October and Thanksgiving

October started off with Em's first ringette game of the season! She was so excited and had a great game :) She's pretty excited to also be affiliated to a Step 3 team! We're so proud of her :)

On the 9th we celebrated Thanksgiving and it was also our 13th wedding anniversary! We had dinner at Mom and Dad's and took some quick family photo's, which turned out awesome!!

On the 14th it was double date night with Lindsay and Jeremy :) We went to Japanese Village and then to the Oilers game! It was a great night!! While we were watching the Oilers lose, Emerson was at a WAM game with her ringette team! She had so much fun! They went to the game and then the BP's.

Reese had her first ringette practice on the 15th! She was SOOOOO excited, it was awesome to see :) She had so much fun and was very happy that her friend Ava is on her team this year! She is all smiles at the ringette, it's awesome :)

On the weekend of the 29th we travelled to Tisdale, SK for my cousins wedding. We had such a great weekend, I'm so glad we were able to go! We missed 3 ringette practices, 1 ringette game and a hockey practice but it was worth it :) We got to visit with all my aunts and uncles and cousins and cousins kids, my grandma and grandpa and saw my mom's sister and 1 of her daughters! We rented a 2 bedroom condo in my grandma's building and it was perfect! We hadn't been to visit my grandpa since he moved into a long term care centre so it was really nice to be able to do that. Tiffany's wedding was fun, the girls enjoyed tearing up the dance floor!!

Grandma Marg with most of her great grandchildren!

Where did September go?!

It's already October and I can't believe how fast September went. It feels like it was tumultuous month. I miss Heidi so much I can't even think about her without my heart aching. But in way we haven't had a lot of time to sit and think about her, which maybe is a good thing? I miss her the most in the evenings and when I walk in the door after a long day :(

Blake's hockey team was formed at the beginning of the month. He made an Atom AA team. His team is the KC Cougars this year and Cal was selected to coach! I volunteered to be a co-manager, so we're busy, busy as usual ;) We all love it though and the girls are super happy their friend Gioia's brother is on the same team as Blake again this year! They just love spending time together and lucky for Cal and I, they look forward to hockey because they get to play with Gioia! So we've had a bottle drive already, tons of practices and an exhibition game and we hosted a tournament! First time for Cal and I but with the help of tons of volunteers, we pulled it off!! It was an absolutely exhausting weekend but we actually had fun and felt quite successful after the last game was played ;) The Cougars brought home a bronze medal, which was awesome!! Tiring but fun weekend :) The Cougars mom's (we're going to have fun with this, this year - lol!) had a fun night out on the 29th and got to know each other a little better!

KC Atom AA Cougars - successful bottle drive!!

Em's ringette team is also now formed and she is playing on a U10, Step 2 team this year! Their name is the Ice Queens :) They've had a few practices and have their first game on October 8! She's super excited for the season and happy to be playing with a few of her teammates from last year! And Emerson and Cal had a father/daughter date night on the 25th, taking in a pre-season Oilers game!!

We're all getting back in to the swing of things and Reese is looking forward to her first ice time on October 15th :)

~Tracy

Heidi Anne Cameron

We said so long to our beloved Heidi on Sunday, September 10th. This was one of the hardest days of my life thus far. I need to write this all out, it's sort of part therapeutic/part I don't want to forget even though it is horrible to think about.

