Climb of Hope 2013

I never thought I would hear Jeff utter the words "fun" and "run" in the same sentence.

Well folks it happened.

I know, socks knocked thoroughly off.

This event was so well run that we have already signed up for next year.

Sure, there has been an abnormal amount of cursing in our stairwell the last couple of days.

Jeff may or may not be soaking in scalding hot water to ease the calf pain.

And a pointed foot is no small feat {ha!} today. 

All thanks to the name of this game: Stairs.

Hence the "climb" of course.

The true test were these dreaded Hotel Mac Stairs near the end of this 5.5K.

Luckily it was as beautiful a run as it was tough.

Set in the amazing Edmonton River Valley.

We didn't get a team pic but I did capture the rest of the team crossing the finish line.

I promise Chloe was running right up to the end despite her nonchalant composure.

Obviously we were all there for the run and the cause.

But I'm pretty sure no one was complaining about the Starbucks coffee and Hudson's burgers.

Team Track and Shield is 2 members strong for September 2014 and recruiting.

Final Ontario Post {For Real}

After the service the rest of our trip was spent visiting.

And by the rest of our trip I mean Saturday.

We fit this trip between my work shifts.

As a former manager and business owner I am aware that asking for time off as soon as you start is a great way to make a not-so-great impression on your boss.

So we squeezed it.

First stop, terrorize check out Gram's new digs.

There isn't much in the way of entertainment at care centres, at least not the variety little ones crave.

{Backgammon anyone?}

Being the resourceful kids who they are though, they made their own fun.

The fish tank and model lighthouse provided entertainment for the first 15 minutes.

Cedric lodged himself behind a door that locks open.

 Then gave us the mother-of-all-stinker-looks when he realized he was the only one who could fit.

We did eventually get them to pose for some pics and sit with their GG.

Sitting quietly, however, is not their favourite.

Fiona took a shining to a ball of pink yarn and started a game of catch.

Catch then escalated to whip-at-yo-head and was shut down for safety reasons.

Thankfully GG got a kick out of it at every level of intensity.

Our next destination was Aunt Julie's.

There were two little chairs just for them and some perfectly selected toys.

 She has a great shady backyard which the kids terrorized loved.

 I mean, did you see that look?

I can only imagine the pranks in store for us at the hands of this little man.

We managed a little nap before a dinner and park date with my Aunt Elizabeth, Aunt Cathy and cousin Sarah.

At dinner Jeff and Sarah bonded over their mutual desire to be organic farmers.

{Remind me to tell you someday about Jeff's retirement plans for us.}

The night was really chill at the park.

It was my turn to have a rare chat with Sarah.

I've mentioned before that I grew up away from my extended family.

I never attended the large Christmas dinners or birthday celebrations.

Now I'm not complaining.

 My parents made our celebrations so special and I wouldn't change a thing.

I am, however, glad that Fiona and Cedric will have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins close by.

I felt especially grateful for this when a great conversation with my cousin was cut short.

Now we're on opposite ends of the country and most likely won't pick it up again.

Sure it seems like everyone's so connected across the world.

I might be able to find her on Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Pinterest or Facebook {though she went off years ago}.

I also may be able to contact her via email, text, iMessage, Facetime or Skype.

But even with all these available forms of communication there's nothing like sitting side by side on a grassy hill at dusk.

Final Ontario Post {Finally}

**Just kidding, this is actually part one of two.  I really planned to fit it all in then I started looking at photos from the root of our visit and just couldn't.**

I've been going to Toronto to visit family all my life.
It's because of this that I often forget to do some sightseeing.
I remember as a child going to the CN tower, Bluejays' games {in their unbeatable days}, Canada's Wonderland and the Toronto Zoo.
Now, as an adult, I would much rather spend the time with our family.
I am looking forward to someday introducing our kids to these attractions.
This, however, was not that trip.

We arrived to some typical Toronto weather.
 Hot and humid.
Memories of sitting perfectly still in my Grandma West's apartment whilst aiming 3 fans in my direction came flooding back.
The memories kept coming as we drove through my Gram and Grandad's old neighbourhood and up to their church.

We walked in to a warm reception by extended family and old friends.

Many sought us out to see the "great-grands" since our kids are the only ones to date.

The church was beautiful and a simple picture of Grandad sat at the front.

Nothing more was needed since his memory, though already strong in all of us, was brought to life by the many respects paid.

