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.

Firsts Day of School 2009

Well here we are at the beginning of another school year. Our 2 month summer went by WAY too fast but it sure was a good one. I woke the girls up this morning and both groaned at me and really had no desire to get up. But as they gradually woke up Gracie was bounding around the house VERY excited about being a 5th grader. Kaitlyn on the other hand was not too thrilled. She doesn't like the unknown and so she was not too excited, plus she's not a morning person. As you can see by the pictures their faces tell the story. I guess I should have taken by camera down to the bus stop because by the time the bus arrived Kaitlyn was chatting non-stop about how cool the grade 7 desks are and if it's the same teacher as last year how cool she is. So, I guess she needed that hour to really wake up and get her bearings on the day. So here I sit getting ready to head out to work and have a day of no kids. Some of you may think it will be a lazy day for me, no way! I have been making lists this last week of things I want to get done now that the kids are back in school and I have the whole day to myself. Granted today is suppose to be a nice day, Starbuck and I may have to hit the beach for a bit. I will post another update once the girls are home from school so you all can hear how the first day went.

Weekend update

Yesterday ( Saturday ) we headed to London, 2 1/2 hours away to finish our school shopping. It was a full day but a very productive day. We left before 7 am and got to London just before the stores open. We hit Staples, the Mall, Best Buy and Costco. We totally filled up the car, with help from our friends who had lists for us too. We made it back home in time to join the Berkman's and Dunham's at the Berkman's house for dinner. Brooke's folks were in town for a few days and Marilyn made her ribs, potato salad, coleslaw and apple pie. It was a great visit with everyone and wonderful to see Al and Marilyn.

Today was a bit of a lazy day. A friend of ours had their first baby on Friday evening so we called them and asked if we could come over and bring them dinner and see little Coco Lyna ( said Leena ). So Matt and I did some shopping for food. I made a pasta dish while Matt made a yummy fruit salad with fresh fruit from a berry farm. We all went over for our visit. OH how I LOVED holding that little girl. She is so sweet and her mom is AMAZING!! Coco was born at home!!

After, we took Kaitlyn to her friend Olivia's house for a sleepover. Matt, Grace and I decided to hit the beach and take a long walk. It was such a beautiful day today and a great evening walk. Later on we will be making a campfire and roasting marshmallows.

Tomorrow is officially the girls last day of summer. School starts on Tuesday and they are all ready to go. Grace is more excited than Kaitlyn but I know they are both ready to go back. As I too am ready for them to go!

Kaitlyn and Ben

Last night as lessons Kaitlyn started practicing for her horse show in a couple weeks. They do some trotting and walking around the area to music. I have to say we were so proud of her watching her do her routine. She looks so comfortable and at ease on Ben. They really are a great combination!! Here is a short video of what she will be doing. Her show is on the 19th and I will post the whole thing at that time.

A short Beach Day

Matt and I took the girls down to the beach the other day. We have only a few days left of summer vacation and the weather was sunny but not overly warm. We have not had many day to enjoy the beach so here was our chance for a short visit to the beach.