Okay so, we're a little behind on the blogging front. But, you'll be caught up in just one post. Read on. The first weekend of May Darren and I took a trip to Chicago. All the Gowlings partners across Canada had meetings and the wives got to tag along. We decided to go an extra day early and we had a great time together. I'm amazed at the wealth of history that is Chicago, it was one of the most interesting places I've ever been. I loved learning about the different districts, why is was built and then re-built and seeing all the beautiful places. It's now on my list of favorite cities and we both want to go again. We loved deep dish pizza, shopping, Michigan Ave. walking around, the ride in the Fairmount Hotel's Bently, and the tulips bloomed just before we got there. The kids stayed home for this one. Maybe next time. This pic. was taken at the Field Museum where we had a big party the last night we were there. 800 people in the museum - having dinner - walking around looking at exhibits - it was remarkable. Darren let me shop my brains out and it was a frenzy. We had such a blast - literally running to make the plane because we couldn't tear ourselves away from all that shopping. We were both amazed at how beautiful the East is and wonder what in the heck was the draw to move out West. Seriously, you can drive for 3 hours in the East and end up in a different amazing city. Drive for 3 hours here and you're in the middle of a field. Drive 7 hours for that matter and you're still in the middle of a field. Why do we live here?
Ah - Mother's Day. This year MD took a back seat to our nephew tyler Mysyk's missionary farewell. But I did get pics of all the kids with me on the big day. I got to open presents on Saturday night because Sunday was just too busy. Krista (D's sister) and I spent the week baking for Tyler's open house so the best present was getting all those goodies out of my house. I got a self-grown plant from both girls, perfume, and a pile of dried fruit.... which was very thoughtful considering the time spent in the hospital. All systems go. Thanks kids.
Saying good-bye to Tyler. We took him over some cookies and the kids each said good-bye. He'll be serving in England and we can't wait to hear about his many adventures. On the way home I was telling each of the kids how old they'll be when Ty returns. A few min. later Cala said, "Hey Mom, you'll be 36 when Ty comes home." Thanks for that.
And finally... Chelsea Colleen cuts all that hair off! Sometimes a girl just has to make a change. 8 inches fell to the floor and now, our 4 1/2 year old can pass for at least 5. She was so cute and even though the cutting took place 2 weeks ago, she still says "You know who's going to be surprised about my hair?" and then names some random person. She is so adorable and we made her month by telling her she is 4 and a 1/2.
We also took another trip to Idaho to pick up a horse. We left Connor at home with Uncle John and Aunt Krista and the girls, Darren and I left on a Friday and came home on a Monday. We brought back a new horse, freezer, groceries, furniture for the den, summer clothes and shoes for the kids, and a oven, cooking top and fridge for another Gowlings lawyer. Our trailer was full. Thank goodness for all the savings South of the Border.
I'm in between two sisters that I have a crazy connection to. Sister #1 (darker hair) is Kristi Prior. I knew her my first year of college, we were roommates. One weekend, Kristi's little sister Alison (in the black) - came to visit. School ended and we all lost touch. 6 years later when I moved to Canada - I ran into someone who looked familiar. It was Alison. Jon Lee, one of Darren's good friends married her and immigrated her to the North as well. She's reigns supreme on the throne of my "Tier One" friends here. This weekend, Kristi came to visit with her husband and adorable kids and we all got to catch up over brunch at the Banff Springs. It was great catching up! And yes, Kristi looks exactly the same - still beautiful. And it's been.... wait for it... 16 years.
Yeah - school is finally out. June 26th was the last day of school and we celebrated. We took the girls out for sushi and to Kung Foo Panda. We had a fun night and the girls were very excited about their date. They love sushi and spending time with dad. Both girls did well in school but, we are happy it's finally summer. School year is painfully long and the summer break is painfully short here. We go back in only 6 more weeks.
also brought the end of the piano lessons. Cala had a recital and wow - did she ever rock on those ivorys. She played 4 songs and was only a little bit nervous. We got there in plenty of time for her to warm up and relax a little. She was great! I loved actually attending a recital I didn't have to play in. 
You're looking at the greatest friends in the world. Ben and Janell came from Costa Rica and crashed at our house for a week. They are great - long time Canadian friends. We've known them since we moved here and they can't shake us. The kids adore them and we can talk with them for hours... and we did. Ben took Cala to school and listened to her practice the piano... both of which were major weekly highlights for her. Janell organized a fun party and we got to see old friends from our Douglasdale days. 
Happy Birthday Connor! The baby is one and his mom can't believe it. Connor had a great time downing sugar for the day. He had a cupcake for lunch at a small party with his cousins. And cake that night. Okay, mostly he just made a mess but I'm sure he's a fan of the white stuff now. Please note the muscles in his upper body... they're slowly replacing the fat rolls. 
