Blog Attack

Yes I know you haven't heard from me for a couple months and WHAMO there you have it I'm bloggin for the third time in a day. As I've said before the blog has turned into a family diary of sorts and its nice to just get the thoughts out and pics up of random experiences we've had along the way. 

So what else could I have possibly been up to this year already?! 

Well my buddy Candace and I finally bit the bullet and left our kidlets and hubbies behind and met in Jasper for two nights.

 

 I drove from the West and she headed in from the East. It couldn't have been any better timing for either of us and was so good to rinse  the brain with some laughter, share a few bottles of vino, and enjoy endless chinwaggin with a fabulously uncomplicated friend ( i like those kind). 

 

Actually apart from all that we also rented some cross country skis for only $16 and hit some beautiful trails up behind Jasper. It was tons of fun as we found a trail that allowed us to ski amongst the trees and challenged us enough but not too much to break any limbs for the day! 

 

The trail took us all the way back into down and then we drove back and grabbed the other vehicle. Anyways I've always heard that moms need a random get away but after doing so I can say it was definitely a therapeutic experience for all!

 

The next excursion I was on was with Alistair. We had to head down to Vancouver for three days for our typical slew of appointments that I jam into as short a time frame as possible. As usual its always in the back of my head we may get told something new and not so positive that we have to normailze but I am happy to report that wasn't the case this trip. We got to see two ortho docs, one for his hips legs and feet and the other for his cervical spine concerns. 

 

They both were happy with how things were aligning and so far no surgery in sight. WHEW!

 We also saw an allergist who we won't need to see again and Alistair got his feet casted to get an impression for new splints. No and don't worry they were just a five minute casting not a five month set! The only thing I wasn't expecting was three more separate appointments/trips to vancouver in the next year! Eek Its all based on how often the specialists want to follow up and this time none of them could align with the other. O well.....we are getting pretty good at this gig and the airlines are pretty darn helpful. However, the biggest part that helps demedicalize our trips and make it actually kind of fun is that my friends continue to take us in to their place and spoil us rotten. I'm sure I've said it before that they live right down town which makes it all the more fun. 

 While we were waiting for them to return I decided I needed a brew by the seaside. We found this fantastic spot overlooking English Bay while in "Milestones" restaurant. I splurged and had a pricey seafood salad and two brews. The staff were super friendly and chatted away with me off and on. As i was finishing up the last brew the manager came along picked the bill up off the table and scrunched it up in her hands. "Today I think you don't need to pay this.....I feel like paying it forward" she smiled. What a treat!

 Anyhow, like I said its always a treat heading down and being treated so royally by my friends Don & Kim. They always go above and beyond and make our stay so lovely.

 Alistair got a bed time story each night...which their son Grady enjoyed immensely in Alistair's "hot tub". Grandma Hedges bought this for Alistair awhile ago and its been so handy. It deflates into a small backpack and it contains him so nicely so everyone can have a good sleep. Walmart in the USA have them pretty cheap but to get it here we ordered it through Amazon. Here's a link for more info KIDZ BED

 Don also got Alistair playing hockey the first night. They defended goal as Grady shot soft puks by them into their mini nets. All this extra and unique interaction for Alistair is truly the icing on the cake. You can see the joy in his eyes for the inclusion and interaction. Happy kidlet makes happy mama!!

  

Well spring has truly sprung here in the North. Water is flowing in all directions and the heavy winter jackets are finding a hook down in the basement.

  

I can see a spring and summer full of learning, exploration and loads of smiles.

Hope its kicking off the right way for all.

Cheers Julie

Some Videos To Enjoy

Uncle Havin Fun CLICK HERE
Francis Making Chili CLICK HERE
Georgia & Francis Running in Circles CLICK HERE