Pumpkin Patch

Garbage bags, gum boots, and excitement were all packed up as we headed out on our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. This year we met up with Michelle's cousin and her two kids at Westham Farm in Ladner. We always enjoy this trip because it is a relaxing time where the kids explore the farm and have the freedom to run around searching for that perfect pumpkin. The kids loved seeing the chickens, baby goats, donkeys and a thing that looked like an ox . . . sorry animal lovers out there, but it was big, brown and hairy . . . it could of been a Sasquatch for all I know. (I know what some of you are thinking, poor city boy needs to get out more or at least leave Richmond more than twice a year). The part that I always love is the constant questions and curious looks at the different vegetables and pumpkins that they have. This year we picked up some orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, mini pumpkins, purple carrots, and some yummy corn. I had to draw the line with Michelle on the full stalks of corn, yes, you read that correctly, FULL stalks of corn!!! Usually I give into her asinine, I don't know where she comes up with these things, ideas, but I could not give in even if I wanted to. Our truck was packed with two shooter tutors, goalie gear, Josh and Jamie's hockey gear, pucks, cones, and my coaches bag which left enough room for one pumpkin. Lets just say that the 11 pumpkins and vegetables were already pushing the storage capacity of our truck. I tried to ignore the "are you kidding me" stares of passer bys and trying to pretend that this is a normal truck load of stuff . . so, Michelle's corn stalks lost out . . . this year!!

Three kids, three smiles in the same picture . . . priceless!

Emma was a little unsure about sitting on the pumpkins, "no waaaayyyy".

Josh was fun to watch as he simply went off into the patch going further and further away looking for his pumpkins.

Jamie enjoyed looking for the big one and poking his finger into the rotten ones on the ground.

I found one and it was this big!

The kids always enjoy spending time together.

Another great family day at the patch.  These are the times that I love when we can slow down and simply enjoy each other doing the simple things in life.

"Too heavy"

Purple carrots?

Designer gum boots???  Who knew?  Another great day spent together.

Canucks Practice

We had the opportunity to go and watch a Canucks' open practice at Rogers Arena . . . another Schwakida adventure.  Although we often watch the skills competition, this was our first experience watching a practice.  The boys were very interested in what they were doing and really enjoyed the shoot out competition.  Unfortunately for the ladies, Kesler kept his gear on for the practice . . .

On our way to the Sky Train

Jamie always has a lot of questions when it comes to things like this . . . he is the Riddler.

Michelle did get to see and hear Bieksa on the mic as he commentated the shoot out for the fans.  Lets just say that she was worse than a giddy teenie bopper at a Justin Bieber concert.  I did remind her that I was sitting right beside her . . . awkward!!!

Apparently our first choice of scenery for this photo was not good enough for Captain Canada . . . our bad!!!

Loving their Thinking

1. Curiosity of Life:
Jamie's wonder today was - "Where did they get the sharks at the Aquarium?   How did they catch them?"
Josh's wonder was - "Do jellyfish sting each other?" 
Emma's wonder was - "Mickey Mouse had a house next to the movies, when the movie started Mickey Mouse farted, what colour was his fart?". (you make your daddy so proud!! Thanks boys for teaching her that one!)

2. Optimism in life: "What do you want to be?"
Jamie - "I want to be an archaeologist like Indiana Jones."
Josh - "It is hard because I want to be an inventor and a hockey player . . . I guess I will be a hockey player when I grow up because I can be an inventor now."
Emma - "No, I Emma!!"

Sweep the Streets

One of the things that I think is very important for our kids to learn is how fortunate and lucky they are to have such a great dad . . . just kidding.  What I mean is that what our kids perceive as normal for our family is not the same for all kids.  We don't live an extravagant lifestyle, but I do feel that our quality of life is second to none.  I guess what I am trying to say is that we get to spend a lot of quality time together doing the things we love and working through the challenges that we face as a family.  We are very lucky to have such a loving extended family and a close knit circle of friends who act as sounding boards when we are at a cross roads, an extra set of hands when things go a little crazy in our lives, a community taxi service when we are pulled in three different directions, and a place to share our experiences and perspectives.  Hockey, school, soccer, book clubs, dinners, play dates, and of course crap, I mean Craft Club (sorry ladies!) are just some of the times that allow us to share our lives with one another and stay connected to each other.
Today, was no different as the kids participated in our Seafair Sweep the Streets community activity. The kids were so excited to go around Steveston Village with their little buddies wearing gloves and using tongs to pick up any garbage that they could find.   Even little Emma got into the action by pointing out some of the garbage that she saw to me.  The kids did an amazing job cleaning the streets and had a blast doing it with friends and family.  Jamie and Josh were so proud of their efforts and took their job seriously.  I think that it is great that the kids begin to learn about giving back to the community they live in, thinking beyond themselves, and the power of teamwork and making a difference.  I am so proud of the boys and Emma for their enthusiasm, energy and eagerness to do something where they didn't get anything in return, but the feeling that they did something positive and that they felt good about doing it.  I am truly thankful for the families and friends that love our kids as if they were their own and all the support that we have received in our life's journey.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Our little helper . . . I think I picked Emma up more than I picked up garbage.

Even the Princess got into the action.

I don't know about this . . . playing soccer in your hockey jerseys???

Whitecaps

Well we received some tickets to go watch the Whitecaps game for their inaugural game at B.C Place. This will be our first game since the Caps have entered into the MLS. We invited some friends from hockey and soccer to go with us. So, we decided to make it an adventure by taking the Sky train down which the kids enjoyed once again. The new venue looks great and the atmosphere is so much better now that the players are not the size of an ant. Being closer to the game, the constant drumming, and the singing from the "footie" fans made the game very entertaining. It was probably a good thing that we couldn't really hear all of the lyrics. We managed to stay for half the game because Josh had a birthday party to go to . . . So back to the Sky train and we headed for home. I will definitely take the kids to watch another game . . . maybe the boys will actually choose "football" over hockey when the time comes . . . I know, I know wishful thinking on my part . . . But you never know.

The boys enjoying a day with the Caps.  Jamie is giving the term "Butter Head" a whole new meaning.  It is funny how different the boys are . . . Jamie wore the popcorn bucket as a hat for the rest of the match and all the way home.