Spring Break 2011!

Friday, March 25

We flew to Vancouver at 5pm on Friday March 25th.  We were all so excited to see our BC Chosen Family.  Our flight was delayed slightly because they had to de-ice the wings, so once we got up and towards the West we were ever so excited to see GREEN and flowers!  Not Dusty dirty gravely snow covered roads..... landing safely the first face we saw was the beaming smile of Scott on the other end to pick us up.

The weather was beautiful, I could feel my skin instantly re-hydrating.  My hands had been so dry from the endless Calgary winter that I had an awful crack on the bend on my finger  :(


We got to Scott & Dee's and were so pleased to have our own room with COMFY bed and Quinn had his very own room to.  Great use of space guys!  Scott used to have a home office in their sun room, and now they have a Comfy queen size bed in this beautiful space.

Alex & Heather came over and we headed out for a late night Thai feast.  Quinn was SUCH a good boy!  It was 8pm our time when we headed out and he was so well behaved.  He didn't want to eat and we didn't force him, so we let him have Mango ice cream for dinner  :) 




Saturday, March 26

Dee was about a week into a 40 day Yoga challenge.  This was awesome because I was able to join her.  My first session was free as I was a guest, then I got a super sweet deal - 8 classes for $25.  Stellar!  So I bought the pass.  The studio Dee prefers is at Granville Island behind the Emily Carr studios.  It has white walls, large wood beams, and two walls of windows over looking False Creek.

We had nummy wraps for dinner from a local eatery then Lawrence headed out to meet up with some old friends.

Alex & Heather came over.  This night was 'earth hour' night.  Where everyone is supposed to turn their electricity off for 1 hour.   We turned everything off except the music, and Dee lit a bunch of candles.  Quinn absolutely loved this!  It was a unique experience for him  :)

Funny thing is, after Quinn was in bed, and Earth hour was over - we never did turn any lights and for the whole night visited in candle light.

Lair came home and we were all still up and hanging out.  I decided to let Lair stay up and went to bed to catch some sleep before little man woke...




Sunday, March 27

Candles still burning, People still visiting, Quinn woke and crawled into bed with me and watched a movie.  His getting up was the sign for the others to go to bed  ;-)

Q & I had a lovely quiet morning, playing Mario Cart and Carcassone.  By mid afternoon the sleepy heads arose and began epic preparations for a fantastic Potluck.  Mike & Amber joined us - so nice to see them!!  Amber is looking fabulous!  And I can't begin to describe how comforting Mikes smile is.

The food was excellent, the company was terrific ~ the night was a true success.




Monday, March 28

We were going to head to the Aquarium, but got a late start to the day and decided to head to Granville Island instead.  With wondered around, grabbed a snack, went to the Kids place, let Quinn run around in a play center for an hour.   Went back to DVS and Dee & I headed back to Granville Island for Yoga.  We came home to a Taco feast.



Tuesday, march 29

Hooray, Aquarium day!  We got there good an early, but man was it ever busy!  It was Spring Break after all!   It was good.  Had to slow Quinn down to stop and actually look!  I always enjoy the aquarium  :)  The Seahorses are my favorite!

Afterward we drove through Stanley Park and went on the Train.  It meant a lot to me because I told Quinn to Stanley Park lots when he was 1 - 2 yrs old and I always took him on the train.   I had to ask Lair to get off Facebook and enjoy the scenery....

Dee & I went to Yoga, Quinn hung out with Uncle Scott, and Lair went over to Alex & Heather to play Arkham Horror with them and Amber & Mike.  Dee made an awesome pasta dish with Sausage & Broccoli.  She picked up the fresh ingredients and meat from Granville Island Market.

Wednesday, March 30

Ben made his way from Burnaby to visit us!  We went for a nice long walk to a place called iSushi.   On the way we passed a large construction site and were able to stop and watch a big digger do some work.  Quinn was thrilled!

After our glutenous meal (Lair & I WAY too much tempura), we wandered by a few school parks for Quinn to swing and blow off steam.

Again, this night we went to Yoga, and for dinner, we ended up going for Crapes!  Myself, Dee and Quinn had Dessert crapes for dinner.   MMMmmmm MMMmm MMMmmmmm.




