instructors house but the judge was a professional dressage rider. There were 21 riders all the way from brand new to years of experience. It was fun with a bunch of excitement. Kaitlyn is already talking about next years show.