Evening at Grouse Mountain December 19,2011

We had a chance to head up to Grouse Mountain to participate in some outdoor skating, sled ride and of coarse a gondola ride up and down the mountain. Sam was again truly excited about the gondola ride. The only unfortunate part was that it was foggy. The excitement to see snow was fanastic, we couldn't get his skate and snow pants on any faster. I have to say the rink is not enormous but the memories Sam has of this event are awesome. We even took a break and did the sleigh ride and he wanted to skate some more after, so we did. 

When we departed the mountain Sam noted on the gondola ride "I forgot to make a snowman." like it was on some sort of life list. 

Bake Exchange December 17,2011

As the Christmas season approached discussion of our annual bake exchange began. We had decided upon the 17th for the exchange date which was wonderful as this was closer to Christmas. Well as much as I have enjoyed participating in this bake exchange it had always occurred earlier in the season so I also joined my sisters bake exchange to so I would have enough goodies to last me the entire season. Well this year the exchanges were back to back! The weekend ended up being a lot of fun. I went out for the evening with my girlfriends to Brown's Social house for a bite to eat then back to a house to the actual exchange. On the Sunday I packed my goodies and headed to my sisters house where her annual bake exchange was being held. The one thing my sister has all the girls invite their Mom's for an afternoon out but they are not suppose to bake anything just come and enjoy the goodies and conversation.

NOTE the group pic not take by me. Borrowed from J.Nofield.

Sam's Christmas Concert and an Early Turkey Dinner December 15,2011

Sam again was participating in the Christmas concert with his class. They sang a couple songs one of them being Dominic the Donkey. It was rather cute. Well building up to the concert I mentioned to Sam that we would wear something nice. His reply was he would like to sport a tie and thus I had to head out on a search for a new tie and shirt. I already had his Christmas outfits but none of those included  a tie. Well the smile says it all he was pleased as punch with himself. The concert went very well.
Again as Darren was not going to be here for Christmas dinner he wanted to cook a turkey and the is just what we did, we had Grandma & Papa, Auntie Karen and Sarah over to help us enjoy it.

Santa Claus Parade December 4,2011

This year we decided to catch the Roger's Santa Claus Parade. We were trying to attend a few events knowing that Darren would not be with us for Christmas as he had to work. So we bundled up and headed for the Skytrain station as taking public transportation rated high on a six year olds fun list. Once we got downtown we were actually early so we headed in to Cafe Artigiano for a coffee and a treat. Once we were fuelled we found a spot and hunkered in for the duration of the parade. The weather was kind enough to just be crisp and cool, building the festive spirit. We even were treated to some tasty goodies being handed out by the fellow participants. A highlight you know other that the big guy himself was seeing a Westjet airplane in the parade.
After the main event of the parade we found a late lunch at a bistro and walked along the waterfront for a bit.
An overall fantastic experience and a great way to ring in Sam's six year of life.

Sam turns 6 December 4,2011

So this year was the magic six! Sam was extremely excited for his birthday. We decided that we would have a small party at our home with a few buddies. We invited eight friends to come and celebrate. Our theme was of coarse LEGO! Well I don't know who was more excited us or Sam. We planned and shopped and crafted up a storm. Our home was filled with bright cheery lego colours. We had posters made, lego men avatars for each child, a custom lego cake made by Daddy, lego bins for our chips and drinks, lego garland and much more. We had our party on the Saturday which ment lots of set up Friday night. Darren & I we organizing a lego build for each child which ment verifying the adequate amount of pieces for the build. During the week building up to the party Darren constructed a ramp to race the lego after the build.
Once our friends had started to arrive we enjoyed a few pre party races then when the group was complete we commenced some games such as guess how many lego in the jar. Lego drop from different heights into a bucket. We took a break for some pizza, veggies, fruit and chips. Then we headed into the dining room for the lego build. All the kids did great some need assistance but overall it was a success. After everyone was done we moved the table and did a quick game of pin your personal avatar on the giant lego man. Finally we headed in the family room for the lego races with their builds.
A round of Happy Birthday was sung cake and cupcakes were consumed and a disorganized session of unwrapping the gifts commenced and our party was over.
While that party was ending we did a quick clean up and refreshed the food and bevies and our families showed up to celebrate with us for the remainder of the evening.

Sam had the best birthday ever(well until next year right?)

We spent his actual birthday at the Santa Claus parade downtown it was a great adventure.

Thanks to all who came and celebrated with us and to those of you who sent birthday wishes.

Turkey Trot October 6,2011

Well as afore mentioned our teacher was kind enough to make apple pies for the kids and with all the Thanksgiving preparations another regular activity that commences at the school is a run call the Turkey Trot! The previous year I did not realize that parents could come and watch the kids run the circuit with their homemade turkey hats on. So I joined a few of the other parents in the Thankgiving assembly then proceeded to watch the kids head out for their run around the field. I snapped a few pictures and thought that was that. No, when I returned to pick Sam up from school he came out the do with a container of Cran-Grape juice hoisted above his head. First I was thinking please return that before we get into trouble. But sure enough it belonged to Sam, see he had won it at the turkey trot! YAY! He was pleased as could be, and as a fellow school mate said he was hoisting it above his head like the Stanley Cup. This made me smile and it was a proud moment that he indeed wanted to share with the grandparents. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Grade 1 field trip Apple/Pumpkin Farm October 5,2011

Our field trip took us to the same farm which we visited last year, which is actually perfect. As the weather was not all too cooperative this year, we knew where we were going and what to dress for. I was fortunate to go in a vehicle of parents this year instead of the bus with the kids. All the kids arrived safe and sound, broke up in their appropriate groups. We were schooled in the variety of apples, how to pick them and how they are stored. We also visited the farm animals which included some babies. And well not to forget but a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick a perfect pumpkin! All the kids were well behaved and had a terrific time. They were gifted some apples in addition to their pumpkins and the class took a vote to make apple pie. So our teacher was kind enough to bring ingredients and made three apple pies for the class the following day. Sam was in heaven!

Day with Mitchell October 1,2011

Well our luck continues as another set of friends are moving a little closer to us and while they were moving we(Sam & I) looked after their little man Mitchell. Well let me tell you this little man is sooooooooo mellow! He just went along with all of our activities, we went to soccer, went for a walk, played, sang songs and well just plain snuggled. Sam was enjoying his time making Mitchell laugh. It was truly a wonderful day!