Thank You

Thanks to everyone who read and responded to yesterday's post.

It was difficult to write only because I didn't want to sell Grandad's amazing life short.

In the end I focused on my memories of him and I can't wait to hear more from his other family members' point of view.

Again, this blog and everyone who reads it have given me such an amazing gift.

I would never have taken the time to reflect so thoroughly.

Or to browse through so many beautiful photos.

Or {let's face it} to have such a good hard cry.

So again, thank you.

I did want to share some photos of the weekend still since it really was great.

The kids spent most of it almost entirely nude but I tried to censor the pics a bit for you.

We finished off the weekend watching the fireworks from our house then promptly passing out.

{I mean, staying up until dark in Edmonton is hard.}

Charles Roy Horney

March 19,1923 - July 1st, 2013

Dear Grandad,

We had a really beautiful long weekend with the kids.

On Canada Day we received the news that you are at peace.

It wasn't a surprise.
You said you were ready and it was what you wanted so I feel glad for that.

I just want you to know that I felt your presence and influence profoundly on that weekend.

I always do though.
You have helped mold me into the person I am.

You gave me a desire to speak French and excel at math.

You are the reason I can't look at a group of numbers without making them into an equation.

You are the reason I love porridge and blueberry pancakes.

You play a large part in my love for cottage life which is one reason that I had you with me this weekend.

And do every time I'm at the lake.

You were the master of reuse, repair or recycle.

I can still see those old computer cards you saved and used for lists. 

I have a vivid picture in my mind of you hunched over a broken radio. 

You could fix anything.

You inspired me to be strong and healthy.

Physically of course, you were inspirational.

Always so able, getting right down and showing the grandkids up with your somersaults.

Even as you were battling a major physical disease you stood tall.

I'm certain that those who didn't know the details of your medical history wouldn't believe them.

Mentally though, you were downright impressive.

You had an amazing mind and a kind heart.

You never complained even when you had every right to.

I'm so thankful that you held my children, that they met you, and you them.

I know they may not remember but it meant so much to me to watch you sing to them.

As my Dad said, we will forever celebrate your life with fireworks.

Love always.

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.