Work, Work, Work

Mike has not had a day off in two weeks. They are preparing for the students to come back. The frosh arrive this weekend and the rest right after. It's his first "back to school" so there is alot to have ready, plus they just redid the dining hall and the kinks have to be worked out. To top it all off the president of the university had a bbq at her cottage and insisted that Mike cook for it, then he had to leave the next day for a two day trip to New Jersey, Ohio and Michigan. I'm hoping things improve soon.
The kids head back to school next Thurs, it would be Wed but the first day is an inservice (right off the bat). The kids are still in bed...Graham will be up soon but Elysia will sleep until noon if I let her....awwww, the good old day, when I thought getting up at 10 was early. Now I'm just thrilled if I sleep until 7:30.

Queensland

Okay, so it was a perfect beach day!! Note the pictures. The waves were big enough for the kids to have fun and small enough for me to not have to worry. Elysia's friend Shayla (where she had been staying) and Graham's friend Jarrett came with us. The kids spent alot of time in the water and then played in the sand, they dug holes to sit in. We would have stayed longer but Graham's baseball party was at 5:30 so we had to scoot it back for that. We barely made it. Both kids napped in the car on the way back. For those of you who know Graham well, know how cranky he is when he wakes up from an afternoon nap...worse than a bear. He did push it too far though and was grounded for all things electronic, much to his dismay. It's nice having Elysia back in the house, it was too quiet, although it too them about two minutes to start arguing. Instead of getting medals at the baseball party, each one got a trophy...well, if you think Graham wasn't excited...he was busting about it.

Queensland

We are heading to Halifax today to pickup Elysia at Shayla's house and we are going to spend the day at Queensland...we want waves!! Watch, the water will be like a dead calm.

Rabbits

Okay...rabbits stink!! We just cleaned their cage and they stink again...although I do give them treats of lettuce, etc all the time so I think they pee alot and that's what stinks. Here's a picture so Sarah and Connor can see I haven't given them away yet...

Elysia has headed to the city (I know, I said last time was the last time but I always said I am a sucker). Mike has gone to the states so it's just Graham and I for a couple of days. I will probably go to the city on Wed to get Elysia, but go a little early so we can go to Queensland just once to play in the waves.

Gutters

Our gutters need to be cleaned, they are blocked in one spot in the back and one spot in the front. The front is not a big deal but the back is three stories up and there is no way on God's green earth that I will get on a ladder that far up. Gonna have to pay someone who is braver than Mike and I to get up there. I think some birds have nested in them. What a pain!!
Last night it rained hard and the cable went out again. We have Bell Express Vu, I do not recommend it and I think we will be going back to Eastlink.

Quiet Day

See...I told you there was skin missing...I know the eyebrow is perfect but if you can look past that, you can see the chunk of skin missing. Looks just lovely.

Josee, don't worry, tell the kids the bunnies are doing fine, although they stink again and need to be cleaned out. It's raining so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

Went to Lake George yesterday with Jane, Todd and the kids. The kids had a ball, the water was a little cold but they stayed in for quite a while and Mitchell would only come out when his teeth started chattering. Elysia didn't see any fish so she would go into the water.

Mother is coming over for supper, I think she's lost when one of kids is not at their house. Josee and the kids are in BC. Although I know Tracey is enjoying it, mom and I are a little lost.

Shopping Adventure

Well, it's done, all the shopping and there is no Zeller's clothes in Elysia's bags or Spiderman sneakers in Graham's...so either they were good or I am a sucker...the choice is debateable. The kids were armed with their lists of needs and their budget of money. It's soooo funny how fussy they are when they think it's their money...I got the comment "Why do I have to buy socks with my money?"...hello?! It's not their money, I gave it to them, so technically it's mine (I mean ours, Mike). Anyway it's done and I don't have to hit the stores today, it sucks the life out of you.
I did manage something for myself, I went and had my eyebrows waxed...last time I do that with this girl, I am missing skin above my eyes...yeah, it makes for a great look. I thought it hurt a little bit more than normal, but I will admit, they were a little Sesame Street looking so I thought that was why, but then she put the cream on them and it stung...I have scabs growing above both eyes....but at least the eyebrows look great. For my own safety I may maintain them a little better.
We are babysitting Connor and Sarah's bunnies while the kids are in BC. I can truly say if I thought of getting bunnies, it is surely gone now that I helped clean their cage...stinky!! I may remember to post pictures of them so Sarah and Connor can see they are doing well.

Halifax

We are heading to the big city to do the school shopping. I told Graham if he didn't behave I was getting him Spider Man sneakers to wear and I told Elysia I was buying her Duff Stuff at Zeller's. At their ages, this is a great deterant.