When I woke up on Sunday morning I didn't see Heidi right away. I asked the kids and Cal where she was and Cal said he let her outside. I opened the back door and called for her. She didn't come. I spotted her laying in the grass and called, "Heidi want a treat?" This ALWAYS has her running!!!  She loved her food and treats ;) She didn't move. My heart sank. I literally felt my heart drop to my stomach. I ran out to her and she was just laying in the grass, kind of panting. I knew immediately that something was wrong :( I picked her up and brought her inside. She couldn't really walk. She'd stand and stumble a few steps and then sit again. She eventually made her way downstairs and laid on the tile by the fireplace. I watched her and tried to bring her food and water but she wouldn't eat or drink anything. She seemed to be uncomfortable. It was so sad. I sat on the floor near her and she laid her head in my lap. I was torn as to what to do. Our vet isn't open on Sundays, we had hockey practice and a hockey meeting coming up. But I knew I had to take her in, I could not leave her at home alone like this. So after driving around somewhat in distress with Heidi in the passengers seat, I finally found a vet that was open. I was worried about her suffering, worried about the vet cost, worried about being the team manager and missing the hockey meeting, worried about the kids because they weren't supposed to be at the meeting and Cal was the head coach, etc, etc. I walked in the vet carrying Heidi and couldn't even talk, I was a blubbering mess. Thankfully the waiting room was full and a sweet lady volunteered to fill out the paperwork for me. Heidi was uncomfortable and didn't want to sit in my lap, so I laid her on the floor. I knew she was very sick because she didn't even budge with all the other dogs in there. Typically she would be chomping at the bit to run up to them and greet them. She was taken to the back to be examined and then I was called into a room to talk to the dr. That's when he told me that she was very sick. She was full of blood inside, bleeding internally and most likely had a mass on her spleen or liver. He said he could perform surgery but nothing was certain. She was in shock and severely dehydrated. I knew we had to put her down, as much as I loved her, I knew we really didn't have a choice. The vet started an IV line and gave her fluids and pain medication. She was brought into the room with me and was feeling a little better which was really nice. I called Cal and the kids and they came in to see her. We hugged her, kissed her, the kids held her and I took a pic (of course. you know me!). We didn't think the kids should see her falling asleep so after hugs and some tears, they left. I spent more time with her. She laid in my lap and I talked to her. I've never seen an animal put to sleep before but it was actually very peaceful. I continued to hold her for some time after she fell asleep. I know a dog is just a dog but if you have a pet or have had a pet in the past, you know this is only partially true. A dog is a family member, not 'just' a dog. I loved Heidi so much. She was like a child in a way. Having the sick sense of humour I sometimes have, I would joke that she was my handicapped grade 1'er. Sorry, these are my memories so just being honest, not trying to offend anyone. She was my faithful side kick, always under my feet and by my side. I think she really got me. I'm not much of a cuddler and she gave me my space but was always close by. Every time I'd move, she'd look up at me. In the kitchen she literally was always under my feet but at those times she was more after the scraps I would throw her than anything else ;) Heidi was so cute. We always remarked at how she never lost her puppy cuteness!! You know how some dogs grow up and just aren't quite what they were when they were puppies?!  Heidi never did that! She was a best friend and probably saw more tears from me than anyone else in my life. The kids arrived after Heidi and she took to them like a champ! Never once did she chew on a baby toy or act aggressive to a toddler. And they sure loved her! I think Emerson more than the other three but Em seems to be our animal gal! All 3 love animals but Em seems to just a little bit more! Em recently started walking Heidi for us. They would walk around the block :) Reese often joining them as well. I couldn't even think about Heidi for a few weeks after she passed, it just hurt too much. It's a bit easier now but still so strange not to feed her, lift her up on to our bed at night time, let her out, etc, etc. So many daily routines we carried out with Heidi. I miss her greeting us at the door and hearing her bark as soon as the garage door opened! Miss her so much but am so thankful we had her in our lives. Love your forever, Heidi Anne Cameron!

Back to School 2017

Back to school for the kiddo's and back to work for me! It's a bit tough to head back into the school/work routine but at the same time a part of me is always excited. A chance for a fresh start, new teachers, new students for me, a chance to reconnect with friends, peers and co-workers! And of course, new school supplies and school clothes are always exciting :) This year Blake has a new to the school home room teacher and is in a grade 4/5 split class.  His week is fairly equally balanced with instruction from 3 different teachers - Mme. Amna, Mme. Joanne and Mr. Brandon. Emerson has a new to the school teacher and is in a grade 2/3 split class, her teachers name is Mme. Knopps and Reese has Mme. Melissa and is in a straight grade 2 class! Mme. Melissa will be going on maternity leave at the beginning of December so she will have a new teacher for the majority of the year. We're looking forward to a great school year for all 3 kiddo's and hope they commit themselves to their classes and learning and enjoy the school year :) My first day back to work was September 1st and I headed to a new office! We changed office locations this year and while I was sad to leave the old location, the new location is a bit closer to home so that will be nice!