Gram said afterwards that she thought it was the most beautiful service she had been to.

I agreed.

The readings and eulogies by my family members blew me away.

With each one I felt like Grandad, as I remember him, was brought back to me.

We had spent so many years seeing parts of this phenomenal man robbed.

Then in this one gathering they all came back.

I contributed by reading my post from July 2nd.

I was so glad that I wrote it when I did since it proved to be the purest form of what I felt after his passing.

My truly amazing cousin Sarah sang "Lark" unaccompanied.

She filled the room with her voice and kept the beat with a hand over her heart.

I was truly beautiful.

{Here's Josh Ritter singing it, skip to 25 seconds if you don't want to hear the banter.}

My Mom and Aunts put together an impressive table of memorabilia.

{And you know how I love my memorabilia.}

How did the kids do you ask?

They did great...for 10 minutes.

They spent the rest of the service chasing Daddy in the lobby.

Honestly, I'm glad that they are still naive to the idea of losing a loved one.

Fiona has started to show an interest in death but doesn't yet understand what it means.

I will often  hear stories in which "someone tried to died me Mommy".

She did once tear up when we explained that you don't come back after you die.

That conversation ended shortly thereafter and I certainly won't prompt it's rehashing.

I don't think I'm one to shelter my kids but some harsh truths can wait.

Grandad had a very calculating mind and I'm certain that facts were important to him.

Above all though he enjoyed his time with the people, and especially the children, in his life.

One of his last pieces of advice to my Mom was to "enjoy those kids".

There's plenty of time before they need to face sorrow head on.

For now I'm enjoying them and their innocence.

Cedric at 1.5

We're celebrating a half birthday over here today.

Nothing big planned, just a fabulous day of playground, gymnastics and banana bread. 

Gram's recipe is ridiculously good so it's almost like a cake.

My poor kids are in for a lifetime of me trying to convince them that loaves are cake and a vegetable stick assortment is a fun snack.

Cedric at 18 months is 30" {over 2" gained in the last 6 months} and 23 lbs.

As I wrote the above sentence I was just reminded to book Cedric's vaccines.

See, blogging saves lives people.

His vocabulary is expanding all the time but he loves his faves such as: 

"harrow" {hello}

"umm nuuu" {num num}

"cook-a" {cookie/cracker}

"bawwl" {ball}

"bubbaaa" {bubble}

"buuuuu" {book}

"bowwwww" {boat}

"bowwwww" {airplane}

"bowwwww" {car}

And the old stand-bys Mama, Dada, Uh-Oh and "Go-ooooo!".

He insists on doing everything his big sis does on the playground.

The only difference being that there's a Mama standing below him {who he completely ignores}.

He's sweet but the stubbornness determination is coming through.

As I put together this Cedric collage I was struck by how fast he's growing.

I know, I know, every parent says that.

 But you really never can be prepared for the breakneck pace.

Starting next month he'll even be attending the same preschool program as Fiona.

I'll be looking for your support when that time comes.

Happy half birthday little man.

Track and Shield in September

Track and Shield took a little break for August.

Because...well...August was busy.

We're back though and ready to rock.

Literally.

Our next race is the Climb of Hope in support of the Cross Cancer Institute.

Looking through past pics it seems as though some runners go all out with the rock theme.

I've never been that girl who wins ALL the costume contests.
To be honest, costume parties stress. me. out.

I'm envious of those who always think of the-most-witty-get-up-you-ever-did-see.

Like this Mom.

I'll see what I can do for this event but am making no promises.

You want to know what else stresses me out?
The promise of many stairs on this run {hence the "climb of hope"}.
Regardless, it's a great cause so we're happy to be involved.
I so appreciate everyone who has donated to our many causes this summer.
{I'd just like to brag again about the fact that I have the best friends and family.}
If you have the means and would like to donate this month it would be much appreciated {yet again}.
Cheryl's Climb of Hope Page
 You're all also more than welcome to submit yourself to punishment with us join our team.

Our Labour Day Weekend

I'm still working on my last Ontario post but in the meantime wanted to share our weekend.

We headed out to the lake on Friday to maximize our last summer weekend.

On Saturday afternoon we cleaned up {as well as you can without running water} and drove back for our friend Josie's wedding.

It was at the Oasis Centre which provided many photo ops during cocktail hour in the garden.

