In search of Marda Gras

The ICHC headed over to Marda Loop for the 'Marda Gras' festival. We had heard about it from 'friends', who obviously wanted to see how far we would walk in the heat. Turns out it doesn't start until the 10th of August! We've got the best seats in the house now!!!

We grabbed lunch and walked over to a park for some play time before coming home:
That has got to hurt!
Lily seems to like two in a bucket!

Sunny day at the Park

Today I took Sam and Max over to Dawn and Ryan's to play with the kids, have lunch and visit the neighborhood park. Ryan and I took the four boys, plus Ruby, on the bikes after lunch.



When we arrived back Sam said "I'm sleepy Dad". I rushed him and Max home and both were nicely napping when Lars, Anna-Greta, Neva and Earl arrived.

We had a nice chat outside, then moved in as rain threatened, then finally hailed down. After a nice meal a la Darcy, she headed over the Dawn's and I took the great Danes to the airport. We said a nice goodbye and they were on their way... They were a really nice couple, and we are happy that they had a really nice time in Canada and Alaska.

Painting the shed

Sam and Rogan help paint the shed! It went pretty well, but lots of paint ended up on the ground...

Raise the checkered flag, it is the final coat!

Congratulations Lee-Ann and Scott!

Congratulations on the birth of Jack Leonard Shaw, yesterday (July 20, 2008). He weighed 7 lbs and 10 oz, and was born at 22:45. We haven't talked to the lucky couple yet, nor do we have photos but I'll keep you posted once they get some rest. Mom and baby are healthy - no word yet on Scott or William!

Weekend Party!

Ali and Matt put on quite the party this weekend for Lily's birthday. We made good use of both yards. The party ended with about 8 kids in a warm pool on the deck. Max, wearing one of the shirts Matt did up for the kids ("I survived Lily's 1st birthday"):
Lily going at the cake:
Max working on a 2nd piece:

Cute things kids say

Sam made a 'sound' at the table this morning and Darcy asked if he farted. He said "Yeah. I'm a farter. I'm not very good at sharing, but I'm a farter." It will come in handy if he every runs for office :)

Pre-birthday Bash

While everyone was getting ready for the party today, I helped watch the kids in the backyard. Sam and Max helped dig up the yard and sink in the paver stones. Sam especially liked seeing the worms. "You can touch them, you know!"


Riding in his UGGs:

A refreshing popsicle:
Molly walking with the walker:
Try to keep that hair down, man!

Alaskan Cruise

I certainly had a good time on the cruise, and took over one thousand photos! Check out some photos:

Lily walks into her second year!

Lily turned one today, and following her cousin Max's lead she decided today was the day to take her first steps! First she walked a couple of times to her uncle Brad, then she started branching out. As luck would have it, all four grandparents were here to see it as well. Claire, Eric and Molly were missed, but should get a good demonstration of walking on the weekend when they come down to visit. As you can see from the photos, she still didn't let go of the purse she got for her birthday!
Purse and cellphone in hand:
The cake! She liked it, but didn't go hog wild over it or anything...
Watch those eyebrows!

Reunited with our boys

The cruise to Alaska is now behind us, and we are home with Sam and Max. The boys were very excited to see us (though not quite as excited as Lucy!). We sort of picked up where we left off and took the boys home to Calgary again. Lynne and Ian had a great time with the boys, and had plenty of stories to tell about their antics. We took them to the Salmon Arm wharf yesterday for dinner and ice cream. Here are a few shots of them...

Sam is getting pretty good with the old soccer ball. He can kick it fairly straight, and far, too!
Max looking cute, sitting in a swing:

Happy Birthday Molly!

Molly turned 1 yesterday! All of us from Calgary plus a host of other Hyndman family and the Wickett grandparents convened in Edmonton for Canada Day and Molly's 1st Birthday. Molly played the part with smiles and cake devouring behaviour...