Thursday, June 3, 2010

A terrible blogger

Here is an update from over two months of activity...I am sorry to my followers that I have been so neglectful.

Erin and Peyton are done school now and Brooklyn will be done next Friday. We are looking forward to the summer. We have joined the neighborhood swim team and the girls will hopefully be great swimmers by the end of summer. The girls gymnastics and dance is over in the next week or so.

Erin is excited about going to Kindergarten in August (yes, our Canadian friends, August) - we start the 25th. She will go on the bus and be there all day!

Peyton is loving his time at Little Gym. We go weekly for an hour and we get to watch from the window.

Brooklyn is going to do some more cheerleading here in August too.

I promise to get some more pictures on here. Lots of love to all of you!!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Spring break in Canada

The kids and I came to Canada for their Spring Break. We left Monday to arrive in St. Thomas on Monday night. Tuesday, the girls went with Grandma to get their nails done - how pretty.
We also had a 'congratulations on your retirement' lunch with Grandma Diane.

Wednesday was jam packed with visits to Aunt Erma and Uncle Wendell as well as Jen, Trent and Kyle. There were very tired kids on Thursday morning when we left for Tavistock.

We spent the morning at the Tavistock Preschool and the Tavistock Public School - visiting with friends and our favourite teachers.

Thursday lunch was McDonalds at Mommy's old work. It was wonderful to see so many friends join us.

Thursday afternoon we dropped by Cambridge to see the Semplonius' and then back to Tavistock to visit with the Danens.

Thursday night we had a sleep over with our cousins Logan and Ainslie. The kids can't wait to do it again.

Happy Easter from Erin!


Here is an Easter craft that Erin made before the Spring Break at her school.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Peyton's class



Here is a picture of Peyton's class at school. He is one of the oldest in the class.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!




Here is some artwork from Peyton and Brooklyn. Peyton was painting with a Green Pepper - how creative. Brooklyn painted a leprechaun.




Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Ready for the Rain

Spring is coming quickly and we already had some rainy days. Peyton is all ready for them with his bright yellow rubber boots and raincoat.

More Maple Syrup running today...




The Maple Syrup Man

Recently, we had friends here from Canada who have made maple syrup from trees on their farm. Brad picked up some 'taps' when we were in Canada at the beginning of March as we have 4 maple trees in the backyard. Last Monday, Brad 'tapped' the trees. He used the bright orange Home Depot buckets to catch it. It was a very cold night but the next day was beautiful - great for collecting sap. Brad flew to Minnesota on Tuesday so I was on 'sap' duty. He left me a 2L Tupperware container to put the sap in and then I was to put it in the fridge. On Tuesday after school, I checked on the sap buckets. OH MY!! We had almost 10 gallons of sap in less than 24 hours. I found more buckets and buried these full buckets with the lids on in the snow to keep them cold.

Our experience intrigued the neighbors. A couple doors down, the family also tapped their trees.
You know you live near Canadians when.....

Brad arrived home on Friday and proceeded to boil the sap in a propane powered turkey cooker in the driveway. Almost 3 days of boiling and we have about 2L of maple syrup in the fridge.

I am very proud of Brad's work and it was a great experience for our kids too!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Peyton's Spring School picture



When did he get to be such a big boy?

Formally five...



We had pictures taken for her fifth birthday and here is one of them.

Happy Birthday Erin!




This week, Erin turned five!! We had cake and she got this cool shirt from her brother. She also got a DS from Mom and Dad, a Wizards of Waverly Place DS game from Brooklyn and a camera, lots of clothes and games from the rest of the extended family.




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ohio Driver's License for Laura

I put off this task since August when we moved here. In February, I finally went to the Dept of Motor Vehicles and wrote my written driver's test. This is something I had not done since I was 16 years old. I studied more this time because I had to keep converting the speed limits and measurements into miles and feet.

You are able to get 11 wrong and still pass - I got 5 wrong so I passed. One of the questions was about how long a suspension would be for not taking a breathalizer..24, 36, 72 or 96 hours. I still have no idea and don't plan to find out.