Thursday, March 31

It was another nice day and Dee took us to Lynn Canyon.  The drive was quite nice.  It's just a little past Capilano suspension bridge, only difference is it's FREE!  The bridge itself is shorter but taller than Capilano bridge, regardless it was so very beautiful and we all really enjoyed our little walk through the rain forest.  We took a path to see 'Twin Falls'.  This was another breathtaking spectacle of nature.  I enjoyed how on one side of the bridge, it was beautiful, misty, stunning, then 1 meter, the other side it was roaring loud!  Incredible force of water rushing belong.  Some of our pathways had washed away in mud and rain but we pushed through and had fun.

As we were walking through the gorgeous beautiful wonderful magical Forest, the canopy of tree high above kept the path shaded.  Then we came to a little clearing with a bench... and a Sunbeam!  It was a little pocket of awesome.  So we stopped for a granola bar and drink of water.

That evening Lair went out again, Scott had to work late, and we missed Yoga  :(   Dee made  a great stir fry and we just chilled for the evening.  I wished Lair didn't go out as I would have like to go on a little date with him, just dinner and a walk.  Oh well, guess we can do that here!  Just need a sitter.

Friday, April 1

We woke up to a rainy day....  I woke up feeling a little house bound and grumpy.

We played Carcassone with Dee.  Lair & I took Quinn Bowling!  A very retro, lost in time bowling alley.  We played two games and had a lot of fun.  It was just what the doctor ordered!

Afterwards we drove down to false creek and went for a walk with Quinn along the water.  We went out on a Boat launch and a dock.  Quinn threw sticks and stones into the water and went into the water with his rubber boots.  It was actually quite miserable, rainy and cold!  But we made the best of it.


This evening, Lair & I planned to go on a date to the Boathouse on Kitsilano Beach.  We had a sunset reservation.  A few hours before, Alex called to ask what we were doing for dinner.  They were totally up for joining us!  Laine was in town too, so we ended up going for a feast.  I didn't look at Prices, just ordered what I wanted.  Including sharing 2 bottles of wine with Laine!  ha ha!  That was awesome.  Saucy!!

Afterwards we went to Alex & Heathers for a quick drink, then Heather drove us to Organix.

It was really awesome to walk in there.  I've always enjoyed the space.  The artwork was fresh, the people were open and I danced danced danced danced non stop for about 3.5 hours.  It was a FULL ON none stop assault of aggressive, near psy-core music, which is not my thing BTW, but I enjoyed the night regardless.  One thing I found amusing, was my take on some of the clubbers.  There was a big Spanish presence, which is cool; but a lot of these guys were dressed like 'yo-yo-mo-fo gansters'.... Yet they were all totally into the night, lost in the music, big smiles and sociable.... I dub them 'Spanish Psy Gansters'  LOL 

I finally came off the dance floor at 2:20am...  We decided to leave and grab a cab before the whole club came out looking for a cab.     We very VERY lucky and it only took about 5 minutes.   A quick ride home and I melted into the super comfy bed.....




Saturday, April 2

Quinn woke up at 9....  I got up and hung with him for a big;  he got settled into a game of Mario cart so I went back to bed!!!!

Alex & Heather picked up Quinn around noon for an afternoon adventure to the Science Centre.

This gave us a nice afternoon to be Quinnless with Scott & Dee.  We went for brunch to a great little hole in the wall called 'Abbygails Party'.  It was quite delicious.  Afterwards we went for a walk to Kits beach, 4th, window shopped, checked out some shops ~ the weather was gorgeous!  The sun was shining, a light breeze, it was PERFECT Spring weather.    We made our way up to Commercial Drive where Alex & Heather own a condo.  I LOVE COMMERCIAL DRIVE!  It was incredible!  Reminded us of Toronto.   Blocks and blocks and blocks of Diverse crazy little shops, eateries and coffee shops as far as the eye could see!  Hippies and artsy peeps.  The amount of ETHNIC eateries was insane.   Nom Nom Nom  I could spend a lot of time and eat alot of calories down there.  AWESOME!  Love it!  We have nothing like this in Calgary at all.  It's what 17th ave wants to be, or Inglewood or Kensington;  But Calgary just doesn't have the infrastructure to ever house anything as awesome as Commercial Drive....

I tell you, If we had been introduced to this place 10 years ago, I bet we'd would have picked up and moved back then..... Oh well, can't dwell on the shoulda-coulda-woulda's!

