Great Sleep!!

The air conditioner is the best thing we have spent money on in years. We had the best night sleep. It was great to use blankets for something other than sleeping on. Elysia and Graham both said they were cold last night and had to use their blankets...trust me, Mike and I don't see that as a complaint.
The kids wanted to go to the drive in last night but thankfully (I mean unfortunately) it started to rain.
Kids have a busy week and it's Mike's birthday on Wed, he'll turn 38 (that's right a younger man). He thinks he will have the day off which is great, plus we have a soccer game in Coldbrook and one in Annapolis Royal, I guess we will divide and conquer.
The kids and I went to watch Josee's soccer game in Kentville. The kids enjoyed it, especially when one of the players from Josee's team kicked at the wrong net and scored...thankfully they still managed to win, it was funny though.

A/C

Okay...so we broke down and bought an air conditioner for the upstairs. Last night was horrible up there...just laying there and sweat rolling off for no "good" reason. We plugged it in a while ago, closed all the windows and opened all the doors upstairs and it's made a huge difference on the whole level, most of all, our room. Should sleep better tonight.
Elysia's friend Melissa is down for the week...she's quite happy. We told her mother we would return her in Sept but she didn't go for that.
We are heading to watch some of Josee's soccer game. The kids want to go to the drive in tonight but I cannot see myself staying awake for it, even if it is Harry Potter.

Hot...hot...hot!!

It's stinking hot again...welcome to the valley...33 degrees but with the humidex it feels like 38...OMG!! Where's the cooling fog of Halifax when you need it. I think we may zip up to Lake George again for a dip after supper. It was sure nice there yesterday.
Elysia and Graham finished their day camp this week. Graham cost 25 and Elysia made 80 so they had alot of fun.
Have a good weekend, I may melt!!

Soccer

Last night Elysia and her cousin, Sarah played their last scheduled game against each other. It was the first game since Falon's death and both teams wore armbands...Sarah's team had her number on them and Elysia's team had her name and number. The game was good with Sarah's team coming out on top with a score of 2-0. It was stinking hot out though. Poor Elysia, I think the coach forgot she was on the field and she played most of the second half and was only substituted out at the end, her little cheeks were red and she looked ready to drop. Some pictures are included. There is one of each of them doing a throw in, one of the two of them and another of the two of them walking up the hill, no doubt talking about us because we made them pose for pictures.

Graham has a practice tonight and it's still hot.

We cheated and went out to Lake George for a swim this afternoon. Just me and the kids including Sarah and Connor. Felt kind of bad because I know Mike was sweating in a hot kitchen (but it certainly won't help for me to be sweating also).

Off to Halifax

The kids have been going to morning camp at the Harmony Hall. Elysia is a youth leader and Graham is attending. But today, it's just Graham going and Elysia and I are off to Halifax to get our hair done. Hopefully we will have time to drop in on Russel Metals (I'm sure Elysia will be thrilled about that).
Mike and I both finished the Harry Potter book on Monday, Josee on Tuesday morning. I reread the second last chapter just to make sure I had it all. I loved it!! I will miss the series. May have to read them all again.
Graham had a soccer game last night and it was quite hot. Thankfully there was a breeze on them. Most of the kids did not show up so they only had two subs for the game. Graham scored six goals and needless to say was pretty excited, we did manage to squeeze his head in the door. Tonight Elysia has a game and Graham has a ball game. Both are in Kentville so we will be switching between fields. Elysia is playing Sarah's team. Poor Grandma, all she can say is "get the ball out of there" on both ends...

Book

Okay so the book is consuming our lives...Mike and I. We are both almost done the Harry Potter book. Good thing the kids are involved in day camp otherwise we may forget about them...haha.
Jarrett and his family are camping down here so Graham is quite thrilled to have him over, they came for supper the last two nights.
We are heading to Elysia's practice now, it's the first time the team has been together since Falon died...Agh!!

Sunday

Well...it's here...the final book...I've ready over 300 pages so far and it's good...

Elysia and I went to Falon's funeral today...pretty sad all the way around. I was doing okay until her little sister walked by me, bawling her eyes out (she was about 10). That broke my heart.

Gotta go and read!!

Tough Day!

