July 21-22

I am not sure how many of my readers are aware of Ken’s history… but way back when (when he was young and spry) he was quite the soccer player. Up until his grade 12 year when he had an unfortunate accident on the field (really ask HIM to regale you with that one) where he broke his collar bone and could not be scouted for University soccer teams. Instead he became a kicker for the school football team and broke state records which lead to him playing University football (not the European kind but football football). Anyway off the beaten path but… Saturday became our opportunity to watch another budding soccer star who is dear to our heart! Our godson Anthony. 

Proud God-daddy

He was in the middle of his tournament so we took in one of his games. It was hot and humid (of course) and amazingly enough only Ken and myself ended up burnt. The rest of the Novak boys (less “big” Andy) were there with Darcy so it was a great chance to get reacquainted with everyone. John and Maggie (“big” Andy’s parents) also showed up for the game along with Kyle and Samantha (the Novak cousins). All people we had not seen for 3 years!! 

Reuniting with the Novaks (Aidan and Alex)

I suppose I should explain who the Novak boys are… well Andy (Andrew, “big” Andy) and Darcy have 4 kids – ALL boys! (little) Andrew was at our wedding way back in 2001! And was absolutely ADORABLE! Anyway he is now… almost 12 I think! And next is Anthony our godson who is 10, then Alex who is freshly 9 and finally Aidan who is going into Kindergarten this fall at the ripe age of 5 I do believe! Darcy and Andy are also Zander’s godparents. So you add their 4 to our 5 and  you have a lovely group of active, healthy and happy kids. 

Anthony

Our boy

Enthralled Echo

Look at him run!

Action shot

The boys made instant friends and Echo an admirer in Anthony… Trinity was a little less enthused but when you are the only girl in a sea of boys it CAN be a little overwhelming. I figure give her a few visits and she will fit right in.

Miss Trinity in her garage sale find shirt

Sadly Anthony’s team did NOT win but it was an experience all the same. And very clear evidence that we are not used to the humidity coupled with the heat. After the game we returned home to ALL (and mean ALL 7 of us) have a nap! Much needed! Once napping was accomplished we decided to head back to the Novak’s home for a visit. We were actually debating where we would meet up with them but a neigbour had an emergency so they were unable to come to us. In fact, this meant there were a total of 12 kids! 10 boys and 2 girls… so you can imagine Trinity’s lack of glee. 

Dog pile on Andy

Add to the fun a kitten and a puppy and we had a full and chaotic house. So what better to do to feed the masses then order from a place called 5.00 Pizza! Seriously large pizzas at 5.00 (or a little more depending on toppings) a piece. YUM! 

Pizza time

We pretty much had to tear the boys away from the fun when Echo finally decided she was completely exhausted. With plans to return already in the works it is a great relief to see the kids all settling in with another family so quickly. Our first day of our first weekend was a definite success even though the soccer game was not won. 

Echo and her Anthony

Sitting with Aunty Darcy

The boys

Sunday was a down day for us. We did go do some shopping, but most of our time was spent at the house getting used to our surroundings. Nana and Baba have set up each of the 4 larger kids with lovely beds… the twins have a bunk bed and Emanuel a single in one room…

New sheets and everything

Trinity (and by extension in her playpen Echo) is in the sewing room next to our room. Note the Hello Kitty sheets…

Totally Kitty

Of course, now that there was less kids around and some down time it was time to let the boys have their Tyrell Museum gifts. Gavin got a mosaic style craft project that uses stickers on a patterned image to make a lovely almost stained glass look…

Gavin at work

Zander chose his gem finding block. A definite success as he sat down and worked on this thing for lovely extended periods of time. It was like a treasure hunt!

On the look out for gems

Life has truly begun here in Minnesota… and tomorrow… Monday… it is time to begin our time homeschooling once again! 

We were not the only Canadians there that day!

Happy Easter everyone! We have had a marvelous day! Start the morning off with Grandma and Grandpa Mike’s from scratch waffles with berries and whipping cream and go from there! Then it was time to pack the kids up and head to Walmart for the traditional shopping of the sandals. 

So happy

Everyone got what they wanted – Trinity girly pink, Zander transformers, Emanuel Lightning McQueen and Gavin after near tears and an accidental dropping of sandals – ones that LIGHT UP. It can be so difficult to find the right thing for each kid! This time we did an amazing job of doing so. 

We did have to run back to Walmart with Emanuel to exchange his, we somehow grabbed 13s on the way out of the shoe section when we actually needed 11s. He had a blast in Grandma’s convertible (with the top up as it is still spring in Alberta… EARLY spring) with Mommy and Grandma ON HIS OWN. 

Just like at Chris and Chris’ we had EGGS to dye! AND Uncle Wayne to join us. Traditions are wonderful. Mom boiled a ton of eggs, we made up a bunch of dye cups, brought out the white crayons and fun ensued. Messy fun, everyone got involved (except Echo who was napping). Good thing Mike enjoys hard boiled eggs!

EGGS

Kept them busy

Then it was time for the gifts from mommy, daddy and the Easter bunny – a whole bucket of bubble soap and bubble wants and Kinder Surprise Eggs. So much excitement and chocolate (which by the way Echo did NOT like… though she did like the cow’s milk she had Saturday for the first time).

BUBBLES

Kinder eggs

Don’t forget the actual church clothes Easter pictures!!! I gave each of the kids their sock owls as well, I love my mom’s couch for pictures.

Cheese

A vision in white

The kids have loved the added space that Grandma has at her house, the freedom and their own rooms. Oh and don’t forget all the toys. We are borrowing a couple containers of Grandma’s outside toys  to take back to the Chris’ for the rest of our time there. At least then the kids can do something outside of the house for longer than 15 min. Fingers crossed the bowling set is the key to familial harmony. 

Me and my mommy

Oh and our special dip!!

Gypsy has also fallen in love with Echo, though the snacks she has been sneaking her has been helping that along. It is so cute watching the giant dog follow the tiny baby around the house and vice versa. She is a very well behaved dog. Emanuel even went with mom and Uncle Wayne and walked the dog HIMSELF most of the way!

The Gypsy

Supper was delicious with ham as the centerpiece… sadly after dinner we got some unpleasant news… my sister in law Holly is in the hospital for gall bladder surgery. Please keep her in your prayers and positive thoughts. This was very unexpected and has put their little family into quite an upheaval. We are currently trying to figure out a way to deal with my nephew Jimmie. He is in school for full days but someone needs to be there before and after. I am waiting to hear what her mother’s plans are for travel (she is in Texas) but if she can’t make it Echo and I may have to pack up and catch a ride to the city for a few days at least. 

The kids are slightly unimpressed with the knowledge that our time at Grandma’s is coming to an end. We have promised that once a van is purchased we will plan another visit but for the kids… well they LOVE their grandparents and this house has become a second home to them. I am glad, it reminds me of how I felt about my maternal grandparents’ home. It was comfortable and happy and… a good place to be! 

Hanging with the VERY popular Grandpa Mike