Week 11 Day 2 - Leah's Wedding and The Storm

We woke up early and flipped the laundry. After that we got the boys ready and went out for breakfast with Dad and his friends (and Jack). It worked out kind of funny. We didn’t have enough room in the van for Dad and Jack needed a car for work and Mom needed a car to go and take photos so we ended up taking our van, the car and the RV!

After breakfast we did some quick running around and stopped at the Mall. We found me a new watch (since mine broke the night before) some earrings and a necklace to wear for the wedding. Got to love the $5.00 table at Sears! After heading around a bit more we finally went home and had some lunch and hung out for a bit. Everyone had their showers (Mom was home by then) and we started to get ready to go. Becca, James and the girls showed up and I quickly jumped in the shower one more time! We all got ready to go after that.

My cousin, Sarah, and her friend came and watched the 4 kiddos for us. It was wonderful! We left them some money for Boston Pizza and they ordered that for supper. We left a quick note saying what each of the kids would want/eat and headed out from there.

Kyler came with us to the wedding since it was his Godmother getting married! We didn’t enforce nap time (although maybe it would have been a good idea). Instead he napped when he got to the church. We got in and got a seat and K fell asleep quickly. The wedding was beautiful! I have to admit, and I know Leah will read this, but some of the ‘funnier’ things for us was:
*seeing people who we hadn’t seen in forever and none of them remembering my name, just that I was Cathy’s kid!
*the Father’s dog who barked through the whole first of the service until Daddy took him out of the church and walked him around the church until the limo driver told Dad that the wedding party was coming out of the church and Dad brought the puppy back to the room and came out like he missed nothing (so Leah if you read this, maybe show dad the video of the wedding, he assures me what he saw/heard it was beautiful!)
*the Father never saying “Leah” instead saying “Laya”

We woke Kyler up when Leah and Pat were signing the registery and we had him watch that and see how pretty “his Leah” was. It was so cute. Mom came over and quickly said hi and told Kyler that Leah had a really pretty dress on and a diamond really close to her heart and she asked Kyler if he knew why and he said because her heart was happy!
After the wedding was over we went outside and because the weather had changed they quickly got bad. It was the worst storm ever! (esp back here in Toronto) They did most of the photos in the church then the wedding party went out to the bridge and got some great photos. They seemed to have a lot of fun.

During this time we ran home with Kyler and go there just as the dinner came so K sat down and had supper and Arnold and I went to the basement and dried my dress! It was soaking!
We headed back out and when we got to the reception we realized we forgot their gift! So we headed back out to the house and picked it up. Once we got to the reception Arnold put the gift in the pile and we hung out with my sister and her husband and Jack. Then…. I got ‘the text message’. It was from Kristina telling me that the rain was REALLY bad. I went out of the hall and called them to see what was going on. It turns out the storm we had during the wedding was super bad at the campground and flooded it. Here are the photos I got from Kristina when we got home from our weekend. I told her to just leave it. No one would come now to take anything and off they went.































































As you can see it was kinda bad. Arnold called Rob, the landlord, and asked if it was possible to get in the night before we were hoping since Kristina said she would be able to have us stay with her on the Sunday night if we needed to. Rob said Monday night was fine with him and we went back to enjoying the reception. It was BEAUTIFUL! Everything was so nice, perfect! I loved it so much and we had SO much fun!

We left early, like we always seem to do, but I’m just not used to staying awake that long and Arnold wasn’t feeling so well so we headed home. We got home and went to sleep, after flipping the laundry. I should say that we ‘ran out of rooms’ in my parents house. Odd how that happens hey? But sometimes it does. The kids were in one room, Jack in his, we were in the guest room and Becca and James in the master bedroom. Mom and dad slept in the RV. They seemed to have fun and that’s all that matters sometimes! That and Dad hooked everything up and mom had COLD diet cokes in the fridge!

Here are some photos I managed to snag from mom from the wedding and one of the “Heslop’s and Leah”
Is Leah not one of the most gorgeous brides ever?

Week 10 Day 7 - Thursday, July 23rd - Passing of the Keys

Lets see, today it was gross! It was raining pretty bad when we got up in the morning but hey, sometimes it will stop or go away! But not this time. Lori called me around 8am, since we had Zoo plans, and we talked about it and cancelled them. I was going to try and still go (since I needed to get out of the trailer) but not working right now. The boys and I played around until about 10am. I facebook’ed Lori and suggested we go to Scarborough Town Centre, or even IKEA to get out. We both figured IKEA was better option, and cheaper lunch! So off we went. We figured around 11am would be a good time to meet.