Well yesterday was a tough day here. Papa McKinnon is fine, he's in Halifax. They are going to do a dye test today and if they find a blockage they will do an angioplasty right away, if that doesn't work then I am sure they will do a by pass, hopefully they won't send him home to wait and change his mind, they will just do it.
We also got news yesterday morning before we left for Halifax that a young girl on Elysia's soccer team had died the night before. Falon Urquhart was only 14 and died in an apparent suicide. I could not believe it, we had just spent the whole day with her and there was nothing to indicate that she was upset about anything, she spent the days on the rides with her friends, participated in the magic show at Upper Clements, played a soccer game, had a conversation with one of the girls on the other team she knew through volleyball. Apparently there was a lot going on in her little life and this is what she chose to do...Elysia and I had a long conversation about alot of things last night. It's certainly not the type of conversation you want to have to have with a 12 yr old. She was upset and could not understand why someone would do that. Very sad day.
Nann is here with us, we picked her up at the hospital to get her yesterday, we will take her back later. Graham and Elysia are thrilled that she is here and that they got to see Papa yesterday at the hospital.

We're Back!!

Had a great day at Upper Clements...the weather gods were listening, it was overcast and about 20 degrees...perfect day. The kids had alot of fun, lots of Flume rides. Elysia's team managed to play a really good soccer game even being so tired. They did lose but they played well. We got home about 10:30.
Mike's dad is on his way to Halifax this morning, I will go up and get his mom, she can travel in the ambulance with him. I think they are doing a dye test and then will decide the course of action. I'm just glad his out of the CB hospital, it sounds like they don't know quite what is up with him there. Keep you posted.

Upper Clements Park

Well we are off to Digby today for a trip to the park and a soccer game. The kids are quite excited about it. I'm just dreading the drive home, the soccer game won't get done until after 8:30 and those of you who know me know that I am not a late night person.
Graham's soccer practice was cancelled last night so we packed up the car and headed to Lake George for a quick swim. The water was quite nice and there was still quite a few people there. One lady had her stupid dog running loose. It had a pit bull quality about it. It was mean or anything but it seemed quite young and would take the noodles and stuff from the kids, it was a fair size too. It took a noodle from one little kid and then came over to us, so I grabbed the noodle from it and yelled no so he dropped it then I pointed to his owner and yelled get to her. Another person yelled at the lady to put her dog on a leash. She had to wake up from her nap and was quite indignant over the fact that everyone didn't love her dog, so she took him and left...too bad!! If you are going to bring a dog to the beach, put it on a leash!!

Birthday

It's Uncle Jeff's birthday today!! I think he is 43...that's old!! Happy Birthday Jeffie!!

Graham had a ball game in Kingston last night, it was a tie 15-15 again, imagine that. Graham did get an out, he was playing short stop and the ball was hit by first base, he ran over and got it and ran to second because the little girl on first forgot to run. He may not have all the fielding skills but he does understand the rules. Grandma came to watch so of course, he had to show her how "good" he is.

Elysia had soccer practice in Kentville as well, so we had to do a little bit of driving back and forth. Again, their field was being used for a game, not sure what's happening there but luckily another field was available for them to practice on. Most of the practice dealt with organizing their trip to Upper Clements on Wednesday. The weather should hold out, I am hoping for clouds and about 22 degrees.

Papa update--apparently Mike's dad will be sent up to Halifax (finally!!) at some point to have an angioplasty to unblock the artery. Not sure what will happen from there and also not sure if he will stay in the hospital until then. I am hoping he does stay in the hospital for observation because I don't think he's overly stable (especially with his blood sugar). Although I know he is bored out of his tree and hates the food.

Monday Morning

Poor Mike...had to go back to work today. Hope it's not too hot in the kitchen for him.
Mike's dad is still in the hospital (or Da as they call him). They are talking about angioplasty or bypass surgery, depends on what they find, I wish they would send him to Halifax though.
Graham and Elysia went to Auntie Josee's last night for a sleep over. The call came about 10:30 to come and get Graham, he wasn't "feeling well"...hmm...that's twice now. He informed me that sleepovers are not for him. The only thing is that he has stayed at Josee's before...I think he just misses his mommy (oh yeah, and daddy too).
Busy week with soccer and baseball. Elysia's team is going to Digby for a game on Wed and they have arranged it for all the girls to go to Upper Clements Park before hand. They should be pooped for the game but I don't think it'll make much of a difference...they will enjoy it non the less.

Sunday Morning

9:43 this morning...that's the time Graham finally got out of bed, guess all that soccer and chasing foul balls caught up with him. Elysia of course, would consider that early...I think it's a sleep in record for Graham though.
Hoping to head to the beach today, just Lake George or something. Graham and his father may go golfing...

Soccer

Today was the mini fest in Kentville, all the local U8 and U 10 teams play together. Graham played three 50 minute games in the span of 5 hrs today. His team won all three games. He played really well today, not only out in the field but made some good saves in nets as well...he managed to score 6 goals altogether...needless to say, he's pretty proud, had a little trouble getting his head in the door. The last game was against Centreville and that coach was pretty intense to say the least so it was kind of fun to beat them...