After the written test, I had to do a driving test with the state trooper. I passed the road test with only 2 sharp left turns. You are allowed to get 26 marks against you. I had 6. I was proud of my extra careful driving. Then, the maneuverability test ( I can hardly spell that!). I had to pull the card into a lane with pylons on each side and then pull to one side. The trooper then asked me to back up through the lane I just came through. I drove Brad's Toyota as I can see much easier in it for backing up. I thought I was clear and WHACK!!! I hit the pylon - therefore, I failed! I couldn't believe it. Twenty years after doing parallel parking, I failed my driving test. The really funny thing is - I was still able to drive home. I have a valid Ontario driver's license which is good here for at least one year. The following week, I went back and passed the test. Thank Goodness! It was one of the most embarrassing things to happen to me. Brad called me Crash for a day or so. All I promise everyone is that I won't park their car or at least not close to anything. I don' t mind the walk.

Fighting Unicorns pictures




Here is the team photo and Brooklyn's trading card for basketball. The team has four coaches and there is some significant height differences. Brad is the second shortest at 6'2".

Cheerio O's


Erin is working on her letter O. Here is some art she did at school. It is a close second to my favorite macaroni art. In class, they had oranges, black olives, and green olives for the kids to try.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Canadian cuties





Before the Olympic hockey game, we dressed up to support our Canadian athletes. We also put Canadian flags on the front of the house to celebrate the win - probably the only house in Ohio.


Peyton loving the snow...



Peyton always wants to go out in the snow when all the kids are outside. He keeps up with all of them.

Canadian snowman


Daddy made a snowman who is Canadian and HUGE!

Snowmen


We made some snowmen.

The kids enjoyed the sunshine outside and worked hard with friends.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dr. Seuss' Birthday


At Erin and Peyton's school, they celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday. The library here also had a celebration. Here is some art Peyton made with his foot to honor Dr. Seuss.


Monday, March 1, 2010

Visitors on the weekend

More Tavistock friends came to visit and the girls had a blast. They played lots of dress up and did some colouring on the new whiteboard to show the Moms and Dads. Pictures to come.

Basketball - Fighting Unicorns




Here are a couple pictures from the game on the weekend. The girls played much better than the first week and are learning new skills all the time.




Friday, February 26, 2010

Dodging the snow...

Last weekend we visited Canada for less than 24 hours. We came to Cambridge to celebrate our nephew Logan's third birthday. The kids loved being with their cousins. We didn't have any weather issues on our drive which made for a happy drive! The kids got a new movie 'Bedtime Stories' (with Adam Sandler) for the ride.

This week we had a PA day on Monday and now today Friday is a snow day. I am just thankful the Olympics are on. We have been cheering for Canada the whole Games and are so proud to wear our red Canada mittens. Erin left hers at school and the teacher knew they were hers even though there was no name in them.

I saw this on someone's facebook status and loved it so I thought I would share.

Our Father, who art in GM Place, hockey be thy name, thy will be done, GOLD to be WON on ice as well as in the stands, give us this day, our hockey sticks, and forgive us our penalties, as we forgive those who crosscheck against us. Lead us not into elimination but deliver us to victory, in the name of the fans, CANADA, and the holy puck. AMEN... █♥█GO CANADA GO!█♥█

We will be watching the hockey tonight.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Erin's craft for Valentines


I saw this as an example in a magazine and then she did it at school.


Valentine Crafts




Peyton made two crafts at school for Valentine's Day.

Visit from friends


Brooklyn's best friend Clara came for a visit with her family. Here are the kids playing downstairs. They had a blast and can't wait for them to come again.

Tubing

We went tubing at Alpine Valley. Here is a picture of Brad and the girls. Peyton was too small to go - maybe next year.

Brooklyn singing in the Choir

Here is the video of Brooklyn practising before church on Jan 30. She is singing I am a Promise.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Ready for her Valentine party



Brooklyn has her valentine party today Friday Feb 12th at school. She got a new shirt and socks to celebrate the day.

