May

Kaden and Milo's Excellent West Coast Adventure (Chapter One) - May 22 - May 31, 2011
Today we left on a two week vacation to Vancouver. Our return was long overdue. We were all excited to get on the plane! The boys traveled really well. Kaden was a super big bro pushing his brother around the airport. The conveyor sidewalks were a big hit and it was the fastest check-in ever experienced a Pearson. We got there with LOTS of time and ended up spending most of it at the gate. No matter, the boys had what they needed. Milo had snacks and Kaden had the iPod. Once on the place they continued their good travels with food, TV and some sleep.

It was a very surreal trip, literally down memory lane, as we drove into Vancouver from the airport. We arrived safely at our friend's house mid-afternoon. They are just a couple weeks away from a mega-renovation on their house, but in the interim we were SO happy to be able to set up a home base in their basement suite. It was awesome to have our own space and yet have such amazing friends as roomies! Our friends' kids, Anders and Mika, are just a little over a year younger than each of our kids, respectively. Kaden and Anders became fast friends...having an iPhone to share helps break the ice! You'll notice Kaden is no longer sporting any stitches. We put the little bandages over the scar to help remind him he still needed to be cautious for a couple of weeks while it really healed closed.

May 23
The weather forecast was less than promising so we decided to head to Science World. We took the bus to get there and the Sky Train home - again the journey is at least half the fun! Kaden's love for Mika really blossomed today. He really LOVES her...,"Oh Mika, I love you. I love you baby Mika. Tickle. Tickle. I love you, Mika."

That night we took another very familiar route via Sky Train to end up in our old neighbourhood. We had dinner next door to our old house. Crazy. Kaden didn't seem to remember the area, but it has been over two years since we lived there and he was under two when we moved. It was very surreal for us though to be walking down such a familiar path, but not to have the keys to get in! We did stop at our favourite train watching bridge. Ah...it brings back memories. As with everything so far, it doesn't feel like that much time has passed. With each friend we see you'd swear it had only been a couple weeks since last we spoke - except for the fact that we all have more kids!!!

May 24
Another cool overcast morning, but this is the Wet Coast after all so we don't let it sway our plans. We traveled with raincoats and boots and are ready to tackle the outdoors. We met up with our good buddy Dan and hiked around Lynn Canyon. The boys still aren't over jet lag yet so they each took turns snoozing as we traveled! While on the trails Milo found his first slug. He was mighty impressed and quite stern with Kaden as he approached it with a stick! We stopped for lunch afterwards where Kaden kicked back in style- chocolate milk and the iPhone!

Before heading out with Alanah to pick up Anders at daycare Milo took advantage of playing solo with a bunch of Anders' cars. Kaden just wanted to play with Mika!

May 25
Today's adventure took us to the aquarium (we were using up all our 'rainy day activities' quite early in the trip, but each day the rain held off while we were inside). The boys enjoyed running about seeing the animals and we even got to take in a new feature at the aquarium - a 4D movie! It was only about 20 minutes, but only Craig and Kaden made it to the end. Anders, Mika and then Milo slowly protested as various sights and sounds and actions assaulted their senses (including being sprayed with water mist, bubbles floating in the air, a poke in the back from the chair, and strobe lights - to name a few).

That night we had dinner with another group of friends (we hiked together each summer and became fast friends in between). Again it felt like no time had passed, but now we fill a kids table!

May 26
So far we taken an airplane, a bus and a sky train...today seemed like a good day for the Aqua Bus! We took a tour of False Creek starting and ending with Granville Island. After our boat ride we stopped in to play at the Kid's Market.

The boys really liked the "rides".
 

Oh Mika...I love you...

After naps we walked with Alanah to pick up Anders and ventured to the park to play. Our good friend Ciara joined us for some fun too.