We had a great September long weekend! I had to work on the Friday but Mom and Dad took the kids out to Linds and Jer's cabin for the day and Cal and I joined them after work. The kids had a blast quadding and playing with Connor and Mason! We spent the rest of the weekend getting ready for school on Tuesday - a few school supplies still needed to be purchased, some back to school clothes needed to be organized and washed and Reese got her ears pierced!! Berlyn also came back to Edmonton for her birthday party so the girls attended that and had a blast :) KC rep conditioning camp started at the end of August and tryouts began right after. During Berlyn's party, I went to KC to watch a tryout scrimmage. Em's ringette starts soon but Reese doesn't start until October!

Best of luck to all the kiddo's heading back to school this week!!

Last part of August

Here's some highlights from the last part of August (after the Epic Summer Road Trip and before Back to School '17):

- we were sad to say "See ya later" to the Parenteau's as they moved to Airdrie near the middle of August :( We had them over for a farewell BBQ and wished them well! I'm sure we'll still see them throughout the year but it's sad to know they're not just a few blocks away anymore :(

- the weekend after we were home from holidays, we headed back out with the trailer to camp with the Hrdlicka clan at Miquelon Lake Provincial park! We had the BEST time with them and the Bezan clan even came out for a day/evening! The weather was hot, the water fights were epic and the beergarita's were awesome ;) Lots of fun with my besties!!

- we mixed in a few park play dates as well, with the Mauro's, Runco's, Bucci's and Reich's!!

- the kids had a week of camps, Emerson attended the University Ringette camp (AMAZING camp, she had sooooo much fun and made new friends!!), Reese attended a Club Active camp at Servus Place with her friend Aubrey and although had a tough time being away from Mom all day, she adjusted and had fun with Aub's!! And Blake attended a Quantum Speed power skating camp. He's not a huge fan of power skating but it was so good for him and he really learned a lot!

- on August 27 we had an awesome lake day with my Mom and Dad at Lac St. Anne! They found this great spot to unload the boat. It's a bit quieter than other boat launches and easy to get in and out of. We had a great day on the lake, the kids loved tubing and knee boarding and we took a dip in the middle of the lake :)

This summer has been amazing and I'm not sure I'm ready for back to work ;) I think the kids are also unsure if they're ready for back to school or not but ready or not ... we're all back next week!!!!

Talk to you soon,

Tracy

Epic Summer Road Trip - Part 4

And so we've come to end of the Epic Summer Road Trip. To be honest, I wasn't ready for it to end! We had the best weather imaginable. But I'm getting ahead of myself ...

When we left Penticton we weaved and winded and followed the road to Kanaskis. On the way we stopped at The Enchanted Forest outside of Revelstoke. The kids loved it but I think Reese enjoyed it the most! Unfortunately for Blake the moss and dust in the buildings really bothered his asthma :( That is one thing we discovered during this trip - the smoke from the forest fires throughout BC, AB and Washington did not bother his asthma in the least but the dust and moss at Enchanted Forest did. Good to know! The Enchanted Forest was really cool to see and we're glad we stopped but I forgot to mention what a pain the parking was ... poor Cal had to wiggle and maneuver into a tight spot and that was after attempting to fit in two other spots. God bless him and his patience!!  Thanks Cal, we appreciate the work you did to make sure we could visit this cool place ;)

After Penticton it was on to Mt. Kidd! It was a looooong day on the road, made longer of course by our stop at The Enchanted Forest. We arrived at Mt. Kidd right before 9 pm and drove into an ash storm - ash falling from the sky due to forest fires :( I was worried about Blake's asthma but when we woke up the next morning the sky had cleared! We enjoyed a few nights in Mt. Kidd, one of our favorite places but were sad the pool was under construction and closed :( We spent a day in Banff and walked along the Bow River and saw the Bow Falls, which is something we hadn't done before :) And of course we took in the evening entertainment at Mt. Kidd - one of our favorite things to do!! It was nice to finish up our travels, just the 5 of us and in one of our favorite places :)

On August 6th after 22 days and 4527 km's, we arrived back home!! Like my blog post titles have said, it was an Epic Summer Road Trip with my favorite peeps :) Priceless memories!!

