"Don't stop - believin' "

A Canadian camping tale

 Cypress Hills Int'prov park

Well, because the boys and I were gone for 2 weeks without RKZ, Dad decided that we should go camping for the weekend. He even took Monday off so that we could go to a place we'd heard about on the Sas/Alberta border. The forecast was pretty grim, but we thought it might be a bit different 5 hours away from home. 

The trip started normally, with our 5 year old (sadly) plugged in to old-school Transformers and looking every inch the 15 year old in the making that he is...

In a rare moment of silence, our 20 month old (1 1/2) slept in his car seat for one of the 5 hours. Daddy dressed him, hence the Calgary Stampede shirt and rapper jean shorts. He's so cute when he's sleeping! 

 Monday night was great. After driving 4 hours through Prairie lands, we came upon a little oasis in the hills! Pine trees and a small lake with beautiful camping sights and a creek behind our trailer. The boys were in heaven and Thunder even went to sleep peacefully at 7pm while RKZ and Buck played Dominoes. This picture is the inside of our trailer.

 

We woke to 40 degree weather (7 C) and RAIN! Serious, winter-style, it should-a-been-snow type rain. It was as if we were sitting in a cloud and there wasn't a blue space in the sky. The boys had a quick breakfast in the trailer (this is the other side of the trailer - notice the pack-n-play where Thunder sleeps). We all eventually went out to the "Lounge" in the only local motel - and had some ok food (so much for local homemade). I am pretty sure that all of the food we had eating out was purchased at the Costco in Medicine Hat. It was ok, but I kept thinking how much nicer eggs and bacon from the grill would have been.

 I did forget to mention that our awesome camp site didn't have power connection or water. We were only able to use our trailer as a hard sided tent: no cooking, no water pump (to wash hands or flush). We did buy a generator on the way, but we were nervous about turning it on in the deluge. Writing it makes it seem funny. 

We spent the rainy day driving through some AMAZING country. Cypress Hill Interprovincial Park (where we were) is simply beautiful and pristine and just the way one imagines that Canada and Montana should look like. The US border is only about 80km/50m from the park (a lot closer than Calgary). No, I didn't take any pictures of it because it was raining and would look like every other rainy forest if I posted it. There was a camp ground in the spreading nature that was perfect. About 20 camp sites and a playground (of all things) basically in the middle of nowhere across from a lake where Pelicans were having breakfast. If we ever figure out our generator, we're going back. 

The day never did get better. Everything was soaked, and we eventually went back to the reservations office and changed spots to one which included power and water. Mainly because it gets COLD at night without a heater...like negative numbers cold. And even though RKZ, Buck and I were smashed together under 2 down comforters (so toasty!), crazy Buck in the pack and play was never far from my mind. He simply can't sleep with all of us yet as this is like sleeping with a rabid squirrel who demands milk at the top of his lungs the second he sees me. He must be contained for sleep. He made quite a sight in feety pj's, sweats and his winter sleep sack (like a bag he sleeps in). RKZ was certain that Thunder was going to be too hot. But he seemed fine to me! 

 After moving to this new site, we were able to wait out the rain with videos of Bob the Builder and Veggie Tales. RKZ and I were discussing how badly we were all getting along and he said, "Even rats eat each other if they are confined too close together."

 Monday (the 3rd day) dawned as sunny and only a bit cold (50's/10). The boys jumped out of confinement with shovels and pails and we made breakfast on the camp stove. Suddenly, we saw how wonderful camping could be if there was ever any summer up here. The new site was perfect - across the street from a pristine sandy beach, a bridge to the convenience store (we forget stuff) and a large grassy/sandy area for the boys to play. If there is ever a forecast for weather in the 80's/20, probably next year, we will hop in our truck and go. It could be heavenly! 

"Send someone to fetch us we're in Saskatchewan" (tomorrow)

I so stole these next pictures from Facebook. It just goes to show you that anything you post on the internet can totally be stolen by some lame blogger and kept forever somewhere else. Isn't that insane? It would scare me a little bit if I wasn't already so grossly paranoid about privacy (with my double FB pages and all). 

