Will Is 10

Will Turns the big 1-0. It's difficult to believe he is no longer in the single digits for his age. But he's so cool that it's not a surprise his age had to grow into his status.

 

 

We also determined that he's not so great with blowing out 10 candles all at once.

 His party was not canceled. In fact, all those who could not make it.... ended up attending! 1 day after the YYC flood.

 

We took Will out for Dinner to Boston Pizza on his Big Double Digit Day.

 

 

 

And if that's not grand enough... then ...

I found this posted about Will by this great lady:

This is how this young man spent his last day as a 9 year old...and never stopped working. He hauled out carpet, underlay, drywall, mud and more. By 10pm he still had this smile on his face! Happy Birthday Will!

We couldn't be more proud of this boy. Will is loved by all.

 

2013 YYC Flood

Wednesday night soccer: I took a cute picture of Chase and posted that he was preparing for a downpour. Little did I know the foreshadowing this would provide to a very big story.
 

As I drove the kids to school on June 20th I remember listening the to a special Canmore Broadcast Interview providing a understanding to the revival of Cougar Creek. A creek bed which is typically dry. I found this fascinating and almost impossible to understand. However, I never suspected the devastation they were communicating. Nor that it would hit our city. At this time in our lives, all agenda items were placed on hold. We became dedicated to mobilizing volunteer groups to get into the communities and help. We worked with some of the finest and we even took the kids down to do their part.

Walking In

Work in Progress

 

The following 9 pictures were published by the Calgary Sun. They highlight our good friends; the S. Family, the E. Family and Us. 

 

 

 

 

Walking Out. This was an experience that will forever leave it's mark with us.

Home Reno Project

We got this really great idea. It was to take our house that we have been renting out for 8 years and update it to a more modern interior selection. But not only that, we would also do it in the busiest month for kids and school, for weddings and with all other responsibilities we have on our shoulders. This meant we often started work at the earliest: 8:30pm and ended at midnight. However, I was known to return home as late/early as 4am some mornings. This would be my definition of exhaustion. There were days we took the kids with us...and that proved to be productive and difficult (each a different times).

And most of the time I just dreamt of cuddling up into a ball and not returning for 2 months when it was all over. Instead, I just found rest in watching others do so.

 

 

In one day I picked up my 2013 shipment of décor containing 24 boxes .... and I picked up new trim for the entire home and 2 new doors. It was a juggling, packing challenge. Sadie and Chase found themselves in new positions in the car....and loved it.

 I asked Will to try his hand at painting. When there was more paint on him than the wall, I grew concerned. He also said he tripped on the paint tray and landed in it. Haha. Only Will.

The before pictures.

During

AND the 'AFTER' Pictures.

The Reno was estimated to take 4 weeks. It actually took 7 weeks. The house sold in 2 weeks.

Thank you to all those who lent their hand of expertise when challenges presented.

End of School Wrap Up

I was asked to decorate for the Grade 4 Event where their newly Published Book was being released. I had a couple helpers that enjoyed being along for the ride.

 The event was titled Picture This. The children took a photography lesson and chose a favorite photograph to write a poem about.

 At Party exhibiting their work, each student read their poem to those in attendance.

 Sadie celebrated her Preschool Graduation. It was a pretty great moment as her teacher reflected on the fact that Sadie was once the 'Show and Tell' as a new born baby for her Twin Brother's class.

 We will miss Mrs. King and Miss Donna.

 Chase is always happy to come along for the celebration.

 

Please note: This post would have been much longer if our last week of school had not been cancelled due to the overwhelming flooding our surrounding city and towns experienced.

 

And, here's a picture of Will and his Grade 4 Teacher.

Saving the best for last: We said good-bye to the most wonderful Vice Principal ever. We will remain connected forever.