Epic Summer Road Trip - Part 3

Part 3 of our Epic Summer Road Trip brings us to Penticton! And if the drive from Idaho to Seattle was beautiful, this drive may have been even better!!  Much of the drive was through Wenatchee National Forrest and it was absolutely gorgeous. We also spent much of the drive following the Columbia River and I had the strong desire to stop and set up camp at any of the numerous campgrounds we passed by. I also dreamt of buying one of the many gorgeous properties that were on the river!!

We were happy to easily cross over the border in to Canada and slowly make our way to our campground. I booked sites at this campground after reading many reviews and was a bit nervous to see what sort of place it was! And much like we'd heard, the sites were tight!! But we were next to Cal's brother and his family and so it worked just fine and the campground was actually really good. We stayed at Wright's Beach Campground. They had all sorts of children's activities throughout the day, movie nights in the evening, special events and a gorgeous beach on Skaha Lake! We love the water and had so much fun on the beach and in the lake! Gerry rented kayak's one day and the kids loved paddling around. We also visited Penticton Beach and the Wibit park! The Wibit park was super fun but wayyyy more challenging than I anticipated!!  I was like Bambi on ice out there! It was very hard to stay on the inflatable and even harder to hoist yourself back up when you fell off. Friends of ours from Edmonton were in Penticton at the same time as us and they joined us on the beach that day. It was great to see them and the ladies enjoyed a beverage across the street at the pub and when we returned, the men went across the street to enjoy a beverage (or two!!)!! We also had friends from Edmonton visit us at our campsite one morning! And we had dinner at Cal's aunt's house. She lives in Okanagon Falls and his cousin and her husband were also visiting at the same time, so we all visited Aunt Sharon's the same evening. It was great to catch up with them!  It was Gerry and Lesley's anniversary while we were vacationing together so we planned a fun day for that day! Our first stop was Kangaroo Creek farm and I'm so glad we went. It was a very cool experience to hold a baby Joey and to walk around amongst the grown-up kangaroo's!! We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Joey's and visited Kelowna city park, walking along the beach and taking in the beautiful scenery :) Some of our other fun sightseeing activities included picking peaches, cherries and cucumbers at Hillside Country Market just outside Oliver. It was a SUPER hot day that day so we decided it would be the perfect day to jump off a bridge ;) lol ... Maybe that doesn't sound safe but this is a big tourist thing in Penticton!!  There's even a ladder to climb back up!  The bridge is between Okanagan Falls and our campground, on the Kettle Valley Railway trail. It is a cute little trestle bridge and Cal and the kids were so brave to take the plunge!!  I really wish I would have jumped too but I left my swimsuit in the truck. Next time for sure!!  Now I can not forget to mention the epic ice cream cones we enjoyed between the orchard and the bridge jumping!!  We'd heard for days how we had to visit Tickleberry's in Okanagan Falls - the largest of all the Tickleberry's!!  We we did just that and boy are we glad we did :) Delicious ice cream, 72 different flavor choices, home made fudge and chocolates, gift shop and souvenirs! A cool place for sure!! I can't believe all we packed in to our days in Penticton and really didn't want to leave this wonderful place! I definitely fell in love with the area :) We will be back for sure!!

This ended our time with the Stony Plain Cameron's. The kids were so sad to leave their cousins, they had such a great time together!! It was awesome to have all this time with them as we don't get a chance to visit much usually! They get along so well!

Part 4 of the road trip coming up next :)

Stay tuned ...

~Tracy