So after our awesome long Commercial Drive wonder we made our way back to Alex & Heathers where they were preparing a Feast.  The meal was marvelous, company stellar.  After dinner we took Abby for a walk and made our way to a Gelato shop.   On our way back we stopped by a school field so both Abby and Quinn could literally RUN OFF some steam.   Man Quinn has a lot of energy.  At one point Scott asked Q if he could run around the whole field.   And off he went!  He was cutting corners but still did an impressive job of running and when he made his way back to us was not even panting!  Then Alex got in on it - and I will admit, I was impressed with his ability to run the field on a full stomach!  LOL  He was panting upon return  LOL

Back at the condo, Quinn found a violin.  Don't quote me on this, but I believe Heather told Alex the man she would Love would play the Violin - so he went and bought one!  Such a romantic.  He doesn't have a pitch fork so I tried to tune it by ear.... I didn't do a very good job, but did manage to scratch out a bit of a tune!  I haven't picked up a fiddle since 2003.... and in doing so, this has inspired me to find a cheap Fiddle to buy as mine is toast and beyond repair.   So my personal goal for this year is to acquire a cheap fiddle ($200? if possible), so I can practice again.  It does bring me great enjoyment.

Quinn also found 2 of Alex's OLD typewriters.  One I believe is a true Antique, but it is broken.  The other, a very old, but nice typewriter does work., So Alex showed Quinn what the typewriter did, then typed Quinn's Spring Break Story.  It turned into an hour long process and Quinn now has a legal sheet of paper with his Spring Break 2011 story typed.  Once this was done, it was near 11pm, we all headed back to DVS to tuck in Quinn and have a final late night visit before we said our goodbyes...    :(




Sunday, April 3

We got up around 10, packed and left for our 2pm flight (which was not a direct flight); We had a quick touch down in Kelowna (30 minutes on the ground) then home sweet home.

We went to Karma for some fine Indian food, then came home and  tucked Quinn in bed.



Final thoughts.  Quinn's sleep schedule was way off, but was totally worth it as we all had so much fun.  He is still trying his best a staying dry at night and he only had a few accidents.   I got to enjoy a few glasses of wine almost every day ~ Lawrence is not a wine drinker, so it was so nice to share a glass (or more) with the Vanderlee's.   We can't thank the Vanderlee's enough for letting us stay with them for 9 nights!  Our family needed a family vacation and were so happy to spend it with our Chosen family in BC.

Look out Vancouver here we come!

wOOt!  March 25 we fly out!

We told Quinn today so he can start counting down the days with us!

Other than the EXTREME awesome friends we'll be seeing, we are hoping to make it to the Aquarium, the Science Centre and A night out at Organix  :) (mommy & Daddy need to go DANCE!) .

With gas prices we are happy we got flights and didn't drive.

105.2 degrees

What a weekend....

Quinn woke up with a low grade fever friday morning.  He was Ok all day but started running hot friday night.

Saturday he was fine, up and playing and happy running 102 ish.  Then around 5pm it went up to 103 and he became listless and just layed.  He slept in our room beside our bed and I checked him about once every hour or so and he ran hot all night and I didn't get a good nights rest.

Today he was fine again, running 102-103 then he just stopped and it spiked!  105.2!  WTF?

We're big believers of letting a fever run it's course but he's never had one over 104.  We were trying to decide if we should find a medi center or stay home so I called the Health link.  They said give him Tylenol and a warm bath.  If it get up to 105.8 with Tylenol to call them back...

So I am glad we didn't head to a medi clinic it would have been a waste of time.

We got it lower and now is 102ish.


Poor little guy.  It's been a rough weekend for him.  I hope he's better for school tomorrow.  As far as we can tell this is related to a nasty cough he has.


I would like to add that the $70 digital instant ear thermometer I bought last year was the Best investment!  I wish I had bought one YEARS ago!

Face to face with a Laser!

I keep forgetting to mention that in November I came face to face with a Lazer! 

I have many moles, but a few on my face bothered me for years.

When I went to see the dermatologist about the crazy rash/infection on my wrist it came up that I had actually seen him back in 2004 about removing some moles from my face.  The reason I didn't do it at the time was we didn't have the money....

We hook a sister up - money well spent.  He did 4 for the price of 3 and I couldn't be happier.