Peyton and his Baby Jaguar


Diego, the Nickelodeon cartoon, has a friend Baby Jaguar. Peyton has a friend which he has named Baby Jaguar just like Diego.

Sledding


There is lots of snow here in Ohio. We went sledding and had a great time.

Peyton at the computer

Peyton LOVES the computer. Here he is playing Webkinz. An addiction given to him from Aunt Bev.



Peyton at Little Gym

Here is some video of Peyton at the Little Gym.

Super Bowl Family photo


We came back to Canada on the Superbowl weekend to visit with Aunt Erma, Marg and Uncle Wendell. We had short visits but it was great to see them doing so well after surgery.


On Sunday, we went to Brad's sister Kim's house for a superbowl party. They really know how to throw a party! Here is a picture of the Colts Family ready for the game. Unfortunately the game didn't end quite as we had hoped.

Happy Early Valentines' Day

Erin and Peyton had their Valentine's parties on Thursday at school. Many valentines to write and hand out. Peyton chose Madagascar Valentines, Erin chose Ariel Valentines and Brooklyn chose High School Musical valentines. We mailed some out to friends when we were in Canada on the weekend and are mailing some more today. Sorry if yours is late.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Sorry I haven't been updating!!

I didn't realize how many people actually read the blog. I knew my great aunts Erma and Marg were reading it daily but didn't know there were so many others. THANK YOU! I am really glad others are enjoying the stories we are sharing. Please feel free to email me your story as my kids love getting mail.

My Great Aunt Erma recently had surgery so I didn't update the blog quite as much. She is doing fabulous and I can't wait for her to come home from the hospital so we can plan a visit.

Also, my Uncle Wendell also had surgery and is also doing well. He too will be home from the hospital. Luckily they all live in the same city so we can visit during the same trip North.

I had recently asked for some prayers from extended family and it seemed to have worked. Another thank you!

Basketball Brooklyn...

Look out she is coming down the court!

Yes, Brooklyn has started playing in a recreational basketball league with some of her friends.
Her team is the Fighting Unicorns and she was excited the shirts were purple!

We will update more as games pass.

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa were here for about 4 days to celebrate our anniversary and their 20th anniversary. We went to the Brown Derby for dinner. It was fabulous - we had steak, ribs, bread, salad and brought enough home for an entire meal here. The kids loved staying with Lindsay, the babysitter, and we got to enjoy an adult night with my parents.

Report cards for the kids...

Brooklyn received her report card last Friday. She did a great job again and we are really proud of her progress in Grade One. Just wish she liked homework just a little bit.

Erin also received her report card. She got excellent marks as well with a comment that she had not yet mastered her address and phone number. Well, when I told Erin, she immediately learned her phone number and then when Brooklyn got home she prompted her and explained to me that Brooklyn doesn't know it either. I have to admit sometimes, I hesitate when someone asked my number.

Happy Husband - Go Colts!

On Sunday, the Pro Bowl was on TV. We are anxiously awaiting the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Our favorite team the Indianapolis Colts are playing the New Orleans Saints. Go Colts!

Brad already ordered Division Championship hats and shirts and has worn them too! The Colts flag is flying proudly out in front of the house.

On Sunday, we will all be wearing our Colts jerseys - we do all have one!

Happy Anniversary weekend!

Friday night, we took the kids ice skating at The Pond. It was the girls' first time on skates since April. Peyton even tried it. He actually stood up by himself - I was so proud. Brooklyn hadn't lost many of her skating skills but Erin had grown so much, her skates were hurting her feet. Peyton said he wanted to skate like Mickey Mouse (because he loved Disney on Ice so much).

On Saturday Jan 30th, Brad and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. The day started with Brad off to the gym. I then took Peyton and Erin to the Step2 Store in Streetsboro for some playtime. Brooklyn sang at church and then we took the girls to Alpine Valley tubing. The neighbors invited us to come along as they organized a group to go.