The boys and I got dressed quickly and headed off to the post office. We had to cancel our mail forwarding and move our mail forwarding to our new address and it took a while to figure that one out. Then we headed out and started our way to IKEA. By then the rain was getting worse so I figured it might be safer to stay off the highway. We took Sheppard all the way to the store and I guess other people had the same idea. We were really late by then, but it was ok since Lori and the boys were as well.

We headed up to the main show floor if IKEA and wondered and dreamed. Isn’t that always how it is at IKEA? I took a photo of a bed I think I want and that was useful. Costly bed, but it would be useful in the new house. I guess it will have to way for a few pays. We also checked out a new desk, no photos of that one, since I’m going to need a new one in the basement in the scrapbooking room!

When we finished the main floor we headed over for some lunch and then back down to finish the store. All in all it was about 2 hours but well worth it. We headed home and Q fell asleep in the car and I managed to convince K he needed to sleep as well. So once we got them both into their beds, and had their vitimans they were out. I did some more organizing and packing up the van to go to my parents house. It worked out rather well, or at least I think so.

I went to check on supper (roast) and it was falling apart (all the better). I got everything ready to set the table and slowly did some things. Auntie Kristina, Uncle Tim and E were coming over. They are so sweet to be watching our trailer for the weekend (even if it’s raining). We went through all the things they need to know about the trailer and what kinds of things they should be aware of. We gave them our car pass (since the people at the gate know us) and the keys and they left around 8:30 or so. Arnold and the boys and I cleaned up a bit and watched a veggie movie. We had fun. Then off to bed they went. It’s hard to believe that this is Kylers last night at the trailer! Oh well, he won’t know the difference. When he gets home I plan on having his room done, the house generally ready and it will be more exciting for him, I hope!

Off to bed!

Week 7 Day 7 - Thursday, July 2nd - Running around

We spent most of this day getting randomness done! Over the whole day we managed to:

1 - Bring some mail to Arnold during his commute (in order to get the metro pass again he had to bring in something that had his new sticker on it for mailing purposes). We had everything laying out the night before but he totally forgot to bring it with him. So I got the boys up super early and headed out to meet Arnold with the mail. We met up at Victoria Park and Eglinton. The boys gave him the mail and we were off again.

2 - We brought the computer to the shop. We got there just as they were opening and really stressed to the guy that we needed the computer ASAP since it is my 'company machine'. Now there is NO lying there. It is my company machine, BUT my company isn't using it that much this summer. Oh well. By the end of the day there was someone working on it so that made me feel good.

3 - We drove to the zoo right after dropping it off. We made it in some seriously good time as well, all things considered I got lost! I know I know I go every week and I got lost! I figured I would save the time of going south then back up north so I just kept going and thought I would eventually find the normal road. No matter how much Arnold told me to get off one road earlier I figured it was just a bunch of houses I could totally do it! Nope not at all. I ended up on the phone getting directions with Arnold. Thankgoodness we found out some good news and his new phone had come in earlier that morning. He at least had a secure phone that wouldn't cut out on him at all. After about 5 minutes of driving around we got there! There were no buses today so we got to park in our normal summer spot.

We went to the gate and I had to use my renewal pass information since I didnt' have my new pass yet. We did a few random things around the zoo then stopped for an early lunch. The boys got stuff from Harveys and I got something from the 'food on the go' group beside them, I was thinking healthy lunch... it was SOOO Gross. Next time not ordering from there! We had lunch and wondered around a bit more and took the train again (we did it as soon as we got there as well). All in all a good morning. I think the reason it wasn't as busy as we thought was because the weather was not good. We did have fun thought

4 - Went right home after the zoo and the boys gave me a few moments of peace as they were sleeping in the van. It worked out to the best, Thank you God, because the water had found a way into the trailer and soaked everything where the bed would have been. It was all over the wood flooring. It had soaked the clothes that were there, any towels and such. But the worst of all was a cardboard box. The box was not a big deal but what was inside and beside was the kicker. Every single book we had at the campsite (including some of the books that were from the Church Library) as well as all our DVDs. Everything was soaked. I spent the next hour bringing it all into the RT (which was really wet as well) and putting them on the table and turning the fan on. Even today( almost a week later) some of them are still wet and have mould. They will have to be thrown out. What I couldn't understand is why things were wet in the RT. I was really surprised. Then looking at the grass I figured it out.