The actual process Sucked, A LOT!  All the freezing needles in my face were less than pleasant.  But again, worth it!  The week after was a bit 'messy'.  Scabby and red and yucky, but all good a few weeks later.

I bet no one other than maybe Lair could tell me what ones I had removed.

This is something I did for myself.   And was happy to do so.


:)

Wow - 2011! I welcome you with open arms!

A new year....  I love the new year.  A time to clean out old files.  Sort and organize.  Prepare and plan for the year.

This year there were no Psy parties so we decided it would be best to stay home so we didn't have to worry about Little Man.  We still wanted to have a little fun, so we invited Lisa, Dean & Ivy over for a sleepover.  January 1 is also Dean's birthday!  The original idea was to go down to Olympic Plaza (Robin was spinning) for their family night, fireworks at 9, then come home, tuck the kids in, then get a little silly.

It was -20 on Dec 31.   It was supposed to warm up, but not enough for us to pack up the kids to Downtown when we could stay snug at home.  So that's what we did.   It was a nice evening.  Others were still up in the air with what they were going to do so we put out the 'Open Door' invite to anyone who cared to make the adventure to Copperfield.

Being Dean's birthday, I asked him what he wanted for dinner.  He said the Mama Mia from Vern's Pizza, his treat.  Ok, sounds good.... Momma Mia indeed - a TEN POUND MEAT PIZZA!   LOL, can you believe it?  That was one hearty pizza!

Jason Bekowski stopped in for a quick bit to see Dean and it was nice to see his face.  Rocky & Jen joined us all for dinner (and the whole night), Brenna & Chris swung by for a quick New Years Hug, Dwayne came for the night and we had a surprise visit from Karen, David & Justin!  That made my night!

So the music was pumping all night long in the basement.  And I think everyone had a very good time.

(Photo borrowed from Karen's photo blog)

Being Dean's b-day, I offered to get up with the kids in the morning so Lisa could party by his side.  I finally put myself to bed ~4:30a....  Man 7:15 came quick!  The kids were so good.  They watched a movie while I dozed.  I got them breakfast, then they played together ALL morning and ALL afternoon!  They were both so well behaved.  In the late afternoon we watched Despicable Me then bid fair well to Lisa, Dean & Ivy.

We put Quinn to bed, then watched Lord of the Rings, Two Towers.  SO GOOD!

Sunday was a jammy day of rest and relaxation... hmmm, I guess every day since New years has been the same!

I took monday as the Stat as the Dayhome was closed.  So short work week for me.  Unfortunately I think I flipped my schedule a tad as I have not had one good nights rest  :(  Tossing, turning, insomnia, .... Meh!  Hopefully I can get back into my normal sleep patterns this weekend!  I think I proved to myself that in 2011, I can not party like it's 1999  LOL


So Happy New Year!  May it be healthy and happy and filled with love!

A Quinnless night

Mom offered to take Quinn for a sleepover over the holidays.  So we choose last night.  I dropped him off at dinner time then met Lair at Chinook where we saw Tron in 3D IMAX.  We quite enjoyed it visually.  The storey was ok - overall I was impressed.

We met our friend Shawn & g/f Bri at the theatre and went for a beer after.  It was a nice evening out.

Lawrence had to work today so I am on my own!  I stayed up till 1 last night and laid in bed until 10:30.... why?  Because I could!  And here I sit at 2pm having accomplished nothing - and it feels great!  I might take the tree down today.

We'll go to moms for dinner and pick up little man.


I wish this sleepover was happening Tomorrow night!  New Years Eve would have been a million times better for us to be Quinnless, but beggars can't be choosers.

We're having a small house party for NYE.  Weather pending will head down to Olympic Plaza with friends for a family night, then back here with Lisa, Dean & Ivy.  Put the kids down and have a party.  We have an open door for the night and expect a few people to stop in.

I will 'try' my best to get some sleep as I will get up with the kids.  I hope they are up for watching movies all morning!  It will be a no-impact day  LOL

This & That

We're still 'Potty Learning' Quinn at night time.  He's been doing really well, averaging 25 out of 30 dry nights.  So we are now trying the extra absorbent underwear instead of a pull up.  Boxing Day was the first night and so far so good!!!  