Looking forward to enjoying more winter activities here.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Super Handyman

With a "new to us" home, there are many projects to do in the house. Brad has been moving throughout the house to update and repair many things. Here is a list of a few of our "improvements":
  • microwave over the stove
  • light fixture in the master bathroom
  • towel rack in the main floor bathroom
  • put stuff in the attic above the garage (with his new huge ladder)
  • light fixtures in the front hall
  • humidifier on the furnace

We also hired someone to paint in the kids bedroom, the kids bathrooms and the hallway. We have a new sofa, new washer and dryer, new BBQ and 8 dining room chairs.

The house feels like it is coming together.

Snow, Snow, Snow

I can not believe I remember when it has snowed so much! For ten days, snow fell lightly from the sky leaving mounds and mounds of it. The kids ended up not having school on their first day back. We have had to find a lot of things to do in the house but we also found a GREAT hill to go sledding. The nearby golf course has a fabulous hill. We took the kids there for about a hour and they had a blast. The next day we went back with a friend but it was quite windy. Peyton finally went down the hill on the tube by himself. Again, Again, he said.

More fun with friends

Sorry it has taken so long to get updating the blog...

The kids and I headed back to Ohio on the 28th of December. Before we left we visited with our friends Hannah and Samantha. The kids did some dancing to High School Musical on the Wii. It was adorable and there were a few costume changes as well. While they were busy, I had a chance to catch up with my friend Barb.

We left there and headed to Grandma's house. We had some running around time and climbing on Grandpa to get the sillies out before getting in the van for our 5+ hour trek.

The drive was good with no weather issues. We arrived here after 9:30pm.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Visit with Grandma and Papa, "Aunt" Connie and the Roths

On Tuesday, we visited with LOTS of friends and family. We visited Grandma and Papa in the morning and then met Connie for a Swiss Chalet lunch. The kids played with the magnets and were in negotiations with Oscar the Cat. They are still not sure if they love him or not.

That evening, we ventured to Tavistock for a visit with our friends, the Roths, and Brooklyn's best friend, Clara. The kids played and we went to watch Clara skate at the Arena. There we ran into more friends and our Preschool teacher and friend, Mrs. Lichti. We had a good visit and congratulated Clara on getting her Badge #4!!! What a skater.

Gifts of Time

One of the best gifts my kids can receive is the gift of time. The girls spent Monday with their cousins Stefanie and Julie along with Aunt Bev and Uncle Randy going to see the Princess and the Frog. Peyton had a play date with his best buddy (and cousin) Logan. Thanks to all of you for this precious gift.

Ashton Family Christmas







On Sunday, we drove to St. Thomas to celebrate with my family. We were there early to open gifts from Grandma and Grandpa. Another day of spoiling! The kids got games to play with but mostly climbing on Grandpa and eating pie are their favourite things to do there!

Boxing Day Football


Every year Brad and his friends play football on Boxing Day. A few of our nephews joined in this year. The guys are feeling older each year but enjoy some food and cheer back at the Oberle's afterward. The weather was okay but the ground was frozen and VERY hard when you hit it. There were scratches and welts to prove it.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

So many Christmases...







Before Christmas we had a wonderful visit from the Suljaks and the Walkers. We celebrated with both families and hope they will plan another visit very soon.


The kids were spoiled and really were able to enjoy the time with friends and family as it wasn't quite the blur that the holidays turned into...

First Christmas for Ainslie


Our new niece Ainslie and her first Christmas.

Late night Nintendo DS time


Aunt Kim and Brooklyn were working hard on the DS late into the night.

Night time on Christmas Day


Brooklyn LOVED holding her cousin Lily while she had her bottle. Erin bought Lily matching Tinker Bell pajamas for Christmas which she is wearing in this picture.

Christmas Dinner at the Bekes







Most of the Duguay family sat down for a wonderful turkey and ham dinner at the Bekes. This year's Christmas with the Duguay family is split because some of the family is celebrating with their in laws. We had crackers with lovely hats for everyone to wear.