On a sadder note, Mike's dad, Papa was admitted to the hospital yesterday. He had a heart attack two weeks ago (which the hospital only seemed to figure out yesterday but that's another matter). This would be I believe his third but it did cause some more damage. He is also having some problems with his blood

sugar. They are trying to get it all under control and then decide what the next step is. Needless to say we are concerned and the kids were upset when we told them. They really love their Papa.

Hall's Harbour

We decided to beat the heat last night and take trip for supper out to Hall's Harbour. We invited Grandma to go with us. Mike had Calamari for an appetizer. Elysia tried it and we told her we would give her $5 to eat a whole pc...for those of you who have had calamari it can be a little chewy especially if it's the larger pcs which it was. She ate it though and said it wasn't the taste that bothered her but the texture...she's better than me, I would not have done it. We went for a walk along the rocks and picked up "fossils" and "crystals" to bring back...it was a lovely evening.

Rain...Rain!!

Yesterday afternoon, it poured...it was pouring for a good half an hour and what do kids do when it rains like that?? They play in it. The kids had a ball playing in the water. There is a dip in the sidewalk and they had a water fight with the puddle. All they needed was some soap and they would have been done for the night. They ran around like a couple of crazies and then got pilons (sp?) and threw water at each other. Needless to say, they were soaked to the bone.
Graham's ball game was cancelled (truth be told, I wasn't that upset about it). He has another game next week in Kingston so I think Grandma is going to come and watch.
Hoping to head to a beach today as it's supppose to be stinking hot. It's Mike's last Friday of his vacation and we need to do something before he goes back to work.

Harry Potter

Well, we drove all the way and it wasn't sold out, so we got to see the new Harry Potter movie. It was good but obviously not as good as the book. Alot of information has to be let out, I wish they would split it into two movies and release them six months apart so they could go into the characters a little more. The kids enjoyed it. The new theatre at Dartmouth Crossing is quite nice though.
Graham had a baseball game tonight...tie...15-15...yup and that's only three innings, thank goodness for the 5 run rule. Then we watched the Kentville Wildcats play under the lights. There seems to be alot of regulars who watch the games so they seem to have a lot of comments, it's quite funny.
Sarah is spending the night tonight with Elysia, the opted out of the Wildcats game.
Got three whole strawberries out of my garden. There are some peas growing and the pumpkin plants are really sprouting up...don't think I'll open the farm stand just yet...

One more day!!

Only one more day until the Harry Potter movie...being the Harry Potter fans that we all are we are heading to the new theatre at Dartmouth Crossing to see the movie on the first day it opens. We are not that nuts to go to the midnight showing tonight (although it would be fun). Then in another ten days the new book is out and Mike and I will be fighting over reading it. I have, of course, preordered the book at the bookstore and can pick it up at midnight if I want (still debating that one).
Elysia's team lost at soccer last night, but the best thing is, they really don't care. It's a great group of girls who have a great deal of fun with it and they are always laughing about it. Elysia is heading over to her cousin's house today to spend the night, we will pick them up in the morning and head to the movie theatre. They may have to crawl out of bed before ten to be ready...

Whoops!!

Okay, the second picture was of Sarah's friend, Hillary doing the throw in, this is a picture of Sarah at the game.

Weekend

We had a very busy weekend here at the McKinnon household. First, Graham's best friend, Jarrett came for a visit for the weekend. Graham was beyond excited about that. Graham finally had his birthday party. The boys went to the mini putt and had KFC. The rain thankfully held off long enough to get the party in, we did get sprinkled on a little but not enough to bother the kids. Actually the boys thought it only added to the experience.

Elysia and her cousin, Sarah were both playing in the Gunn Baldersunn all ladies soccer tournament. It has grown into quite the tournament, with over a hundred teams playing, this year they even had a team come from Iceland where Gunn was originally from. Elysia's team and Sarah's met on Saturday. Sarah's team won 2-0, poor Grandma has trouble watching those games. Actually we all do, yes, I want Elysia's team to win but not at the expense of Sarah's team. Sarah's team made it into the playoffs on Sunday. There was some miscommunication on the team and 5 girls did not show up for the first game, leaving them with only a couple of subs. The girls played their hearts out but sadly, lost. They also lost the consolation game. So needless to say we have watched alot of soccer this weekend. The top picture is from Elysia's team, she's in the middle. The second picture is Sarah doing a throw in.

