Searching For Bobby Fisher

Josh and Jamie decided to join the school's chess club this year which is something that I have very little knowledge of or experience in. This weekend, Josh entered his first chess tournament . . . yes a chess tournamet that was held at our local shopping center from 9:30 until about 4:00. We gave Josh the choice about whether or not he wanted to play in the chess tournament or play in his soccer game and go to his hockey practice. His reply to me was, "Dad, I can play hockey and soccer anytime, but this might not happen again". A very wise kid, if I do say so myself.  Josh played five games against kids his own age with a variety of levels of experiences. Michelle and I were very proud of Josh on how well he took winning his first game, but more importantly how he graciously lost his games. Josh enjoyed the day and learned a lot about not only chess, but hopefully about himself. His day was spent playing chess and hanging out with some of his friends from school.

Josh loved sitting down and playing against the many kids hanging around waiting for their next game.  A very tiring day mentally for him.  I must say that Chess is a very interesting game as the kids would sit down in front of someone else and begin playing . . . very little said, very little eye contact, very little discussion after the game.  Games against other students from school were a little more lively.

Jamie and I enjoyed playing a couple of games against each other using the regular pieces and using the over sized chess pieces.  Jamie continues to make friends where ever he goes as some of the older kids gave him the nickname, The BEAST . . . I have no clue why.

I guess Josh has found his Queen after all!!

Another new opportunity that I am glad that the boys are taking advantage of and another opportunity for me to spend time with them.

Hockey Day in Canada

We have been fortunate this year to have the kids involved in a number of different opportunities that go beyond the regular expectations of hockey.  Jamie played during the intermission of the Giants game, got the call up to one of the H2 teams, and was invited to attend the skill session at the Olympic Oval for Hockey Day in Canada.  Jamie was excited to once again play with the 'big kids' in front of a lot of proud family members.  I must admit that it was nice to simply sit back and watch for once, rather than being on the ice helping out.  I am amazed at how far his skating has improved and will often forget that he is only five.  One of the highlights was getting Trevor Linden's autograph on one of their cards.  Next on the list, Josh will get to play during one of the intermissions at the Sockeye's game in the upcoming weeks.

PixStop

I was introduced to a cool app by another teacher in the district, so the boys and I decided to give it a try when Emma was asleep.  Although in a couple of the frames there is an errant arm, I think the boys did a great job being patient and moving each piece.  Michelle did come home to a messy house, but lets be honest, I was only thinking of assisting in the development of the boys imagination and creativity.

Josh decided to create another one while Jamie was at soccer.  I must say that I am quite impressed with his patience.

Questionable Parenting???

Ever since I became a dad, I have paid closer attention to other families for my own personal interest and enjoyment.  When I see that child in the line up at the supermarket throwing a tantrum, I am not so quick to judge and will often say to myself, "Yup, been there, done that".   Don't get me wrong, I still catch myself saying, "What were they thinking?" and "Really?".  I know, I know . . . I shouldn't be so quick to judge when I don't know the context in which things are occurring or the day that the family is going through, but sometimes it is difficult not too.  So I am hoping that anyone who reads and sees this post will give me the benefit of the doubt.  I have chalked up my actions or lack there of as a list of possible things:

1. Little Emma was simply trying to clean the mess that she made, which she probably wouldn't have seen if it wasn't for Michelle pointing it out to her. I was simply trying to reinforce that Emma needed to be accountable for her actions and should clean up the mess that she made. 
2. My definition of gross has changed significantly since having kids. I think that over time, my level of tolerance for 'disgusting' has been desensitized by the everyday living with kids. You know what I mean, dirty diapers, cleaning up throw up, putting on someone else's lip gloss (no comment here), and public toilets are just a few to name.  Raising three kids, I thought I had seen it all, but . . . I guess I was wrong. 
3. A potential photo opportunity . . . if we are being honest with ourselves, the whole reason we have cameras is to capture our everyday moments so that we can reminisce about them at a later date.  I know Captain Canada knows what I am talking about . . . he knows because as he reads this he is smiling and giggling away thinking it would be the perfect series of shots for one of his photo challenges!  Perhaps a new topic for his next challenge should be "TEMPTATION". 
4. Third child. . . . because if it was my first child, my reaction would of been much swifter and more deliberate, rather than simply grabbing my camera and waiting patiently for the moment to unravel.  I know those of you that do not have kids or only have one child may think differently, but I must say that my kids are developing a pretty strong immune system. I am only thinking of their health in the long run.

So remember, as you view the upcoming photos keep my context in mind and don't be too quick to judge me.

"Hmmm, should I or shouldn't I?????" 

"Yes, I should . . . I should clean up that chocolate sauce I spilled on the floor". 