So, we're getting dangerously close to school starting - but first, our family is going camping on the Alberta, Saskatchewan border [Sas is a province in Canada pop 910,000 (seriously, look it up)]. It's right next to our Province/State of Alberta. No one in America really knows where it is. RKZ's favorite tidbit about Sas? Capital City is Regina (sounds like...yeah, he's silly like that). My favorite? The Muppets had a song (in the Muppet Movie) that contained the verse: "...Send someone to fetch us we're in Saskatchewan.  Movin' right along." 

Buck is still at adventure camp until 4. I'll be cleaning out the trailer for our trip. Thunder is sleeping. Wouldn't you like to be sleeping at 2pm on a Friday? 

 SERVITE! and Tiny Dancer are still awaiting the joyful arrival of unnamed baby.  Here is TK's profile pic. :) 

 many of you know that one of my close University friends became a Priest (much to the shock of everyone :) He's the white guy in this picture. Here, he's concelebrating Mass in Africa. His sister is a missionary there. She posted this picture and I stole it.  

One of my younger brothers, Coach K1 (SERVITE! is Coach K 2), had his TWENTIETH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION last weekend. Do you know how old that makes me??? Yes, 40. I know. This picture is stolen from the page of one of the women who was in his class who is also friends with me. I posted it because I can't believe how OLD they all look. Again, what does that say about me? (it's all about me). 

  

My niece, P. She looks like a Princess here and it makes me remember that she is the only little girl I can buy clothes for. I need to call her mother and get on that. Are you reading, J??? Can I spoil your daughter? Oh, I stole this picture from Shutterfly. I really have no shame. 

A little bit of trivia that I tried to steal a pic from my oldest brother's computer and it wouldn't work! Coincidence? I think not. 

"I want to ride my bicycle..."

Busy Monday today. Buck is at an afternoon "adventure" camp at the local ski resort (now transformed into a mountain biking, bungee, ropes course type of place). He was nervous, but instantly joined his group and seemed to be making friends madly. 

Yesterday, we went biking for the first time as a family. Thunder in the Chariot (attached to RKZ's bike) and Buck riding a "ride along" with me. It's basically a bike that he can pedal attached to the back of my bike. He's riding, but doesn't have to balance. Quite cool. We hope it helps Buck get over his fear of going too fast - he won't go fast enough to balance and we haven't been able to take off the training wheels of his own bike. 

I don't have a picture of the boys in action, but I loved this shot of them in their helmets. Yes, it's August here, but it was in the 50's and raining before we too our ride. Friends were over for dinner Sat night and told us that Calgary is officially the only place on the planet that did not see temperatures rise this summer. Of course. I just have that knack. 

So many thoughts and events have gone through my mind over the last few days. I sometimes wish I had posted them, but it's harder to get on the computer with 2 active boys around. Buck had to go to the hospital for stitches last night. He and RK were there until midnight. Such a bummer, but funny that we don't even blink an eye about it anymore. Buck has a thin-skinned chin or something. Now, 2 scars "like a pirate" he always says. 

Lastly, today is Buck's 5th birthday. Five. 

I think some sentences expand in our hearts until it feels as though we might explode. I waited 5 long years for my oldest boy and - just like that - his life span has matched my waiting. Now, his brother is here to share the space and Buck meanders into the magical trifecta of the years "5 to 7" (which is supposedly the period a boy will have the most growth until he enters puberty). If anyone can understand, I know that Buck has already begun his path away from me. He clings to me more now because he can feel it too - caught between wanting to be the baby his brother is or a part of the "poop-talking" gang of his 5 year old counterparts. He's bungeeing today at camp. The writing is on the wall. 

"You're gonna want this back"

Blogger (the site that hosts this blog) has changed it's photo posting again, and these shots are all out of order (sorry, I know that this impacts your lives a great deal). 

We are home from California, Reno and Kansas. 13 days away from Calgary; and the day we got back it was in the 50's (teens C) overcast. I will admit that I was depressed yesterday. I told RKZ that if he had said (while we were in So Cal) that, "I'm packing everything up and you don't have to come back," I wouldn't have been sad a bit. We returned to news that Buck's best friend and our very close friends are moving away this weekend. We had such a nice vacation - and Life begins anew here in the Great White (Rainy) North. 