Once he has it under control - he will get a new bed, and with a new bed he will get a new ROOM.  We'll most likely move to the downstairs bedroom and he will take the master room upstairs.  He's pretty excited at this idea.


This is the bed I'm leaning towards, but we haven't really shopped around yet.

So the immediate plan, starting next week, is to get serious about the idea of moving rooms around.  We need to decide if we go downstairs or if Quinn does.  Then we need to paint the rooms and do the move.  The spare room/office will be in Quinn little room.  We will no longer have room for the desk so will be getting rid of it.  All the spare room will have is the futon, file cabinet  and printer.


So I predict we'll be in a livable chaos for a few months, but it will be worth it!

Christmas 2010

Wow, Christmas 2010 will go down in the books as Magical.

The days leading up to Christmas was extremely busy going to Christmas Parties, shopping, preparation and work.

On Dec 23, Quinn wrote a letter to Santa.

He and Lair took it across the street and mailed it.  About 3 minutes later, an e-mail came for Quinn from Santa!! ( http://www.portablenorthpole.ca/watch/QA4H1euIgw1-rYBHba06Mw )   He was blown away how quick Santa got his letter and replied.  This is the second year Santa sent a video message.  I don't think he remembered it from last year.

That evening we had a small gathering.  We were in a Secret Santa pool (no more than $20, and must be home made).  It was fun.  We only had a week and the gifts were all so awesome!  Alex & Heather are in town for the holidays, and we had Scott, Dee & Ben on the iChat.  Unfortunately for them, I don't think they could see much or hear much and we had a hard time hearing them  :(  BUT, it was good to see their faces and smiles.



Lair took Dec 24 off to be with Quinn and I worked until noon.  I could insert a long work rant here but don't want to waste my energy!  We hung out for the afternoon and had dinner watched a Christmas special, and just before bed, we went out to the backyard for Quinn to sprinkle Reindeer Food (with Sparkles) on the lawn so the Reindeer's would see our house.  While doing so an airplane was flying off in the distance with a red light.....  Quinn pointed and said with the most innocents  'SANTA' and he was vibrating from the inside out with excitement! It was  a Precious moment.


Dec 25 - Little Man was up and roaring around like a mad man at 8:15.  So very excited, family cuddles, stockings, excitement, magic, wonder and awe;  About 98% of the gifts under the tree were for him, what a great morning!

Lawrence made Egg Benedict for breakfast.  Steve & Karen came for an afternoon visit, as did Heather and Alex.   Lisa, Dean & Ivy joined us for Christmas dinner.  It turned out very good!  The turkey was good, and my attempt at  Mom's stuffing turned out great!  And Candied Yams is my new favorite holiday dish!

After dinner we watched Prep and landing, enjoyed dessert ala Lisa then bid farewell.  By 9pm I was passed out on the coach  (Turkey plus wine = zonk!!)  lol.  I put myself to bed at 10.


On Boxing Day, Heather and Alex stole Quinn for the day and took him to see 'Seussical The Musical' at the Alberta Theatre Projects.  Quinn didn't know exactly what they were off to do, but he was super excited just to have them take him somewhere without us!    So, kidless,  Lair & I hung out, did a little shopping, and went for a beer together.  It was a nice afternoon!   The show sounds like it was awesome for all ages, and Quinn had a super time.   They even got a backstage tour after and got to meet the Cat in the Hat!  We were so touched that Alex & Heather took him; as was Quinn.

Dec 27 - we went sledding by Alex's dads place in Maple ridge.  Went with Alex and Heather, and Brent joined us later in the afternoon.  It's a wicked fun hill, except sledding was a lot easier 30 years ago!  Man, I hurt 4 toes on 1 foot, my knee and my shoulder.... I've concluded that I do not particularly like sledding.  I need to find me a different toboggan for myself that has a little more control.

I look forward to going to this particular hill(s) there are 4 as it is a dry pond/bowl.  I can't wait to take Lisa & Ivy, and maybe before winter is over Ursula and the kids!!


Dec 28 - we had super awesome family cuddles, went and say Megga Mind.  LOVED it!  I think I will buy the DVD!  Then that evening we went to the zoo lights.  I think this will be the last year for awhile we do it.  Pretty expensive for a lack luster presentation that has not changed in 5+ years.  At least Quinn had fun!

Another Reason I love my Chosen Family.