There is a 'forest' behind us that is on a slant. Somehow the water came rushing down it (there must have been some serious rain while we were at the zoo) and went right down any path it had. It turns out that the path of least resistance is right into our campsite. It went from the back of the lot, past the fire pit, throught the middle into a low spot then up infront of the trailer and RT and right down the little slant the RT is on and out into a HUGE puddle in the next site over. It was bad. Arnold had talked to someone who was here during it all and he said there was about 6 to 7 inches of water going through his site as well. Anything under the 6 to 7 inches is wet, like SOAKING wet in our RT.

The boys and I spent the next little bit doing some laundry. Once they woke up. I did some more work around the site cleaning up and dealing with the water and it looked alot better by the time Arnold got home from work.

5 - When Arnold got home we dealt with everything from the day and just chilled.

Week 7 Day 4 - Monday, June 29th, - Rained out

This morning the boys and I realized it was going to be a 'bad' day. Not because of the attitude of the boys but because of the weather. We hung out at home for most of the day and worked on keeping things dry.

We did find out that there are no new reservations being made in the campsite because of the strike. I freeked! We told mom last night and she did some e'mailing. In the morning we got a message from her saying that she got one back from the campsite saying that if there was no reservation/email before the strike there was no way they could let them in. I felt so bad. Arnold went up and talked to them at the office and they said the same thing. We went over different ways to fake e'mails and just renew someone elses pass but nothing was going to work. It was a big bummer for us.

After a quick lunch the boys headed off for a nap, because, yet again, I used the 'if you don't nap no soccer tonight' threat. It works well.

Right while the boys were heading off to nap the rain started, BAD. We figured out that it would eventually go away (as most places said it would be done before the afternoon was over) but it was still bad rain.

Around 4pm or so the soccer coach called and cancelled for our practice. Instead we cahnged our plans as well (Kristina and mine) and we went to a McDonalds on Markham because there was a playplace there. So the boys and I took our sweet time going over there. We got there a bit early, ordered what we wanted and headed to the play area.

Things seemed to be going well but there was an issue.. this mom I was talking to, she had a 4 week old baby girl, had 2 boys here to burn off some energy. Well wouldn't you know it one of her kids punches Q in the face! He came to me screaming. I felt so bad. I comforted Q but his face was so red. He went back into play and was doing ok until this kid caused problems for him getting back into the play area after coming off the slide. It was horrible. His mom couldn't/wouldn't do much about it. Then once Kristina and Tim got there the kids stuck everyone back on the slide. I went over, picked him up and told him it was time to let all the kids off (he had caused a back up of about 7 kids!). I was not impressed at all. Oh well it worked out. We hung around there and had fun for our time there and then when Arnold got there he ate and we headed home.

When we got home there was still some serious rain so we went right inside the trailer and watched a movie. The kids went to bed sortly after, as did Arnold and I.

Random Thoughts - June 26th

I thought it was time for another Random Thoughts post! It has been a month since my last one. This one will include things we haven't posted in here yet:

*we started 'house hunting' for us. We aren't buying anymore because things have been so crazy with our money and the downpayment we are going to rent again. I have been checking around and a friend of mine is going to come with me to check them out (no dragging the kids all over). Hopefully we can find something. I'm aiming for a house by August 15th. Sept 1st is the latest I will go. We are looking for something for at least a year and 3/4. We would like to do this again but want to wait a summer. We need 1 summer in a house so we can keep up with the saving aspect and hopefully do this (but at a different campground) and then move into our own house! *fingers crossed*

*I'm so glad we started up Bible Study for the girls and I again. I have missed it so much, I have totally missed being in on whats going on in everyones lives!

*Yesterday the boys were very 'artistic' I guess you could say. Before we went to the zoo I found lipstick on my car. I had to use a tissue to get it off. Then before we went to Auntie Kristina's and Uncle Tim's the kids got ahold of some markers that were in the van and coloured all over the dash. I later found out it wasn't just the dash but the stearing wheel and the seats.

*oh and to add to everything else Quinton put about 13.00 of loonies and toonies into the tape deck. This kid will be the death of me.

*Our friendly 'coon has come to visit us a few time in the past month. Generally there are enough campers around to make things 'interesting' for them and not worth getting into our RT

*Kyler is now calling the trailer his 'home'. I think it's cute.

*we still get funny looks with living here but hey, its fun!

*I think Arnold and I might take a walk around the park tonight. There are some cool tents out. I'll see if we can get a couple shots for everyone.

*I'm beginning to think it might actually be time to put away some of the 'winter blankets' that we have in the trailer. It's getting so warm at night that it's hard to sleep with all that heat around us. Hopefully we can figure out just what we are going to do and get it done.

