Let the games begin!

Summer is upon us, and so is the soccer season! Shaun has been so excited to play this year, and could hardly wait for his first practise tonight! I haven't seen him eat his supper this fast in a long time!

He is also excited, as this year, he is playing with his friends Savannah and Gracie.

It was really great to see him play this year. He is so much more engaged, and there isn't this constant battle to get him on the field without crying (like the little Shaun we knew last year).

I went all prepared this year, with the camera to take video of all the little ones crying/ frustrated, as this was our experience last year. But... there were no tears... from any child!! What a difference a year can make! I am a little sad I didn't take video last year, as it was so cute and funny to watch little 4 year olds falling/ getting frustrated etc. *sigh*... I guess I will have Alexa to do this with too, although I don't think there will be any tears from her !

I am seeing so many changes in Shaun the past few months. He really is almost a different boy since last year. He is a lot more outgoing, and confident. Less shy, and willing to try new things. He is so excited to start school, and the same with soccer. This time last year he cried when we told him he would have to go to school in a year. But, along with the extra year, comes different challenges. He has been exposing himself to older kids at the park/ in the neighbourhood, and now deals with the 'hurt feelings' and trying to learn how to fit in with older kids... new year, different issues! Life is never dull!

feeling defeated

Last night I went to the gym. I worked hard. I ran. Well, I tried to run. But I get AWFUL shin splints now, and I couldn't do it. I tried, and when I stopped I could barely walk to the mats on the floor, and when I made it there it hurt so bad I couldn't stretch them either. I was feeling really discouraged, as I really do want to be in good physical health, but I am feeling like my body is failing me.

But then it occured to me, as I was finally able to stretch. My body has done amazing things for me. but most importantly, it has created two beautiful children. I took a minute and just thought about how amazing that is. Life goes on, and yes, I always thought it was amazing how life is created, but didn't really think about it. But last night it really hit home how my body, that I was feeling so discouraged with, did an amazing thing... twice!

I had a change of heart at that time, and see things a little different. My body may not do what I expect it should some times, but I have to keep at it, and with perserverence and determination, i will meet my goal, I just need to be patient. Just as patience was the key with enduring 10 months of pregnancy, patience is also going to be the key to meeting my fitness goals.

first day of school orientation

So our sweet little Shaun will be 5 this summer and will start Kindergarten... unbelievable! He went today for a little 2 hour orientation. He has been so excited all week, he had his backpack packed Monday night! He was dressed before we were out of bed this morning, very eager to get to school. What a change from last year, when he told me quite seriously that he didn't want to go to school... EVER!!! Here's a run of his day...

Pre-school chat with daddy on the front step.

Learning about school bus safety....

Eager to get going on the little bus ride!

Playing some games with his teacher, Mrs Hicks

YEAH! the end of the day, and no tears (for either of us!!)

Poppa and Fraser's visit

We had a busy week ! We spent last weekend in Nova Scotia with my Poppa and his brother Fraser. They had a cousins reunion and were able to see most of their family who live out here. I was able to see many people I have met before in their travels to Alberta, and meet a lot of other people too! They are a wonderful group of people, and we really enjoyed our time with them!

Foot bridge in Eureka, NS.

Shaun and Jack

View from the balcony of the cabin

Boiling Lobster

First cousins! (I don't remember all their names....) mom will have to help me!!

They went lobster fishing Saturday morning, and boiled the lobster for supper that night. What a feast! Poppa was a little impatient with the maritime ways, and was trying to think up a more efficient way to get the water boiling than the little propane set up they had. There was alot of joking around about getting it done the Alberta way vs maritime way!! In the end the job got done and they were delicious! (Although I don't think it is Poppa's favorite food... !)

The kids had a lot of fun with their chocolate lab 'Jack'. He is a sweet dog, and played fetch with the kids for hours down at the beach!

I was very happy to have Poppa and Fraser here for a visit. We had my aunts/uncles for dinner Monday night, and we all had a lot of fun. Lots of laughter!! They were able to spend the next day with just us as well, so we had a better chance to visit. I was so happy to see them, and am glad they were still both in good health to come all this way.