Have I told you guys lately how much you mean to me?

My Chosen Family, scattered through Alberta & BC, always touch my heart, always care. 

One thing I truly appreciate is how much everyone loves Quinn. 

I love that he is on the forefront of your mind when you think of our family. 

I love that you want to spend quality time with him in one-on-one settings. 

I love that you guys ask about him and show genuine care and concern for what's going on in his little life.


On his behalf, I say Thank you to all his Aunties & Uncles for loving him so.  We look forward to sharing some Christmas Moments with most of you.  Creating memories.  Memories which will be his forever.

Great weekend.

Things around here are finally starting to feel normal again.  We have little stress in our lives which we are truly thankful for.  It's been such a rough summer.  We had a huge to-do list  from the spring and we didn't accomplish any of it so we feel like we are 6 months behind, and here it is winter now.

Oh well, now we just press forward and do what we can do.


My good friend Kevin's birthday is monday, so for his celebration he wanted to go to the SAIT lounge to see Delhi 2 Dublin.   http://www.delhi2dublin.com/  A crazy fusion band from Vancouver.  An Irish Fiddler, Hindi Singer, DJ, Indian drummer and Korean guy on the Sitar.  Fusing Hindi rock with Irish/Celtic bonded by electronica.  WTF?  SO AWESOME!  We had a lot of fun!

The next morning something crazy happened.  The night before I was the designated driver so I only had two pints of beer at the beginning of the night.  I was fine when we left and got home at 1:30am.  Saturday morning, Lair got up with Quinn.  They kept trying to wake me up  but I just couldn't wake up.  Like seriously, I just couldn't open my eyes.  I laid in bed till 1pm.  I have no idea what that was all about.  It sure wasn't a hang over.  Maybe my body just shut down cuz it needed some good solid rest?

Last night was my company Christmas Party.  It was at the Deerfoot Casino.  The food was amazing.  We had a good table, both won door prizes and had a good time.  We bailed around 11pm to go home and change so we could catch the end of a party our friends were throwing.  Glad we did as we had fun!

While we were at the parties, Ivy had her 6th birthday party, so Lisa/Ursula took Quinn to the party (to see the movie Tangled), then to have a sleepover.  It was a nice night out for us and for Quinn.

This morning we dragged our buts out of bed to go for breakfast at Lisa's and have a visit with good friends.  It was a super weekend!

"Does this River go to Heaven?"

Danny passed away on Wed. Oct 20 with Goldie by his side.  The news was expected, and such a feeling of calm came over me, so relieved that his suffering had finally ended...  Lawrence headed to Medicine Hat after dinner to be with his mom & sister.

Quinn took it pretty hard... He and I had a quiet night of cuddles.

I took Thursday off work.  I took Quinn to his school bus.  He had his first school field trip and begged to go.  Lair came home Thursday night.

Because I knew I needed days off for the funeral, I went to work on Friday... I should have stayed home.  I was miserable, crying all day and stressed out trying to arrange coverage for the days off I needed.

We had a Chill weekend.  Just stayed in and enjoyed our little family.

Mon-Thurs, is was hard at work mostly caused by the stress covering my leave.  My boss wasn't managing the situation very well which caused me great anxiety and I was irrationally emotional.

I left work at noon Thursday and we headed to Edmonton...  On the way, we stopped in Airdrie to see Dave Lymburner at the cemetery....  His ashes were put in a column thing - and we were quite surprised that it had no memorial plaque!??   I don't know what we wanted stopping there, but we left feeling like we never have to go there again, as he is not there, but with us always in our hearts...

Friday morning we headed up to Valleyview, 4.5 hours north of edmonton.  This is where Lawrence grew up.  Man is it ever a tint town!  Was neat to see his old stomping grounds and hear his childhood stories.  We met up with all his family at a new hotel.  I took Quinn to bed at 8pm and Lair visited with family.

Saturday, a beautiful day, we all drove about an hour north to a spot along a river where Danny wanted his ashes scattered.  It was a most beautiful spot.   We played some music.  All had red carnations and Kerri poured his ashes into the River.... It was tranquil....

That's when Quinn looked up at me and said "Mommy, is this River going to take Grampa to Heaven?" ...  I couldn't answer him.   We then threw the flowers into the river and Danny's favorite hat.  Quinn asked me again "Mommy, does this river go to Heaven?".... and again, I just couldn't answer him... I just hugged him.