*There is still a bit of organizing to be done in the trailer to make things liveable after the water damage from yesterday. I'm hoping to get most of it cleaned up and back to normal soon

*We are making progress, or at least continuing with potty training. The last few warm days we have had 'tiggers' on him and it seems to be going ok. Sometimes, at least once a day, he forgets that he has to take the OFF then pee. But that's ok.

I guess that's it for now!

Week 6 Day 7 - Thursday, June 25th, Zoo day and a storm!

Thursdays are the Zoo days! Today was no different. The weather forecast was hot and a 60% chance of rain in the afternoon evening. It was so hot when we left we had down all the windows in the trailer (I’m sure you can see where this is going)

Anyway we headed on our way. We got there shortly after 9:30am and went into the zoo. We had our normal ‘first snack’ as soon as we got in there and waited for Lori and Logan. Today Kevin was home so he got to have some bonding time with Keaton.
Our traditional “In-case-you-get-lost” photos:



*Kyler




*Quinton

Once we got there we headed straight for the only splash park in Toronto that is open (due to the strike) and we were a bit early so we hit up the washrooms and changed the boys. Here’s some shots of us waiting for the doors to open:



*The Splash Park!




*Everyone waiting, and asking Auntie Lori why it’s not open yet.




*A peek inside, the water is running to flush the systems for a bit before we get in there.




*Kyler waiting (again an “In-case-you-get-lost” photo)




*Lo’s ICYGL photo




*Q’s ICYGL photo

When we got in Q headed right for the slide, right after his brother actually. Kyler LOVES the slide but Q just went because his brother was; at least I’m pretty sure. Here’s what happen after that:




*Down he goes




*Almost there




*Crap water!




*and he slips!




*Trying to climb back up the slide.

I had to put the camera down and run in and get him. Silly boy.

The rest of the boys running around:





























I put the camera down and went with Q. After Mommy got wet (thank goodness I was in my swim suit!) he went more willingly into things. We had a great hour in there with the boys.

After the splash pad we went for super. There were about 4 or 5 schools there today (odd with it being the last day of school and everything) so it was good to go early. By the time we left the lunch area was PACKED!

We walked over to the Zoo mobile (choo choo) and did our normal last ride before we headed out.



*Our three boys




*I Love this shot of Kyler




*Lo being a cutie.

I asked the attendant if we still go in the rain. (Just before we got on Kevin called Lori to tell her a storm was coming and Arnold texted me and told me the same thing) Their response was yes in rain, no in lightning since it’s basically a big metal box filled with propane. Make sense. I did snap these at the African stop:










We kept going but at the Americans stop (2 before ‘home’) we had to leave the choo choo. The lightning had gotten way to bad to be in there. So we all went and hid out in their little area there. It was some serious rain and thunder and a lot of lightning. We got the boys a snack of a beaver tail and they loved it. The extra sure was a *great* (hahaha) idea while stuck in a small area.



*This was our little friend while we were stuck in there




*I kept trying to take photos of the lightning. I never managed to get them right on time. But this gives you an example of how quick we were. This was before the lightning.




*And after. It was SOOO close but never right on it.




*Well wouldn’t you know it, over 300 photos later I managed to get this photo,




*and this one! Cool hey?




*When I came back under the waiting area the boys had found my cell phone had music! Luck Logan! They were dancing! I missed taking a photo of Q break dancing!

We headed home right after this and it was crazy what we found. When we drove into the camp this is what the first site looked like:




When we got to our trailer (I’m sure you remember the statement at the top about my windows being open and no rain scheduled to come until the afternoon/evening?) everything was SOAKED! I was almost in tears and I called Arnold. I managed to get some change to do laundry and I cleaned everything up the best I could. We went upstairs and got the laundry started. Auntie Kristina really loves us! She said we could come over and do some more laundry. We brought over the towels I had used to clean up and a few other things. Seriously it was crazy how much got wet! Everything from my knitting, the computer, the beds, the sheets, the clothes, a library book, my own books, manuals, everything. I was so upset.

We did the laundry while the boys slept in their ‘bed’ in the van (some not so wet blankets made that up for them). Then we went to Auntie Kristina’s and Uncle Tim’s to do some laundry and to have supper. We ordered pizza and hung out. The Dads took the kids downstairs and they got to play outside with their soccer balls. They had a blast! Kristina and I managed to get the living room cleaned and the kitchen. It looked much better after the kids were horrible in making a mess.

By the time we headed home it was about 10:30 or so. We got in and checked and everything was basically clean so we made beds and the boys went right to sleep. I hate rain!

Here’s how I dried the boys mattress and bed area: