Happy Father's Day

This morning, we took Daddy to Riverside for brunch. The boys were fine young gentlemen while we ate. They made conversation and used their best manners. Sean even managed to navigate the buffet by himself... a couple of times! However, when it came time to get a picture to remember the day... Ryan reminded me of him taking pictures at Disney (see post from Christmas)... He was not going to participate in a nice father and sons photo... so here is what we got. Again... boys, you gotta love them!

Beware of Flying Light Sabres!!

Star Wars has been the movie of choice this summer... actually since Christmas... and Light Sabres have been the go to toy in the neighbourhood... many hours have been spent reenacting the battles of Luke and Darth Vader etc. On Tuesday, we saw the "dark side" of this game. With 10 minutes to spare before we had to leave for swimming lessons, the boys headed outside. I wasn't sure what they were up to, as I was getting Brandon up and ready to go. Moments after going out, Ryan came flying in the door screaming with his hands covering his mouth and blood pouring out. I wasn't sure at this point what had hit him or if he had front teeth... it was difficult to see through the blood. I got a towel and tried to clean him up (not an easy feat while trying not to pass out from the blood!)... I called Sean in... certain he knew something... first I questioned if they had been golfing?...no... baseball?...no.... "light sabre Mommy" was Sean's sheepish answer. Unsure what too do, but almost positive that his front right tooth didn't look right I called the dentist. We headed over right away. I wasn't sure how Ryan would handle this as he had only been to the dentist once before, but he was great. He sat up in the chair and did everything they asked of him. Turns out we were lucky... VERY lucky. His gums were torn, but didn't require stitches. Due to his young age he had already started to heal. I was told that usually when the gums are torn that badly the bone is broken as is the tooth and sometimes the permanent one behind it. Lucky for Ryan no such damage. His front tooth is a little wiggly, but it should tighten up on its own. In the meantime he is not biting into anything with his front teeth.... except a Gatorade bottle cap the other day... which made it bleed again... BOYS... you gotta love them!!

Unfortunately, these pictures don't do it justice. Above his front teeth was almost black and swollen. His lip is fat on the left side too. The light sabre must have hit him on the lip pushing it back and then got the gums on the right side... OUCH:)

Brandon's Walking!!

Vegas

This past weekend, Tony and I, made our annual trip to Las Vegas. Its hard to pass up the chance to go when it is so convenient. We are lucky enough to have a direct flight from GI to Vegas. We left at 7:50 CDT and arrived at about 8:20 PDT. So nice.

This time we went with our good friends the Shavliks. Tiff and Justin actually made the trip to Barrie for our wedding back in '02 and Tiff and Tony have been friends since high school. Now Tiff is a close friend of mine, Tony and Justin golf together and they are our neighbours! Anyway, we had a great time... as always, but it was nice to have friends there too.

We were upgraded to a room on the top floor... great idea except I hate heights and elevators... the view was spectacular. Overlooking the strip, you can see Paris, Belagio and Caesars Palace.

Looking in the other direction you can see the new City Centre, Aria hotel and the ph sign for our hotel (Planet Hollywood)

Watching the water show at Belagio from our room.

Tony, me, Tiffany and Justin after dinner at the Strip House. The picture was taken by a nice lady from Toronto. Unfortunately I had my flash on and it should have been off... or was it the other way around?? Oh and my belt is crooked... other than that it is a great pic and the only one of the group!

On Saturday night we ate at ESPN Zone in New York New York and managed to get a table at the "Bar at Time Square". It was so nice to enjoy the show from a seat and not the standing sardine can on the other side of the pianos. Always a great show here.

Baseball Season Opener

Tonight was Sean's first baseball game of the season. He was really excited to get started again. He and Daddy have been working on his hitting and throwing and it really shows! Another cause for excitement is his team... this year he is playing for Rich & Sons! This is a new team from last year. Although his old coach wanted him back, Tony sponsored a team... so it would have looked funny if his son wasn't on it. Sean's cousin Jake is on the team too.

Judging by the looks of some of his teammates... Ryan could have played this year. Although it is a 5-6 year old division... I'd be shocked if all on his team have celebrated their 5th birthday!

I was so proud of Sean tonight. He really stood out as one of the older, more experienced players. He was focused on the game whether he was on or off the field. He had a few good hits... from the tee and the coach!! Way to go Sean!

Sean's cheering section. They were well behaved and cheered, despite the fact that they are both suffering from sinus infections. Antibiotics and prednisone for both:(

The only lefty on the team. Just like Mommy and Uncle BJ... right handed for everything except hitting baseballs, golfing and shooting a puck!

Keeping his eye on the play.

Ready coach!

Ryan's Preschool End-of-Year Celebration

Tonight we took Ryan to his favorite Mexican restaurant for ... pizza and french fries to celebrate the end of his first year of preschool. After he was sufficiently stuffed on chips, salsa and pizza we headed over to the church for his celebration. He was excited in his quiet way. We went to his classroom to meet his teacher and classmates. Ryan was so proud to give his end of year gift to his teacher. He donned his alligator hat and waited for his turn to perform... and perform he did. What a great job Ryan.

Bursting with pride! I love it... and I love him:)

Checking out his classmates and fellow performers.

Doing the actions.

Receiving his certificate and a hug from Mrs Thede while Fr. Todd looks on.

So proud! Way to go Ryan. We love you.

He can't wait for the 4/5 year old class next year... 4 mornings a week... although I think he would go to kindergarten if we let him!

Mother's Day

This year, we spent Mother's Day going to church, followed by brunch at Riverside. We had a nice time despite the cool weather. Tony and the boys bought me a gift certificate for a couple of massages... which I can't wait to use and Sean and Ryan gave me wonderful gifts that they made for me at school. I was able to take a nap too!!

Ryan showing off the flowers he gave me in a pot he decorated himself.

Each one of Sean's flowers can be removed from the pot. On the back is a chore that he will do for me!

Mommy and her boys... probably should have taken the picture before the nap!!

Beach Day @ Preschool

Prepping for a Garage Sale

The past week has been a busy one. We are having a garage sale tomorrow at Tony's parent's house. I am grateful to them for having it... I could never do it on my own... however, getting ready... sorting and pricing while caring for 3 active boys is A LOT of work!

This afternoon, I finished pricing all of the baby clothes that no longer fit any of the boys. This was a big job and more than a little emotional for me. I get a little sentimental about things. I did allow myself to keep a couple of things though.

Last week I sold a couple of things on the school districts buy-sell-trade. Here is a picture of Brandon saying good-bye to his exersaucer and Bundle-Me car seat cover. Although I found this sad, (he just finished with it in the last few weeks), I was glad to see it go to a good home.

I've also been busy sorting through my teaching materials and slowly clearing out my classroom. Since I am a specialist (of sorts) I don't have a full size room to clear out.. which is a blessing. Next up... organizing my home office. Hopefully, once that is done, I'll be able to enjoy the beautiful weather with the boys.

He looks a little sad, saying good-bye to his toy.

Okay, I'm over it now! Notice the bag of cheerios in his hand. He loves to crawl around holding things. Sadly, I didn't get a picture, but the other day he crawled through the bathroom with a box of gauze in each hand... like stilts for his hands!!!

Getting ready to pull up on the railing. He pulls up on everything and is beginning to stand for brief moments without holding on to anything... until he realizes he is doing it that is!