Zoo Lessons

We had an amazing trip to the Edmonton Valley Zoo last week.

It was extra special because our amazing friend Diana is working there for the summer.

She stayed after her tours to walk through with us.

Now, we always have a good time at the zoo but this was amazing.

We learnt so much about the animals that we wouldn't have otherwise known.

{Including their names which Fiona has added to her repertoire of stuffed/imaginary animal handles.}

I also learnt that Fiona has beaten her fear of Carousels.
{Well, close, she still didn't want me to let go of her arm.}

Which is fabulous since this Mama has a love on for their nostalgic feel.

 Cedric, being the guy that stands at the top of the full size slide and jumps, was all "what's the big deal you guys?"

Lastly, I learnt that as pathetic as the mini-train may look to us, the kids, they love it.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is a work day so I can't stay long.

I just wanted to make sure that I wish this gorgeous woman a Happy Birthday!

My Aunt Elizabeth recently gave me a stack of old photos and I was really taken with this one.

I just think my Mom looks radiant.

And she would probably also have a pretty young baby here judging by how old I look.

She's just amazing and always has been.

Love you Mom.

Urgent: Action Required

I was doing a quick blog browse this afternoon and caught the most recent post over at In The Fun Lane.

I completely forgot that the Google Blog Reader is going away and had no idea that this was happening July 1st.

So if you follow this blog with the Google reader and can't stand the thought of missing a post then I have another option for you.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I have used Bloglovin for a while for Facebook posting but you can also sign up for your own account {or get the app} to follow your favourite blogs.

I have imported all mine in so I can continue my mad and sporadic blog catch up sessions between the babes needs.

Father's Day {Finally}

I wanted to post about our Father's Day on Monday.

Then I started a new job and all my plans seemed to just fade away.

I'm catching up though and we will quickly adapt to our new routine like we always do.

I already told you that we were starting our Sunday with the Father's Day Run/Walk in support of Prostate Cancer Canada.

It was a great event with endless food, drinks and entertainment.

Not only were we equipped with t-shirts, but also got capes.

Seriously you guys, capes!

The kids were {of course} the cutest but Jay and Ethan also rocked this superhero garb.

We had 6 Dads on team Track and Shield.

Happy Father's Day again to Jeff, Jay, Bruce {aka Dad}, Brian {aka The Old Man}, Brian and Gabe.

Thanks Julie and Jacques for joining us with your Father.

 I almost managed to keep up with Dad this time.

Here we are waiting to get going in our Father/Daughter matching shoes {not intentional}.

The route was beautiful, being mostly along the river.

We just popped up to the Whitemud once and Dad remarked how fitting it was that we should run by the infamous silver "balls" given the cause. 

  Before and after love for my Dad who is one of my greatest inspirations.

Love you Dad.

 And who wouldn't love greeting this at the finish line?

 To complete our celebration we had a family BBQ {indoor on account of the rain}.

Then we made Daddy's favourite cookies while he did something really rare.

Had an uninterrupted nap.

Jeff, you have always been a great husband but nothing has made me love you more than seeing the amazing Father you've become.

One of my favourite parts of the day is watching Fiona and Cedric's faces light up as you walk in the door.

We love you.

Hot Chase

I have been following Vintage Edmonton for a while now.

I love reading the old clippings and browsing the ads {a dress for $0.98, what?}.

Unfortunately I don't have as much time to catch up on my blogs as I would like but just happened to catch this one this morning and had to share.

I love that the Constable commandeered "a passing taxi" to catch the "city youths".

Remember the days when your address was included when you were in the news?

How different it is now.

We share much more but some pieces of information {like your address} seem so guarded.

I only know a few people who have theirs even listed in the phone directory.

Skills Canada 2013

I am so excited to share this today.

We have always known that our painter Cecile was a dedicated and valuable employee.

Recently though, she got the chance to prove her skill to the auto body world.

First, the provincials for car painting were at the NAIT Patricia Campus a week before the skills competition at the expo centre.

 "In the provincial competition, there were four of us competitng..me being the only girl...we had to prepare a fender with a scratch in it to be painted (featheredge, prime and sand) and  prepare a new bumper, seal and paint it." 

She won gold, as well as the safety award for her field. 

Not to mention the opportunity to represent Alberta at the national event at BC place in Vancouver.

"There were seven of us competing in post secondary (only girl again!). On the first day, I had to make a turquoise color without a formula, tint a blue color to match with a formula, polish half a hood(removing all the defects) and mask up a car door without removing any trim panels, handle or mirror. On the second day, we did a tri-stage spot repair on a fender(it was laser red) following the tech sheet and we had to prepare a new bumper for sealer and paint. The judges were concerned with the process and safety..and of course final product."  

Again, it was gold for our girl in Post Secondary Car Painting.

Her trip was completed with a little down time.

"In Vancouver, Team Alberta was treated to a boat ride up False Creek and into the English Bay. We got to see the Southwest Coast, downtown Vancouver, the Lions gate bridge, Lighthouse Park and Snug Cove."

 "It was a great experience, meeting people from across the country and winning gold was just the cherry on top!"

We are so proud of you Cecile.

Track and Shield in June

I almost forgot to mention this one.

We have decided to do the Father's Day Run and Walk on, you guessed it, Father's Day.

This is an important one to us since proceeds go towards Prostate Cancer Canada.
 If you don't already know, Prostate Cancer hits close to home over here.

As far as I know it's not too late to register and we would love to add more to our team.

If you can't make it down then please consider donating to the cause by clicking the link below.

Father’s Day Walk/Run

Thank you.