 The boys continue to love Grandma and Grandpa Joad's house. They have a lot of riding toys. Thunder has learned how to push Buck around. He is channelling Kevin Federline here :) 

An old shot, but this is also a recap of summer vacation for us. We were able to see almost every single cousin this summer (and will see the G-side again at Cor's wedding next month). 

RKZ and I "escaped" to Wichita for a family wedding. We were on our own for 2 days (sans bebes). Here, RKZ demos his romantic side reading Sports Illustrated and sitting in a rocking chair. Do we know how to party, or what? 

Throughout the rest of the trip (RKZ had to stay home and work), I would email quick pics of the boys to RKZ so he knew we missed him. This room is at Aunt K and Uncle G's house in the OC. 

While visiting my parents in Reno, we spent a day in Lake Tahoe visiting SDJ and Supermodel D. I forgot Lake Tahoe somehow. It was a glorious day and made me wonder why we don't spend summers up there. 

SDJ is 16 now (insane) and these shots are from her iphone. She is very posh. 

The boys in the lake. They are so big now. 

Coming home to daddy. I bought a ticket for Thunder this trip and it SAVED MY LIFE. Note to people planning on becoming parents - always buy a ticket after 16 months. "Free" tickets aren't worth the price. Best money I ever spent was buying a place to strap THunder down.  

The boys and their oldest male cousin, CK. CK is 14 years old and about 6 feet tall (exaggeration, but I'm sure he was taller than 5'8''). He was so good with the boys and completely explained how to choose a personal gaming system for Buck. Hilarious! 

"Sunshine, on my shoulders, makes me happy"

In So Cal (always confuse this with SoCo - Southern Comfort). At my aunt and uncle's house. It's great. Although everyone seems to be complaining about how "cold" it is; I think it's heavenly. In the 70's and 80's (15 - 25 C). We had a family dinner last night where the cousins all piled in together and our boys got to know each other. It was nice. At one point, I cried while the baby screamed and Buck showed just how tired he is after 12 days away from home.

I will do a proper post soon. Thunder is teething and we have a baby shower to get to. I'll try and take some pictures with my phone at SERVITE and Tiny Dancer's home tonight.

Did I mention that I love the weather?

"leavin on a jet plane"

Quick post from the Denver Airport. I'm in one of those "pay as you go" kiosks fighting with Paypal which won't accept my credit card for reasons it will not explain. I'm going crazy, to say the least.

RKZ and I are a weekend sans kids for a cousin's wedding. RK and i are meeting up in Kansas - I'm very excited to have a few days just as a couple. Even with the credit card issues. Also, I'm hating books these days. What's wrong with me?

Any suggestions, please email them.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful friend, Betsy today. Have fun storming the castle!!

I miss my boys.

Rasberry Sorbet...(Beret, I know)

We had Rasberry (spelling?) sorbet tonight for dessert, and RK and I both started singing this song without meaning too. It was funny (but probably only to us).

Buck, Thunder and I are off to Reno tomorrow. The boys will be there until next Tuesday. RKZ and I are flying to a cousin's wedding for the weekend. Then, the boys and I are going to California for my sister-n-law (Tiny Dancer)'s baby shower. Although I'm always nervous about flying with our 19 month old (who is a squirrel), I am very excited to go to warmer climates. It was warm for a few days here, but we've been in 50 degree thunderstorms again for the past 2 days. I think I am seriously coming down with S.A.D. (that seasonal affective/allergy whatever disorder). I'll know better if my funk is related to the weather in the 90 degree heat of Nevada. YEAH!

Posts have been few and far between. We've been living life. I also had to finish "Lady Chatterly's Lover" this week. Uhhhhggg. In my life, I have had to suffer through two books which both grossed me out and irritated me: Lolita and now, Lady Chatterly. Remind me NOT to tell you all about it. I'd rather read Danielle Steele again over and over.

See? I'm in a funk.
Hello, Heat!!!