Lunch at Grandma's

We are heading to lunch at Grandma's house. Josee and the kiddies will be there also. They head out for BC tomorrow morning.
Mike was "on course" yesterday...Granite Springs to be exact. He was golfing with the Chef's Assn. Just one of those rough things he has to put up with ... haha...
Yesterday, Graham's friend Connor was over playing. Connor's little sister Maddie came over and was stung by a bee right by her eye, when her mother picked her up right away the bee stung Janet in the stomach. They stopped by later so Maddie could show me her eye and it was almost swollen shut. I gave them some children's Reactine to try, not sure if it was a reaction to the bee sting or just that it was so close to her eye.
The kids and I are heading to Halifax tomorrow for school shopping. Will be stopping for a visit at Russel Metals, of course...

Quiet Weekend

We had a nice quiet weekend...I'm sure Mike wouldn't agree because he was still working but we had no soccer or baseball. Josee, mom and I went to Dartmouth Crossing and Mic Mac Mall, Josee wanted some new clothes for her trip to BC and I am always willing to shop (I mean help). I am Josee's "honest" opinion in the dressing room. I'm not sure she always appreciates it but I'm there.
Josee and the kids head to BC on Wed am and are quite excited. I am, of course, happy for them and jealous. Jeff is heading there sometime at the end of the week. They will be visiting Tracey and the family and Jeff's sister Diane and her family. She lives on the north end of Vancouver Island.
The kids and I are heading to Halifax on Wed to do their school shopping. They get a set amt of money and a list. They are much stingier when they think it's their money. Learned this lesson last year.

Holy Thundering!!

Last night we had quite the wicked thunder and lightning storm. It was raining so hard it set off the motion lights next door. The lightning went on for well over an hour and the thunder seemed right over the house a few times. Needless to say we ended up with two little rats in our room. They both woke up with the same crash of thunder and made little beds on our floor.
We went to Lawrencetown yesterday to watch Sarah and Connor show their calves. Now, when I saw calves, don't picture the little cute things that are just born...these are huge, Connor had trouble seeing the judge over his, freaks me out a little to watch them.
Had a nice visit the other day with Patti and Tim and the boys. Hayden just turned two so I was worried about him and the stairs, my house is not child friendly. Keegan loved the big tv and enjoyed watching Scooby Doo on it.
Graham had a ball game in Middleton last night. Elysia came with us, much to her dismay, she did read the rest of her book though. We were short of players so I had to catch for them...I am getting old!! Graham did play really well and he caught a pop fly and the little boy called him a bad name when they were shaking hands. He told me this in the car, I wish he had said something while we were on the field and I would have said something to the other coach.
Gotta go and get ready, we are heading to Lawrencetown to watch Jeff show his steer.

Hannah's Birthday

Today is my niece, Hannah's birthday...she's 7 today. Happy Birthday Hannah!!

Maria's Birthday

Today, my sister, Maria turns 13...my father is redoing the teenage years again with girls...good luck, Dad!! Happy Birthday Maria!!
Elysia has run off with her cousins today to the Lawrencetown Exhibition. We will be heading down tomorrow, the kids are showing their calves.
Patti, Tim and the boys are dropping by later today, it'll be nice to see them all.

Soccer

Since I hadn't seen enough soccer, I decided to watch some more. Sarah's team had advanced so I watched her two games on Sunday, they ended up losing in the bronze medal game in the second overtime. Then Graham and I watched Josee's game Sunday night. Graham played ball boy for the keeper and went to fetch it for her whenever it rolled away.
It's raining today so I am assuming Elysia's practice will be cancelled (not heartbroken over that).
Lawrencetown exhibition starts this week so we'll be seeing some of that. We will most likely go on Thursday, it works out well because Graham has a baseball game in Middleton to play that night as well.
Thanks to Mike, my dad and Darrell S for sponsoring me for the Walk for the Cure!!

Soccered Out!!

We are soccered out...E had a game last night, plus a game at noon today and again at 5, G had three games in five hours today starting at 10...agh...I am done, stick me with a fork. Graham's team won one, lost one and tied one and he got MVP for his team for the tournament. Elysia's team tied two and lost one, the team they lost to may be disqualified for not playing their roster players but selecting the best from their area...I'm just glad it's done for the weekend. Elysia has one game and one practice left and Graham is done, he just has two ballgames left. Then we have about two weeks with nothing until school starts.
It was a beautiful day though to be outside, about 26 and a nice breeze, it wasn't humid. Elysia's friend from Halifax, Shayla was playing down here and spent the night last night. We also saw three girls from her teams the last few years this afternoon.

Thursday

Last night all activities were rained out, not too upset about that.
Tonight, Graham's team had their last soccer practice and it was kids vs parents. Let me tell you, some of those kids are quick and have some moves...although, I did manage to squeak out a goal for the parents' side. It was quick a lucky shot, but I'll take what I can get. Graham scored a goal as well, although I think mine was much better...haha.
Elysia went to her friend, Felicity's house and came back with hives from the cat, she forgot to take a Reactine. I asked her if she picked the cat up and she said of course not, but he crawled on her...
We went to see the baby chicks at the farm today, they are quite cute. Got to hold them, went to see the bigger chickens as well, they are the ones that will not live too much longer...the new chicks are layers though. We went into the chicken cook as well to see the egg laying hens. One let me pet her and I thought they were quite cute. I wouldn't mind a small barn to raise a half dozen chickens (just kidding Mike)!!
Sarah seems to be adjusting to her braces, her mouth is sore but she's eating lots of pasta, soup and ice cream. In no time at all, I'm sure she'll be sneaking stuff she shouldn't.