"I never knew cleaning up after desert could taste so good!!!!"  I will help clean up again tomorrow . . .  perhaps, I will suggest we have ice cream with chocolate sauce and some sprinkles!!!"  Yummy!!!   :)

Just to clarify Ji-chan, Ba-chan, Grammy, and Papa we did just clean the floor that day with the steam cleaner . . . if that helps dampen the blow for you!  Ahhh, proud to be grandparents.

A Quiet Sunday???

I know that some people think that we are crazy trying to do all of the things that we do, but I do love it (don't tell Michelle that, I like to give her a hard time).  My dad often tells me that we need to stay home more and relax . . . which always makes me laugh because staying home is not always relaxing with three kids.  Yes, I like to pull out the 'nothing box' and watch some mindless T.V., but I usually reserve that for when the kids are in bed or Michelle has taken them out.

So, this past Sunday I was looking forward to a relatively quiet Sunday together when in reality, I don't think we were home for more than 30 minutes in total from 7:20 am until 8:30 pm.  Our day started off with a game at 8:00 am, which meant an early start to the day at the rink.  Josh played really well back checking, stick handling, scoring some goals, and most importantly trying to set up his teammates.  I love that about his game now.

We then headed off to our local recycling depot and spent about an hour and a half sorting bottles to help raise money for the Richmond Food Bank.  Lets just say that Josh's uncle, who helps coach his team, is a little crazy when it comes to these team competitions.  He does go a little overboard . . . his enthusiasm is contagious and his heart is definitely in the right place.  I love the fact that the kids are taking time out of their day to help out other families that could benefit from a little action on their part.

So what is next you ask?  Well, it was only 10:00 am . . . we still had the whole day ahead of us . . . so we went home changed into our Canucks' Jerseys, dropped Emma off at her grandma's house and hopped onto the Sky Train.  For the past few years we have taken the boys to the Canucks Super Skills Competition at Roger's Arena.  This year we went with my brother's family and Ji-chan and Ba-chan, which was a part of our Christmas gifts.  Josh love the fact that he could say that it was Christmas, even though it was the middle of January.  This year, it was even more interesting because the guest team that was on the ice with the Canucks was a Bantam Seafair team in which we new a couple of the players.  I asked the boys which two competitions they would participate in:
Josh - "The breakaway challenge of course dad, don't you think?"  and "The fastest skater".
Jamie - "I would win the fastest skater" and "The breakaway because I can do an up shot".

The mascots are always a big hit with the kids.  

I think this picture really captures our kids the best!

Believe it or not, Michelle did have a Canucks shirt on underneath all of her layers.  I guess the walk through the rain was a little chilly for her.

Gotta love the puck heads.  I couldn't believe that it was a sell out for the Super Skills . . . only in Vancouver!

Chill'n with the cousins.

Another entertaining year watching the Canucks show off their talents.  Even Ji-chan and Ba-chan made the festivities this year.

Snow Days

We initially had plans to head out to Science World after Josh's hockey game, but we were quickly met with a mini-protest as the boys wanted to take advantage of the snow and play outside.  So, the task of hunting down the snow gear began as gloves, boots, toques, snow pants and jackets were slowly discovered again in our house.  We bundled up the kids, got into the truck and headed over to our friend's house for some snowball fights and sled rides.

Although the snow was not very deep, the kids made the best of it giving sled rides, finding a base to hide in, and of course ambushing the parents with their snowballs.  Emma on the other hand, enjoyed the short sled ride that was given by Michelle and chasing after the big kids.  It was fun watching Emma play in the snow for the first time . . . a little cautious at first, but right in the mix of things within a few minutes.

The day ended off with a new favourite of ours . . . nachos with cheese and guacamole dip, pasta lunch, and of course some hot chocolate.

Bundled up and ready to take on the snow! 

I guess throwing snow in my own face was not such a good idea.

Jamie loved trying to ambush the parents . . . of course. 

Poor girl . . . two older brothers . . . no pink snow suit for the third child 

A sled?  A shield? A snow carrier?  It was everything . . . gotta love their imagination! 

Emma loved her first sled ride. 

Hanging Out

This weekend we were given the gift of time as the only thing we had was Josh's hockey which happened to be earlier in the morning and a birthday party for Jamie. The rest of the day was ours to enjoy putting around our house and getting outside. I must admit that I did not miss having soccer as we could do as we please and not be tied to being somewhere for the remainder of the day. So what did we decide to do you ask??? Well, the boys decided that they wanted to head over to the local elementary school and play some road hockey with their cousins and some of the boys' friends . . . yes I know . . . hockey? Really? You are probably asking youselves, "don't they get enough of the game during the week?" I am not a pushy parent who is trying to live out his dreams through his boys . . . I am simply fostering a love of sports and an active lifestyle . . . I wasn't the one who made them play hockey in sub zero temperatures for two hours, it was them . . . I was simply the poor parent huddled at the door trying to stay warm. Believe me, a nice warm game of indoor mini sticks hockey . . . I mean Lego would of been ideal for me.