I've written more than a few times that this blog isn't for you. It started as a way to diarise and remember my travels after I left the army over 15 years ago. Over the years it has mutated into what is basically a quick peek into my little family's life — a way for old friends, enemies and relatives to see what's happening with the 'cousins in Canada' that you never see in person.
One of the main reasons I continue this is so that when the kids grow up, they will have something to read about me and Buff — something they can refer to, tell jokes about, remember their childhood adventures through, and share with friends (and fiends). (I love a good spell check error)
We have a lot of adventures planned in the coming years, and it all starts with a quick trip to the UK soon. We're heading over for a family wedding and also plan to take the kids to Skegness. Unfortunately, time is tight this visit, but keep an eye out for an update in a few weeks — and I promise we'll be back to the UK again before long to catch up with the people we're missing this time around.
Back to real life in Canada now, and we are firmly at the arse end of winter. April starts tomorrow and it's still snowing outside! This happens every year — just when you think spring has arrived (which it officially did last week), winter wakes up for one last fuck you, and hits us with a fresh dump of white shit and a few more days of chilly icy northern winds. This is what driving looks like when its snowy and windy in the Canadian prairies....fun.
You can see the predicted weather for the next few days here, and while it doesn't exactly look toasty, every hour of sunshine means that giant ball of gas in the sky is slowly melting away the ice crap that has covered the ground for the past few months.
One of the things the kids got up to this winter was a weekly art class at the local Community Centre. 'RA Steen'. Its a great place — there's always something going on there (we won a quiz night a few weeks ago, for example) — and it's there that the kids did their art class on Saturday mornings. They both really enjoyed it, creating lots of different pictures and crafts. It was a great finish to the course as the teacher had a personalised award for every child depending on what kind of artist they were — here are the kids getting their certificates.
Now that the roads are clear, Buffy can finally get out her new toy — the ebike! Our old neighbours had one before they moved, and with the bus route disappearing from our street, Buffy decided she'd like to be able to take the kids out for longer rides — particularly during the warmer months.
She found a great deal on an ebike with a double kid carrier to load the kids onto the back.
Ollie in particular wasn't too sure at first, but once they got going they all loved it. It doesn't mean the kids won't be riding their own bikes anymore — it just means they can all get out and go further together over the summer months. Here's the first run out!
They both love this time of year – it's warm enough to play outside without needing a million layers, a full snowsuit, or a face mask. It's especially great when they get a chance to splash in the big puddles that appear – Ollie was particularly happy doing just that in his new boots last weekend, on the way to and from art class!
Someone else likes to play outside in the snow too....
As well as playing outside, the kids love playing inside too – As I said in the last post, we have started playing Minecraft with them, which they both really enjoy, especially the ability to build whatever they want!
I also try to give Buffy a bit more time to work when I can. She has the kids a lot, especially during school holidays, so I've started taking the odd day off here and there to help out, as well as having the kids more after work on Fridays when I finish early.
Last week I took the kids to a local arcade and 'glow golf' course – we had a great time and both kids did really well on the golf, with Hannah getting a hole in one and Ollie getting 3 of them!
Another indoor activity the kids enjoy is climbing – there's a pretty big indoor climbing wall near Ikea that they love. It's great to see them get up and do something energetic! I don't mind them playing video games or watching TV, as long as they also get on their feet and do something physical – and our kids definitely do. There's always a dance party in the basement when they have a babysitter, and they love jumping off things and climbing stuff..
Well, that's my afternoon done for today. Time to go pick up Hannah from her day at Grandma's – it's spring break – and Ollie has had a day at daycare with his mates.
See you again soon!
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