We all then had a glass of Red Wine in Danny's honour and all took a moment to say a few words.


It was truly the most beautiful and moving Memorial/Funeral I've ever been to.


That evening, some close friends of the family opened there home for a Celebration.  Food, Friends, Family and drinks.  It was a lot of fun!

Lawrence read the Eulogy.  He worked long and hard on it.  When he stood up to speak Quinn stood up with him and held onto his leg.  It was a beautiful moment.

EVERYONE got pretty drunk!  Especially me an Lair.  But it was a good drunk.  We had fun and got to talk with family and have a good old time.

That is of course, until Sunday morning.  Oh my gosh we were both So hungover!!  But we had to get our buts in gear as it was Halloween and we had a 4.5 hr drive to get to Edmonton in time to go trick or treating with Ursula.  She bought Quinn an awesome costume - a Clone Trooper (new age star wars thing?).

The kids had a blast.  The love and support from Albert & Ursula was exactly what we needed after our exhausting weekend.


Monday afternoon we packed up and headed back to Calgary.

Upon arrival, it was late so we put Quinn straight to bed.  I was mortified to discover Quinn's fish & snail (Johnny & zippy) had passed away while we were gone....  :(  What?   How is it they totally survived for 10 days when we were on holidays, then the croak when we're away for 3.5 days?  I was pretty upset (I was very attached to them)....

Lair flushed them and I tossed the tank.  I didn't know how to tell Quinn....  So we didn't....  And he hasn't even noticed they are gone!?   Crazy.

Epic family vacation 2010

We finally made it to Disneyland!  I will try to keep this somewhat short....

Oct 7 - was a travel day.   Quinn figured out pretty quick it wasn't a normal day when we told him he wasn't going to school.  Then he saw the suit cases in the back of the truck.  He guessed Edmonton, Mexico and Vancouver.  We decided to tell him while we were in line to check our luggage.  Lawrence said 'Where does Mickey Mouse Live'  Quinn answered DISNEYLAND!  And he jumped up and down and hugged us and thanked us.  Calgary to Vancouver, Vancouver to LAX was an uneventful trip.  We then took the 'Disneyland express' from LAX to our hotel - the Howard Johnson.
   

We arrived and got settled, grabbed some dinner and were in bed by 10  :)

Oct 8 - Disney!  First 3 rides we did were Peter pan, snow white and Pinocchio, and all 3 scared him lots!  Admittedly, I agree, the stories do have some dark under tones and in the dark with loud noises I can see how he was afraid....  Unfortunately he then became afraid of every ride!  So we had a motto - Try everything once, and if you don't like it you don't have to do it again...   Highlights:  Toon Town, pirates of Caribbean, Nemo submarine, home of the future, buzz lightyear, and our favorite, Indiana Jones!  

  

Oct 9 - Disney & California Adventure Land.

Highlights Disney = haunted house, space mountain

Highlights California Adventure Land:  Muppets 4D,  Monster Inc., a Bug's Land, Pixar parade,

ElecTRONica (Electronic Dance party!! What?!) (Movie to be posted on Facebook)

(Mom - you can click in the pics to see a bigger one)

  

Oct 10 -  We took a 1 hour coach ride to LEGOLAND.  We left our hotel at 8:30am and returned at 6.  It was an ok day.  A cute and interesting park, geared toward little guys (ages 4-8?).  Quinn had a blast, but we were a little disappointed with the $$$ we paid for the day trip.  On our way home the bus passed Bubba Gumps! Oh my Gosh I was so excited!  We went back there for dinner and had a blast!  The restaurant is all about Forrest Gump filled with pictures and items and quirks from the movie - just awesome!  We had a few drinks and got giggly and pigged out on shrimp shrimp and more shrimp.

  

   

Oct 11 - we did both Disney; California Adventure Land.  Did the Indiana Jones ride again, ate at the Rainforest cafe, saw The World of Color (good show but couldn't see much from where we were :( ).

Oct 12 - we did both Disney; California Adventure Land.  Ate in Downtown Disney.

Oct 13 - we did both Disney; California Adventure Land.  Ate at Bubba Gumps again!!

