Summer's Winding Down

Back at the Alexandria Library...

Hey there!

So, this was one of the only Saturdays all summer that we didn't have to get up and rush off somewhere. Alexander played his last baseball game last weekend. They had a nice little award ceremony and everything. The weekend before his soccer wound up. So now, our little athlete has a soccer medal and T-ball trophy proudly displayed in his room. (Still have to return the jerseys!!) We got him outfitted for the upcoming hockey season this past week. It never stops! Yesterday, we had awesome service from Keith, at SportMart (near Gloucester Mall) -in case you ever need to get sports equipment - in outfitting Alexander with his skates. Seriously, this guy took about an hour of his time to make sure we had exactly the right fit. He willing shared information and tips about hockey, sizing the skates, sharpening skates, hockey parefanalia, etc. AND...he was soooo patient with the kids!!!

When we went to Canadian Tire (Merivale & Hunt Club, Ottawa) for the other gear (the weekend before), the young guys in the sports section must have been bored because at one point, all three of them were helping us. The one guy was joking around and taking advantage of Brent's and my trepidation over sending our young laddy off to hockey...telling us the gloves have to fit in such a way that Alexander can drop them to the ice and get his fists up for fights. AAAAAGH! Just what we are dreading about the whole hockey scene!!!

A couple of weeks ago, Alexander was also happy to learn a few basketball tips from my cousin, Carolyn, and her husband, Clarence. They were over from England visiting with Auntie Jackie and Uncle Jack. After their mini "training camp" (ha ha), we went to another park that had one of those water fountain parks. The kids stripped down to their skivies and went to town. This activity was following lunch and play at Cosmic Adventures with friends from close to here. All in all, they had a blast that day.

Kaisa is very much looking forward to starting dance class. The girl becomes more and more theatrical every day!! I'm hoping to get them into music, also. But we'll have to see how much that costs and what the schedule is looking like. I'm not sure if we can balance all the activities!!

Before Brent went back on his most recent tour up North, we also got to visit my Sistah and her family...including the beautiful Baby Olivia!! She's so cute and snuggly!!! Alexander and Kaisa loved being with both of their cousins! I think Natasha enjoyed having them there also. It was a bevy (is this the right word?? Spell check...doesn't look right!) of activity!!

We have also spent a bit of time visiting with our friends from Iqaluit. A number of families we hung out with have relocated or are in the process or relocating down South. It has been grand for us to see old friends. I felt particularly sad, last Sunday, when we were leaving Beth and Steve's place. One of Kaisa's oldest friends was also visiting from Iqaluit. Watching the two of the play and interact was wonderful. Because she's not in school, Kaisa hasn't really got very many friends down here yet. It was hard to say good-bye. I had been looking out the window, just a few days earlier, and saw my Little Miss swinging all by herself on the play structure. I felt a huge pang of lonliness for her.

As usual, there's more to tell...but it is 1:00 and the library is closing!!

TTFN! Gabrielle

I'm an Aunt...again!!

This morning, my new niece...Miss Olivia was born! I haven't got all the details yet but Sistah/Mama Mo and Baby Olivia are doing well. I'm sure Papa Luc and Little Miss Natasha are proud and happy! I'll pass on more news when I get it.

Back on the ranch...you know what I mean...back home in Apple Hill, we've been keeping ourselves busy. I'm at the library right now...avoiding the lawn!! I've got to get at that today. The temperature is reasonable and it's not raining. A combination that has been hard to come by the last few weeks. We've hit above 40 C with the humidex. Let me tell you...that is not an easy adjustment for people moving from the Arctic!!! There were a couple of days when all we did was keep the kids down in the basement watching TV. It was just too damn hot outside!!

Other events and activities...Alexander's still playing T-Ball - only two more games. Unfortunately, he cannot go to the final event - a Lynx game in Ottawa. They sell peanuts and the potential for Alexander having an allergic reaction is not worth the risk. He is also doing soccer. It's great! I think he has potential to be a good player with some coaching and practice. In the fall, he'll be starting hockey. I can't believe school starts in less than a month - Grade 1...here he comes!

Kaisa is looking forward to taking dance or ballet lessons in the fall. I'm hoping to get them both in music classes, too.

Baby is due October 15...I'm getting bigger and bigger. Yikes! I've already surpassed my weight from when I had Kaisa. Still, the reality of Baby #3 hasn't completely sunk it. It's very strange. This Baby was so not in the plan when we decided to move...so, both Brent and I have had to work at wrapping our heads around the fact that we are going to have three kids. Craziness!! The next time Brent is home is getting scheduled up. Lots going on. The one after that, in September, we will really have to concentrate on getting ourselves a van.

We've also been visiting. Most of the people we've see are friends who have or who are relocating from Iqaluit. Yesterday, Alexander, Kaisa, and I spent the day with two families we used to have frequent "play dates" with. Eight hours passed in no time!

Another recent adventure...last weekend, our family went camping with friends. We had a great time. The mosquitoes were nasty and sleeping on an airmattress when 7 months pregnant proved to be a challenge...at least getting out of it...But lots of fun nonetheless.

Kaisa would like to use the computer now. So, I'm being booted off. PBS Kids...here we come!

Happy Day...Gabrielle