Soccer

Graham had his last game last night against New Ross. Auntie Josee, Connor, Sarah and Grandma came to watch so with me, Mike and Elysia there he had quite the cheering section. He took this very seriously and scored four goals, he put on quite the show and enjoyed every minute of it.
Sarah and Connor spent the night. Of course, the girls are asleep and the boys are on the play station. Sarah got her braces on yesterday, posts, wires and spacers so her mouth is quite sore. She had some pasta for supper and ice cream for snack. Poor little thing.

Tuesday

Not much to report today...

We went picking raspberries and blueberries yesterday (I know Reta, you are thinking ... bring me some). Raspberries are on their way out and the blueberries are just starting. Graham and I went with Josee and the kids. Elysia is still in Halifax but I hate to disapoint her, she's coming home today. I may have to go to Halifax to get her, if so, I'll have to stop at Russel.

Last night was picture night at Graham's baseball, it was funny we had the full team there, I didn't recognize half the kids, they never seem to be there for a game but will for picture night. I did take a few pictures myself but of course, will buy the package. Graham said the photographer told him he should be in the major leagues, and that went straight to his head. I think he used that line again, but I didn't have the heart to burst Graham's bubble.

Janet

Had a nice visit with Janet...they went back yesterday to New Hampshire. The kids have grown quite a bit, I found that Owen had really matured in his look. Parker attached himself to Elysia quickly. We did have a chance to go and see the old dining hall....Wheelock. OMG, these kids are sooooo spoiled, it's so much nicer than when we were there and soooo many more options. We also made time to go for Scot Skins of course and they delicious as always.
Elysia has gone to the city to visit her friend Kaylie. I am picking her up today. Graham had his soccer clinic with Wayne Evans yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it, there was a couple of whiney kids there but Wayne quickly put them in their place so that was kind of funny to watch. Graham's last soccer is this week and Elysia's is next week, they both play in a tournament this weekend...hope it's not hot!!

Saturday

Yesterday turned out as hot as they predicted. Poor Sarah and Connor had 4H achievement days all day, having to bake under the sun to show their calves. I went to their house to have supper ready for them when they all got back...so here I am, cooking a nice supper and the propane goes out...just after I put burgers on. So I scooped them off (not easy to do by the way) and went over to Kathy's next door and used their BBQ (we kind of used their pool too).
Graham lost another tooth last night, at 4 in the morning and had to come and wake me to see if it was too late to get the tooth fairy in...yeah....kinda!!

Hot, hot, hot!!

40 degrees with the humidex today...agh...I may melt! Think we will head to the beach again...poor Mike working in the kitchen, he's doing a lobster function today, that blended with the heat...hmmm....may be a little ripe.
Heading to the 4H achievement days to see Sarah and Connor show their calves, I'll watch them in the morning but not when it's so hot this afternoon, if I could rescue them and take them to the beach I would...

Run for the Cure!!

I have joined the Russel Metals Rack Stars. It is a team that Patti has organized to do the Run (Walk) for the Cure for Breast Cancer Research on Sept 30th. If you would like to sponsor me go to...https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/participant_search.asp

Type in Annie McKinnon, run location is Halifax. I would like to raise $200. This past year, Patti's mom has battled Breast Cancer and I have seen how hard it was on her family and her mother...let's get out there and find a cure!!

Soccer

Last night Elysia's team traveled to Annapolis Royal for a soccer game. I learned that Annapolis Royal is much farther than I thought when we left. We got to the game just as it started and Elysia made 11, thankfully the twins also had the same problem and they showed up later so the team had two subs afterall. They won 7-1, which was a shock because they have only ever scored once in a game, not quite sure what happened but it was fun to watch. It was hard to listen to the AR parents though, things being said like "shove her", "knock her down"...we could not believe it.
Janet, Steve and the boys are here from New Hampshire, we picked up Janet on the way to the game last night so we stayed up late chatting...she's still sleeping. Steve and the boys will be over later today.

Birthday Boy

My honey is 38 today, gotta have them younger to keep you younger...haha...Happy Birthday Mike!!

The kids, Elysia's friend Melissa and I all went to Lake George yesterday for a swim. I guess people thought it was going to rain because there wasn't too many people there. There was, however a fish, I don't know if it was a trout or not but it was at least 6 inches long and Elysia had goggles on...I think you know where I am going with this, she freaked out when it came right up to her. It was quite funny.

Graham had a ball game in Lawrencetown last night. He had a good night, three really good hits and he got four outs, three in one inning. He was strutting last night to the truck. Both kids have soccer games tonight so our cake will have to be at lunch time.