May 27 - Tofino Bound!
Today we set off for a long weekend in Tofino. Craig was participating in a surfing stag and the boys and I were not being left behind! Alanah anf family were joining us for the weekend to enjoy the western-most coast and to help celebrate her birthday. The weather wasn't promising as we left town, but it managed to cooperate when we were out of the car. The boys enjoyed the ferry (yet another mode of transport to add to our vacation's list) and Milo even got to try on some guys motorcycle helmet (he mistakenly knocked Milo over so this was his was of appologizing)!

It didn't take long for the boys to nod off as we started the Island side of our drive. We even saw a black bear as we started into the twisty-turny roads of the final leg. The house we rented was not right on the beach, but not a far walk. It had everything we needed to enjoy our weekend's adventure.

After dinner we walked down to the beach to see if we could see Japan. A perfect night.

Checking out the waves...
 

May 28
The boys were happy to see Anders and Mika when the woke in the morning (they arrived late the night before). After everyone was up and ready we went back to the beach to play. Chasing waves (or more appropriately - being chased by waves) was a fun game!

Later in the day I took Kaden back to the beach to see if we could find Craig surfing. We didn't actually see him in the water (he assures me he got up), but Kaden was stoked about his first surf lesson. He was hesitant until the first wave washed over his boot (and after he fell down) and then getting wet didn't matter. Surf's Up! As he sloshed home it sounded like he had the whole ocean in his boots! Ian helped him empty the water and then they had some quiet time in the sun.

Can you hear the sloshing?!?

After naps, Alanah and I took the kids into Tofino to play at the park. The park was fun, but the bushes were even more fun!

Craig and Dad - together again :]

May 29
A greyer day, but nothing stopping us for heading back to the beach. Milo unfortunately was a little under the weather (which we later got diagnosed at the hospital in Tofino as strep throat)...but we all made the best of it.

While Craig was with Milo in Tofino, Laurel and Kaden whipped up some birthday cake and rice crispy treats. Yum. Post nap, Milo started to perk up a bit after his first dose of antibiotics, but you can see he doesn't look quite like himself. Poor little bear.

I stayed back with Milo, but the rest of the crew took the kite and Laurel's paddle board to another beach and gave them both a try.

Let's go fly a kite!
Best $5 drugstore purchase!
 

That night we had a campfire outside our house and rounded out the b-day celebrations with the cake (and roasted marshmallows).

Up!
 

May 30
Again the boys napped in the car as we bid farewell to Tofino and started making our way to Duncan. That night we got to visit with my uncle and cousin and her kids. A short visit, but so nice to see everyone.

May 31
On the road again down to Sidney to see my Nana (GG to the boys). We had a nice visit over lunch. I don't think Nana heard everything the boys said to her, but they were happy to chat away and tell her all about our vacation thus far.

Back to the ferry to head back to Van to enjoy the second week of our vacation.
 

Vancouver's Eve - May 21, 2011
A sunny Saturday, packing for our vacation can wait until later! Milo helps to tune up his bike and then we were off to the park and lake. The day was perfect for popsicles, playing and a trip out for ice cream.

Fire Fighter Milo - May 19, 2011
Dressed for the part and surrounded by his trucks. He's a happy little boy.

Half Marathon and Happy Birthday! - May 15, 2011
Today was the Mississauga Marathon. I entered to run the half marathon and, despite the less than spectacular weather and the early start, I was off and running - get it?! The kids, Craig and my folks also got up early (although well after I left the house) to make their way to the finish line. Our neighbourhood gets land-locked with the marathon's race course so they were out the door shortly after 7AM to beat the road closures. They endured the cold and the rain, ate breakfast at McDonald's and then made their way to the shuttle bus to get to the finish line in time...famous last words... Funny story about that. I had hoped to run the race in under 2hours, but to be sure, the crew arrived early to get set up and wait. Jim even joined my cheering squad. Yet somehow, with 4 sets of adult eyes, and numerous cameras nobody saw me cross the finish line. NOBODY! My name was even announced! No matter, there was a course photographer and with my bib clearly visible I was able to get a few pictures of me along the way. I was pretty happy with my time. I ran in 1 hour and 50 minutes. Jim got some post race shots too and it was nice to have a familiar crowd around regardless of what they did or didn't see. Kaden even brought his stuffed owl (Mr. Who) to give to Milo if he was fussy and to give to me after my long run. So cute. I'm sure my parents could have done without the rain-soaked outing, but the boys enjoyed riding the shuttle bus probably more than if they had even seen me running. 