Gunn

Elysia's team had their first game last night in the Gunn Tournament and they had a scoreless draw. It was frustrating to watch because they put the ball all around the net, it was everywhere but in. Josee said the same thing about Sarah's team's game, they had a scoreless draw as well.
We also had Graham's birthday party last night. Mini putt and KFC, the kids had fun. I don't think we have any Tiger Woods in the making though.
Elysia has two more games today, the first against Sarah's team. If they are in the top four out of twelve then they playoff tomorrow, otherwise they will be done today. I don't think Elysia cares either way, she's just happy to play in it and get the t shirt...

BBQ

We had a great time at the BBQ last night. Josee and the kids were there, Melissa and Christopher and Brenda. It was very exciting to see them. Christopher and Brenda are expecting and due sometime in February. This will be Ann and Doc's first grandchild and they are over the moon.
There was a big Monopoly game on the go. Graham was the only one who braved the weather and went into the pool by himself. The wind was quite strong for a while but the rain held off which was great.
Graham's friend Jarrett is on his way down for the weekend, Graham is beyond excited about it, plus it's his birthday party tonight. I hope the weather holds for the day since it's mini putt at the Bucket Club. Oh well, we'll make do. Poor Elysia though has a soccer game tonight and it's rain or shine.

BBQ

We are heading to the McKeil's house today for a big BBQ. Christopher and his wife Brenda and Melissa will be there. We have known them since Ann was pregnant with Melissa (I always say I knew Melissa in the womb). Christopher and Brenda are expecting and we are all sooooo excited about it. Freaks me out just a little because I used to babysit Christopher. Hope it doesn't rain this afternoon.
Elysia's soccer team lost last night to Digby but I will say it was not their best game played to say the least, I hope they do a little better this weekend at the Gunn tournament.
Grahams' best friend, Jarrett is coming down for the weekend, Graham is beyond excited about it. We are happy because it's Jarrett's first sleepover.
Enjoy the day!!

Wednesday

Last night, Graham's soccer team suffered their first defeat and it was a bad one, plus Graham took a pretty good hit. He went down pretty hard. I had to let the coach get him, but I was up and ready to grab my boy and beat the kid who knocked him down. I think I showed restraint myself. Tonight Graham has a baseball game in Hantsport and Elysia has a soccer game in Kentville, thankfully Mike is on vacation.
Elysia is still snoozing, she can sleep to 10 if we let her. I usually open her door around 9 to get some noise in. Graham is cleaning his room...hmmmm, we'll see how that goes. Yesterday he used his birthday money to buy a PSP, which he is not allowed to play with until his room is tidied up, I love new things for that reason alone. Elysia is great at cleaning her room and she is a good purger as well. Graham...not so much.
Lots of soccer this weekend as well. Elysia has a game Friday night, two on Sat and more on Sunday depending on how they do. Graham has the U10 practice on Sat morning as well. Hope it doesn't rain.

Mike's Happy!!

Well, my husband is happy now. We had put off completing the rec room. We didn't have a proper entertainment unit that would fit his big tv and components so we had it sitting on the coffee table with nothing hooked up. We finally got a proper stand to fit it and we hooked up the components and hooked up the tv to the stereo. He can watch his movies now in stereo in the basement where it's cool so he's happy. Plus we also got a giant umbrella to put on the back deck. We used to have one of those canopy things on our old deck but this deck is just a little too narrow for one. When the sun would hit the deck in the afternoon it was stinking hot on the deck and Mike would bake when he BBQ'ed. The umbrella we bought is huge and covers most of the deck. So all in all I think Mike had a good day.
Took Graham to his baseball practice last night. He is getting much better at hitting, he cracked a couple just outside the infield, as he says...he's a ringer...never one to let you think he's not doing well.
Elysia is still not feeling well. She's certainly better than Sunday. She skipped her soccer practice last night but has a game on Wed and the tournament this weekend. Her schedule on Sat coincides with one of her friends from Halifax so we should be able to see one of her games as well so Elysia is happy.

Happy Birthday Canada!

Okay, so I'm a day late...sue me!!
Mike is on vacation for two weeks. Not sure what is going on...Elysia has the Gunn Balderson soccer tournament this weekend, it's an all girls tournament. Graham has his only soccer tournament the following weekend. His birthday party is this Friday as well. So even though Mike's on vacation it's still busy.
Went to mom's house yesterday. Helped her get her deck furniture up finally. We were to go to Josee's sister in law's house for supper but Elysia had an allergic reaction to a facial her and Sarah did the other day and her face was all red and blotchy...needless to say she was upset about it (as any girl her age would be) so we opted to stay at mom's house. Mike prepared a lovely BBQ for all and it was delicious as always.
Mike and Graham have headed out to the Par 3 for a quick game of golf. Elysia is curled up in a chair, she's still not feeling so hot...not sure if she's getting cold or if all the pollen is catching up to her.
My house is wrote off...so today will be tidy up day!!