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.

Back into the Swing of Things

One thing about September is that it is a full on sprint.  Many people think that we ease into things, but in reality this is the time that everything and anything begins in our family.  It seems like the summer was a distant past as we find ourselves running around getting everything organised.  The past several weeks have been a little crazy as we are trying to adjust to our new routines and weekly schedule.  Today was a little slower paced as we only had Josh's hockey practice/game.  I always enjoy watching the kids participate in their different activities and today was no different.  Josh had a great game.
A group of us decided to head over to the local IHOP for breakfast with Ji-chan and Ba-chan.  We explained to the kids that we really wanted to have a family day after breakfast, so no play dates today . . . that didn't go so well as Michelle was quickly brought to her knees as there were some teary eyed kids as we were leaving the restaurant.  Next thing you know, we have all of the kids over to our house for, you guessed it, a play date.  That's my Michelle, you know the one, THE ROCK!!!
Anyways, things worked out well as the kids played very well together and we managed to put our house back together.  Once the other kids went home, our day was filled with Lego building and we got to play a few board games with the kids.  Lets just say that Emma enjoyed playing Operation with Jamie and I, but I wouldn't give her a scalpel anytime soon!!

First Day of School

I can't believe that my little Jamie is going to kindergarten and Josh is in grade two . . . it just makes me want to cherish this time even more.  Ahh the first day of school . . . the boys had mixed emotions about today as they were excited about going back to school, but were disappointed that they did not need their new backpacks.

We decided to do a dry run of the backpacks for our photo of the first day of school.

Josh said it best, "Daddy, our family is taking over the school".  One benefit of all of us going to the same school is that we can use the carpool lane as we walk through the path!!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom, was well, MAGICAL!!!  It is the happiest place on earth with tons of surprises around every corner.  Although the days were exhausting and hot, Michelle had us on the "Let's do everything" guide to Disney World.  For those that are interested, Michelle will be publishing her extreme Disney tour guide book in the near future called, Dumbo or Bust. 
Here is a list of items to consider prior to tackling Disneyland when traveling with Michelle:

1. A six pack of Jolt Cola
2. Venti Latte for breakfast
3. Comfortable shoes - lets just say that you will be walking a marathon
4. A case of energy bars or a box of sugar cubes will do
5. Sunscreen, a good pair of glasses and a rain poncho (Hurricane weather will not be an excuse to slow down!!!).

This should last you until LUNCH . . . like I said, this is not for the faint of heart!!!
All kidding aside, without Michelle we would of been lost in "Fantasyland" and failed to really experience Magic Kingdom. 
I have to admit that this was my favourite park to visit with the kids as there was lots to see and do for all of them.

Jamie loved driving the cars at the Speedway.  Lets just say that we had some anxious moments as the car for some reason started to bounce from side to side. 

Josh was very proud of the fact that he could steer and use the gas pedal to cruise around the track.

Arrrrgggg!!!!

We also hit Downtown Disney for about two and a half hours . . . lets just say that we only got to go into two stores, The World of Disney and of course the Lego store.

Michelle had some stiff competition trying to be the Princess of the trip.

Lets just say that Michelle was cramping my style . . . awkward

The kids loved battling Zurg.  Josh somehow scored 724 000 points . . . this made this ride an instant hit with him.

The day started with riding Dumbo the flying elephant.

These spray fans that we borrowed from some friends was a life saver, especially for Jamie.  He was soaked before we even got into the park.

We managed to stay for the light show and the fireworks . . . lets just say that there were some pretty tired little people that night . . . and no that does not mean Michelle and I!!!  Lets not kid ourselves, Michelle had us up and early to beat the line ups at the Animal Kingdom the next morning. 

A couple of hints to help re-energize the kids from these long, tiring, but exciting days.

These Mickey Mouse waffles were a big hit in the mornings.

Need I say anything here???

An amazing trip with family.  Thanks Papa and Grammy!!!!!!!

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom was a nice break from the go go go action of the other theme parks as it didn't seem as busy.  The kids loved seeing all of the animals on the Safari ride and watching the entertaining shows.  The kids loved watching the Lion King show and the Nemo Musical . . . this was right up Michelle's alley.  

We figured that we should get a family picture while we all looked fresh and energetic.  The boys were really looking forward to seeing the hippos, thanks to their cousins, who reported that the best thing about Animal Kingdom was when the hippo took a number two!!!  To the boys disappointment and to their mother's relief the hippos were simply submerged in the water cooling off.

It was great watching Emma becoming more comfortable approaching the different characters that she saw.  Jamie loved pretending to be an archaeologist as he dug for dinosaur bones in the Boneyard.

We conquered the Kali River Rapids . . . Josh took the worst of it and got soaked.  Better him than me!!

Yes, the monkey jokes were being thrown around all day.

Emma enjoyed seeing all of the different animals.  "What's that??"

My little cutie.

Your curiosity and the connections you make always amazes me.

Lights, Camera, Action!

I can't believe daddy is actually going to finally let me have a turn to blog!!!! 

We began our "Magical Holiday" at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  In two jammed packed days, we definately had the the power of the "force" with us.   The  boys rode the Star Wars Ride a total of six times, trained as Jedi's twice, bought three Star Wars Lego sets and somehow convinced me to let Jamie buy a lightsaber!!   I hate to admit it but I may actually have to watch a few of the movies since it is a little painful to have my five and seven year old roll their eyes at me trying to explain over and over again who is good and evil.  I am left wondering how exactly they know so much because they have never seen the movies either!!!

After the advice of many, we raced over to sign-up for the Jedi Training right after fast-passing Toy Story. Turns out, we should have split-up because after waiting in a 45 minute line up, we got the second to last show at 7:35 pm.  Anyway, it was official, the Hikida boys would become Padwans.  We returned to the park after dinner and and swim to face the Dark Side.  Excitement mounted as they got their robes, light sabers and began the training.  About two minutes in, the Florida skies opened up and it poured rained.  You can only imagine the disappointment when they were quickly ushered off the stage and handed their certificates.  I'm not sure who took it worse, the eager boys, the proud grandparents, the cheering sister or the miffed parents!! 

Jedi Training:  Take Two - We learned our lesson from day one.  Rick and the boys raced to line up for Jedi Training as soon as the park opened.We were in the 10:00 am show!!!

Almost the best part of the show was when Emma started chanting, "Go Joshy go!  Go Jamie go!" , "My boys, my boys!"

The Dark Side was no match for these Padwans!!

Other Highlights of our time spent at Hollywood Studios included:

1.  Watching Beauty and the Beast

 

2.  High fives, autographs and hugs from some of our favourite Disney characters.

3. The Toy Store ride was a definite hit.

Yuuuup!!!  Your daddy was the Toy Story champ . . . he was a firm believer in rapid fire, rather than accuracy.  Lets just say that Jamie's accuracy was 29% . . . hmmm