That night we celebrated Poppa's birthday.

Weekend Visitors - May 14, 2011
Nanna and Poppa came to town this weekend to watch me run a half marathon and to celebrate Poppa's birthday. Too bad the weather didn't want to cooperate for either! A little rain and a lot of mist didn't stop us from getting outside though. We went down to Rattray Marsh for a morning walk and rock toss.

Back in the warmth of the house, the boys both challenge Nanna to a game of Connect Four.

Back to "normal"...our normal routine anyway - May 13, 2011
I'm not sure if you can see the difference this time from the last, but Kaden's forehead looks SO much better after the second round of stitches. Armed with yet another head bandage (his classmates and teacher are going to start to wonder) Kaden shows off his Viking ship. He was taking it for his Show and Share at school today. We built it together after reading a Magic Tree House book about the Vikings.

With Kaden and school, Milo and I hit the park...the one with the soft, squishy under padding ;]

Enough with the Bloodshed! - May 12, 2011
No hospital visit was in order today, but Milo gave himself a fat lip with a small split... At least he was willing to endure the chill of the ice!

Recovering - May 11, 2011
Yesterday was a long day for everyone - probably the latest Kaden has ever stayed up! It was no wonder he fell asleep on the couch midday. Poor little monkey.

Another Tuesday to Remember! - May 10, 2011
This Tuesday started out innocently enough (like most Tuesdays except for last week's...you know where this is going, right?). The boys and I took the train downtown to meet up with our good friends who were in town visiting from Vancouver. We met them at the docks for Centre Island and then took the ferry across together. We made our way to the playground. The boys were playing so nicely together. Graeme and Kaden are only about 4 months apart (Kaden's the older one) and they hit it off right from the get go (maybe subconsciously they remember playing together as babes?!) Needless to say, less than 24hours after getting his stitches removed, Kaden and Graeme's game ended abruptly when Kaden ran into the play structure (not under as planned). It was as if the wound hadn't healed at all - his forehead split right back open. Sigh. Thank goodness there were three adults and three kids. We each picked one up and hurried back to the ferry. Cooler heads (and iPhones) figured out the best route and schedule for getting us up to Sick Kids. Kaden was most upset about the prospect of getting stitches again. It was the first thing he asked about when he banged his head again. Fortunately, as soon as we got on the Subway he perked up and starting talking about the stops we were going to pass! I wonder if Craig thought I was kidding at first when he got my call about heading to the hospital for stitches again ;]

It was a LONG day at the hospital (we arrived at 1:30pm and didn't get home until midnight), but if he had to get stitches for a second time it was the way to go. The doctors and nurses at the hospital were amazing and they did everything they could to make Kaden as comfortable as possible and give him the best chance for healing (except for the nurse who told us he could have a snack...). To avoid re-traumatizing him and to properly clean and stitch the wound he was sedated (which we had to wait a little longer to get since he has eaten a small snack mid-afternoon). The worst part was getting the IV in his hand, but it was worth it. He didn't feel or remember a thing and the wound looked a thousand times better than the first time with only 5 stitches this time. Giving him the sleep medicine was pretty amusing, for us anyway. He was chatty, chatty, chatty (telling the doctor about the ferry and the subway and the station we got off at...) and then he paused, stared straight forward saying. "what...is...this...?" and then he was out! Milo was a champ as well, but with limited food and a missed nap (he eventually passed out on my shoulder after crying each time the door to our room was opened..."Milo go OUT!"), he was done. We called in a good friend to come and rescue him. She gave him some dinner and a fresh diaper and eventually delivered him to the grandparents waiting for him at our house. Next Tuesday I'm wrapping the kids in bubble wrap on the couch...