Here's Cedric striking his very best casual pose.

And Fiona doing a fierce take on the "contemplating".

Cocktail hour also led to some fish-tank antics.

These fish were actually a major life saver with the kids.

 Cedric soon figured out that he was the only one small enough to fit behind the tank.

This of course meant that he was back there every chance he got.

Giggling away, naturally.

I probably shouldn't forget to mention this fabulous couple.

Congrats Josie and Kajan, thanks for letting us share your day.

{And a beautiful day it was.}

After the wedding it was back to the cabin to soak up those last days of summer.

The mornings were chilly which graced us with some beautiful foggy scenes.

 The leaves were coming down and subsequently being raked into jumping piles.

 Warm oatmeal felt just right.

 Finally, my morning runs were the perfect temperature and gorgeous.

Jeff, on the other hand, has taken to running in the evenings.

{Yes, you read that correctly, Jeff is running!}

And he has certainly noticed the earlier sunsets. 

After realizing how dark it would be he ended up running down our country road with a carving fork.

{In case of a coyote run in.}

Now that's dedication.

Hope you all had a great Labour Day.

I'm So Surprised You All Look So Nice...

These were my Mom's sentiments when seeing us at my Grandad's service.

Ummm, thanks?

We did look pretty nice if I do say so myself.

And she insists the surprise was not due to our regular appearance.

Rather, our lack of luggage.

Yep, let's go with that.

If you've travelled with either of us you know that Jeff and I hate to check a bag.

We did a week in Paris carry-on and never looked back.

I'll admit it got slightly more challenging with children.

When they're too young to carry their own you have to be extra picky with what you bring.

Now that Fiona has a seat though she carried all of her own clothes.

{She also insisted on pulling mine half the time and I put up no argument.}

I was so proud.

We often get shocked reactions like my Mom's above.

It's because of this that I'm sharing my packing with you today.

First up: Fiona

 I may have mentioned before that Fiona will only wear dresses right now.

It would have been a battle if I had packed anything else so she was pretty easy.

She's finally to the age where she can keep clothes clean so one pair of shorts and leggings was enough.

One of my main rules {let's call it #1} is that you can only bring one extra pair of shoes.

Wear your casuals and pack your dressier.

Summer is great because you can get away with one sweater and of course the clothes are smaller.

Next up: Mama

Ok, I broke the one extra pair of shoes rule so that I could run, sue me.

Rule #2 is bring basics in basic colours.

Fortunately this is all I own really.

Rule #3 is stay at a place with an iron {or wear wrinkly clothes, I won't judge}.

Sometimes you just have to roll up your clothes and stuff them in some shoes you know.

If possible, do this with pjs and underwear.

Last allowed piece of carry-on: Daddy

I actually don't even think Jeff wore everything here.

Boys. 

Am I right?

He probably could have packed only socks and underwear and been happy.

{I didn't included any of our skivvies in the pics, you're welcome.}

We also opted for a vest instead of jacket for the formal outfit, much smaller.

Last but not least: Cedric {aka the smuggler}

Since this guy was flying free he had no luggage allowance.

His stuff went mostly in my suitcase, a little in Jeff's and a couple of items in Fiona's.

He pretty much requires a new outfit every day but luckily his stuff is tiny.

I did end up washing one pair of pants in the sink which was not a big deal at all.

I would actually wash my own clothes in the sink to get a second use if we were gone longer.

Rule #4 remember that you can usually buy stuff at your destination.

For example, with the babes, bring only enough diapers for a day or two and buy the rest when you get there.

Car seats and strollers often come up as an issue, don't you have to check those?

Nope, they'll check them at the gate.

Plus, if you have a stroller you often get to go through the express line at security.

But I need to bring a bottle/sippy for my little and can't take that much liquid.

Maybe you can't but the baby can, they'll make an exception.

Don't forget that you can also bring a personal item.

I bring my massive Mama purse and Jeff his backpack.

We always have tons of room left in these, even after we pack the ipad, books and snacks.

But why? you may be asking.

Checking isn't a big deal and I would usually agree.

However, I always know without a doubt where my luggage is.

I also know that it won't get banged up. 

{The scuffs on mine are from the one time I was over the weight limit for carry on and had to check.}

Most importantly I don't have to wait around desperately trying to convince my kids that the baggage carousel does not look like a super fun ride.

And I must admit I really do love when others are shocked that we did it.