Halloween Party 2009

We celebrated Halloween with friends at Jules' house (a teacher at Terry Fox Elementary) tonight. The kids had a great time playing together and trick-or-treating from door to door (that's bedroom door to bedroom door ;P). I think the costumes stayed on only long enough to snap a few pictures...too bulky to play in.

(left to right: Graeme, Jules, Nik, matt, Adelaide, Darcy, Logan, Ethan)

"Trick or Treat!"

Dad's Night at Preschool

On Tuesday, Reuben and Ethan went to preschool in the evening for Dad's Night. Together in the school gym, along with the other students in Ethan's class and their fathers, they carved pumpkins. This was a great opportunity for Reuben to see Ethan interact with his friends and meet some of the other parents. Reuben was excited to see Ethan in this situation and said he is quite the social guy, Mr. Popular (what happened to my reserved and hesistant 4 year old? - apparently preschool works wonders)! They had a great time together and brought home an adorable pumpkin that Ethan designed himself.

Canadian Bobsleigh Team

I'm still not completely sure how it happened, but somehow I arranged for a Canadian Bobsleigh Team to visit Terry Fox Elementary and read the book Bobsleigh Jellybeans which was written for them, about them and to help them raise money to continue their training. Adam Anderson, Hugh Baker, Chris Ripley, and Bobby Staniford were amazing as they patiently answered student questions, signed autographs and in general took the time out of their busy training schedule to be with us a Terry Fox. We are thankful to them and will never forget the wonderful memories made today. Go TEAM CANADA! We wish Adam, Hugh, Chris and Bobby all the best as they go on their North American tour and hope to qualify for the 2010 Olympic Games here in Vancouver.

Science World

We celebrated my birthday in "style" this weekend. Starting on Saturday with a shopping spree (new maternity clothes), dinner at Milestones with friends (thanks Kara, Owen, Ethan, Anaka, and Kalen for helping make my birthday special), and coffee and Wii bowling back at our place. On Sunday, we spent the day as a family at Science World in Vancouver. We had a great time together while taking in some Science shows including one on Bubbles and one on Toys. We were so proud of how well Ethan sat and listened, raising his hand at all the right times (it doesn't take much to make a teacher smile). Ethan actually volunteered during the Toys show to help the presenter with an airplane demonstration. He walked confidently up on stage when invited and did just what the presenter asked (preschool is working wonders in the confidence arena).



After the shows we toured the feature exhibit titled the "Geee! in Genome" where we tried to share with Ethan the "facts of life," censored at a 4 year old level of course, but he was more interested in making a DNA bracelet (another time maybe).


Eureka; with it's many interactive exhibits, including the ball launcher, foot piano, dam builder, laser harp, and pulley lifter; was definitely the highlight.






Ethan also enjoyed the search exhibit with it's T. rex skeleton, giant 800-year-old Western Red Cedar, real beaver lodge, and bee hives. We made some great memories together and ended the day with dinner at Montana's.



Thank you to all of you who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. I was overwhelmed by your love and thoughtfulness! :)

Abbotsford Heat Family Day

We had so much fun skating at the new Abbotsford Entertainment Centre on the Abbotsford Heat Family day. Not only did we get to skate on the ice that the Abbotsford Heat play on, but we also got to meet some of the players and skate with them. We even got to skate with Hawkey the teams mascot. Ethan enjoyed it so much we stayed and skated for three hours. I was exhausted, but he wanted to stay and skate some more.

Ethan at centre ice, right were the Heat face-off.

On the players bench,

and in the penalty box.

Skating with Hawkey, the Heat's team mascot.

Ethan with Cam Cunning, #8 (LW); Carson Germyn, #18 (RW),

Matt Keetley, #36 (G);

David Shantz, #1 (G);

Ryley Grantham, #16 (LW);

Mikael Backlund, #11 (C);

John Negrin, #4 (D);

and Keith Seabrook, #2 (D).

Then to top off the day we were given free drinks and popcorn and the lovely clown below made Ethan an amazing balloon spider. Pretty much the perfect day for our hockey fan!

More Heat Fun

We took a school bus to this game, that picked up fans on Sumas Way. Ethan loved this (it was his first time on a school bus). We met grandpa at the game (thanks for the tickets). The Heat played the Milwaukee Admirals (the Nashville Predators affiliate) and we won 2 -1. Go HEAT! We got to the game early and took in the pre-game skate. Ethan collected two pucks that the team shot over the glass and during the game Ethan got to dance with Hawkey, the teams mascot.

On the way to the game in an Abbotsford School bus.

The pre-game skate.

Collecting team pucks that were shot over the glass (a definite highlight).

Meeting Hawkey (another highlight)! See the Heat "finger" on Ethan's hand...what we won't do to keep tired kids happy and entertained!

Helping Hawkey cheer and dance for the team.

Willow View Farms for Jules' 4th Birthday

On the weekend, Ethan helped Jules celebrate her 4th birthday at Willow View Farms, a pumpkin and apple farm in Abbotsford. The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun...

...eating treats...

...singing for the birthday girl...

...admiring the gifts (in this case a tea set)...

...picking the perfect pumpkin...

...enjoying the sun...

...on the hay ride...

...swinging...

...feeding the goats...

...and being with friends!

Ethan's First Field Trip

Ethan's first field trip was to the Apple Barn. This was a very exciting day for Ethan, full of much anticipation. The day did not disappoint. We had a lot of fun learning about apples, bees and pumpkins; choosing our favourite pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to bring home; petting the bunnies and goats; riding the tractors; and jumping on the giant balloon. By the time we got home we were both ready for a nap! :)

Ethan's 2009/2010 Preschool class from Abbotsford Christian Elementary.
His teacher Mrs. K is on the left and Mrs. Braun on the right.

On the hay ride to the pumpkin patch.

Picking the perfect pumpkin.

The bunnies were so cute and patient...


...so were the goats!

Mrs. Braun and Ethan check out the bees.

Enjoying the sun on the giant jumping balloon with all his preschool friends.