Happy Mother's Day! - May 8, 2011
Today started with breakfast in bed. Fortunately Daddy was smart enough to put extras on the plate as both boys helped themselves before their bums even hit the bed! There were even some leftover Easter eggs included...I had to grab mine quickly and put it aside to not miss out. So cute. Our morning adventure took us on the GO Train downtown. No real destination in mind - the fun is in the journey. I got to go for a nice run in the afternoon and have wonderful bbq dinner prepared for me without even having to worry about getting the groceries! For dessert we were off to Dairy Queen. A good day for sure.

Ants! - May 7, 2011
A walk around the block proved most interesting today. Normally the ant hills we find poking out between sidewalk slabs or in the cracks of driveways grab Milo's interest and Kaden' wrath (he likes to cover them up)! Tonight however we found a flock/herd/colony that got everyone's attention. Well, for a little while, before Mr. Squish returned to the scene :]

My two cuties! - May 6, 2011
I tried to get a picture of Kaden's stitches...not a bad shot of the "damage". Milo enjoyed stopping to smell the flowers in our kitchen today. Too cute.

Who gave that boy a marker?!? FYI - this happened on Daddy's watch ;]

What a life! - May 5, 2011
Nothing beats soaking in the rays while sitting on a swing eating a popsicle. He looks pretty pleased, wouldn't you say?!

No worse for wear... - May 4, 2011
Yesterday was a long day, but with a bandage over his wound Kaden happily played as if nothing had happened (don't try to get anywhere near his head though - not even for a kiss on the opposite cheek)!

My proud little truck lover. He made his own double-decker bus...litterally!

Not for the faint of heart... - May 3, 2011
Today started much like any other Tuesday. We got up, had breakfast, said goodbye to Daddy and went upstairs to get ready for the day. However, unlike most Tuesdays, today we didn't have our usual playdate planned. No worries. I was sure we would figure something out, but with no schedule to push us forward I sipped my coffee while folding laundry in my room as the boys played together in Kaden's room. I soon heard a giggly Kaden coming down the hall and when he showed up in my room he had a pillow case over his head. In hindsight, you might say he (or I) was asking for trouble, but at the time he was just laughing and having fun - not being silly enough that I would stop him from continuing (although now I wish I had)! He walked slowly forward and then I thought he tripped...right SMACK down on the edge of our wooden bed frame. AAAAHHHH! After the fact I learned that he was actually trying to flop up onto our bed, but obviously he wasn't close enough when he initiated said flop, and with his hands pinned down by his side by the pillow case he came down with his full jumping force onto the frame. I still shudder when I relive the sound in my head. I quickly snatched him up and into the bathroom. The pillow case was replaced by a wad of Kleenex and then I dashed for the phone. With minutes to spare before the train pulled out of the station I managed to reach Craig..."you need to come home now...Kaden needs stitches!" Sigh. It was an impressive gash. Fortunately there wasn't as much blood as I would have expected - I think it almost sealed itself against his forehead it was so deep. Blech. So the four of us went up to the local emergency room. We didn't have to wait too long to get in, but once we were seen we had to wait for the numbing jelly to freeze Kaden's head. Poor little bear. He was then swaddled in a blanket, pinned down by myself a nurse and an aid and even then the doctor had to work against a screaming boy frothing at the mouth to somehow give him 6 stitches. He managed to calm a little bit while the nurse counted to 100. However she finished counting with one stitch to go...Kaden was not interested in any more counting! Traumatized? Yes - but only for the moment. Kaden didn't seem to relive the incident like I did!

Mr. Napkin Head - May 2, 2011
Doesn't he look proud of himself?!

Happy Graduation, Gran and Grandee! - May 1, 2011
What an accomplishment. Gran and Grandee have completed their PhDs...the most educated members of our family for sure! They are actually leaving next weekend for the official ceremony, but since we can't travel with them we wished them well and gave them our heartiest congratulations here before they left. Congrats again with another BIG round of applause!