Every night we were home and in the hot tub by 8pm.  Quinn would either join us or play in the splash park beside the hot tub.  We could see the Fireworks well from the hot tub!  I think almost every night we were in bed by 10.

Oct 14 - all good things must come to an end.  We took the Disneyland Express to LAX - had a good flight to YVR, but had rough ride to YYC, we had to circle a few times, Lair was green, and Quinn was starting to feel green.  Once the plane stopped - Quinn grabbed a barf bag and filled it half way  :(  Poor little guy.   We waited till everyone was off the place then got off ourselves.  On the way out I passed the Pilot the barf bag and said "... every ride in Disney and the plane does him in... ".




It was so nice to be home and sleep in our own bed!

  

   

  



Oct 15 - We unpacked, did laundry, repacked, then headed off to Medicine Hat for Kerri & Jay's wedding.  We got settled in out hotel then went to the rehearsal dinner at Jay's folks place.

Oct 16 - The wedding was  awesome, beautiful, emotional and fun.  There was an underlying sadness not having Danny there;  he was 2 blocks away in the hospital :(   ....  We went for eats and beers in the afternoon and the reception was great.  Lawrence did a very nice Welcome to the family speech on behalf of his father.

Oct 17-  All the family members converged on the hospital to visit Danny.  Quinn had a cough so couldn't go up and I had a crazy festering/oozing rash on my wrist so opted to not go past the lobby in the hospital.  Then we headed home... It was hard on everyone as we knew this was indeed our final goodbyes to Danny.

Oct 18 - work...  Ug.

Surprise vacation for Quinn

T-Minus 4 sleeps....

Thursday morning we take off to California for 8 days!

Quinn does not even know we are going on vacation, let alone to DISNEYLAND and LEGOLAND!

Lawrence & I both desperately need a real vacation! Haven`t had a true holiday since Mexico in 2007.

I have been planning this trip since FEBRUARY, so to be in the final stretch is awesome.

We come back on the 14th, then head to Medicine hat for Kerri`s wedding.

As for Danny, all we can do is pray that he makes it to the wedding....


It`s hard keeping this trip a secret! Each of us has let it slip once, but managed to sparkle sparkle away from the slip.

Weepy, excited, knots in my tummy....

WEEPY:

I am weepy today... Hormones + everything? I'm hyper sensitive to everyone which puts me in a dark place. It's hard to pull out of this funk sometimes...

I ate my lunch outside with no jacket in the sunshine. That felt great!


EXCITED:

I am excited for this weekend. A SLUMBER PARTY at Tracy's house, possibly with Ursula! A visit from them is anticipated and welcomed as our last visit got cut short when Lair ended up in the ER :(


KNOTS in my tummy.

Depending on the cancellation/postponement policy of Air miles, I am going to book our trip tomorrow....

We are choosing to not go to Medicine Hat this weekend...

We are trying to focus on our little family right now, not an easy thing to do with Danny's health rapidly failing.

It is my belief that, if he is still here, he won't be able to attend the wedding...


Gut wrenching to think he's in his last days. Poor Lawrence.... Poor Quinn...


Meh :'(

More on Quinn...

Yesterday, the day home said Quinn had a sluggish sad day. As soon as I arrived he jumped in my lap and clung to me like a baby monkey. So we went home and had a great big family snuggle with Lair and a really good chat. Quinn says he wants to stay home, with me, all the time…. Did I mention a few times over the past few weeks he’s given me a handful of change and told me it was so I didn’t have to go to work?

I don't think this is fully related to Aiden. I think Lair & I have been so stressed and pre-occupied since Dad died, the Chaotic summer, Danny, starting Kindergarten.... just everything. I know how overwhelmed both Lawrence & I are, I guess we were hoping Quinn would just float along oblivious....

We told him how much we love him and he’s been such a good patient boy, and how proud we are of him for going to Kindergarten, etc.

This morning he was good. He did ask me if we could stay home but I told him we had to go. He then ran and grabbed a blankie from his room. He called it his huggie-blankie. I asked “When did you name it?” He said “Last night”. I told him he could bring it to Tracys but could not bring it to school. He has never been attached to a blanket, I think I am more attached to it than he, so I was a bit surprised. And I must admit, my heart sank a bit with Sadness…. He must be hurting so much right now. I feel so bad for him.

I can’t wait to wrap my arms around him…