It was so nice having mum here.  I can't believe how quickly the 5 weeks went. 

Kelowna

We had a lovely time in Kelowna last weekend.  Kevin was there for more schooling and we were there to pick up Mama June!!!!  It was very exciting to pick up my Mum but we had a whole day in Kelowna before she arrived.  Being in a small town, I find going back to the 'city' difficult.....the crowds, the traffic, the energy.  We tried to do a little shopping but it only made all 3 of us miserable.  So we found an amazing local park near the hotel and spent hours there. 

We even found a little friend who decided to come on a hike with us!!

It was such a lovely way to spend the afternoon and the next day was very exciting, but more on that later!

More hockey

Harry and Abby (Harry's cousin) got to play against each other on Sunday for the first time.  Harry was very excited that he found Abby on the ice, twice even!

Sam also started his hockey on Sunday afternoon.  It is called Hotshots.  Basically an introduction to hockey for the little guys.  Sam was super excited.  He woke up Saturday morning jumping around saying "yeah, it's my hockey day today mummy".  Let's just say it didn't end well when I told him he had to wait 1 more sleep!  Sunday morning came though and he sleepily walked out to Kevin and asked "Daddy, is it my hockey day today?"  "I can't wait to get on the ice".  So off he went in his red Calgary Flames shirt, like an eager little beaver.

Another beautiful day.....

I feel so lucky to be able to go riding, especially at this time of year and in the amazing weather we have been having.  I hope the weather is being kind to you, where ever you may be.

Box organisation

I got the idea for these nifty little boxes from this lovely blog.  I needed something for downstairs for all our winter mitts, hats and scarves.  I really don't like having plastic bins for everything and I also don't like the price!  I made these 6 boxes for under $10.  The photos don't really do them justice but I am really happy with how they turned out.  Pretty and functional, (not quite as 'multi-tasking' as your cushions though Cath!)

My Thanks Giving ride

There really is something special about riding through the trees, on a gentle, beautiful horse and staring at the amazing surrounding.  I was so lucky this weekend to ride Pickles on a 2 hour ride through Oasis.  It was stunning and I was oh so thankful.

I have been riding on and off for the past couple of years with Pickles and while I have always gotten a lot out of it, I have never been able to let go of my fear of galloping.  I was thrown a few times growing up on the farm and I think I equated 'running' with being thrown and losing control.  I guess as I aged, the fear grew stronger until it was choking me.  Every time I went for a ride I would be scared to let the horse go and trust her.  I have been working on a few things lately and I was amazed to see it transfer, to how I am with Pickles.  I finally got over my fear of galloping and boy, what a thrill!!!  The wind on my face and the giggles that bubbled up out of my core was fantastic.  I was on a high for hours after and I am so looking forward to our next ride.  Thanks Pickles!!

Harry's 1st hockey game

So my favourite number is 18 and it is also my birthdate.  When I first met Kevin he wore number 18 on his hockey jersey and of course I assumed it was fate!  Harry came out of the dressing room last week with his first hockey jersey and guess what number he got?!?!?!?!  Yup, lucky number 18. 

He has been doing really well at the practices and did great in his first game on Saturday.  He is trying really hard and I am sure will catch up to the other kids in no time.  So for your benefit Auntie B, I found out some more 'hockey' information (I had to ask 'cause I didn't know either!!!)  Harry is playing in Senior Novice, which is 7-8 year olds.  Most of the kids started in Junior Novice (which Sam will start in next winter) so he is little behind in skating ability and the general understanding of the game.  However he is pretty into it and trying really hard.  There is no hitting or 'checking' until they are older - I think around 11-12 years.  They play in lines with 5 people to a line.  Each line plays for a couple of minutes or so and then a new line comes out.  They rotate or choose where they are going to play - no set positions yet except for the goalies. Boys and girls play togetehr.  That is all I know for now!!  Will keep you updated as the year goes on.  

Wow look at him go out front chasing the puck!!

Hanging out at the net.