Party of Five

Well I set this up for your mom to start blogging, but that lasted about a day or so (you know our mom and technology) . . . so I decided that maybe I could use this as a way to capture some of my thoughts about our Everyday Adventures. I really don't know when you will see this or read this, but I hope that you appreciate and enjoy reminiscing our time spent together. I love you always and you make me so proud to be your dad. I look forward to the many adventures and memories that we will share together.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Emma & Daddy Night

I must say that the amount of just Emma and daddy time has been pretty limited and I have been looking forward to spending time with her away from the boys . . . Don't get me wrong, I love spending time as a family, but I rarely get this chance. We left Michelle and the boys at Boyd park and headed up to the dyke for a little bike ride into Steveston. As we made our way, I was pointing out all of the interesting things along the way. We saw ducks, dogs, cows, and fountains. As I was riding I realized that I was talking to myself as little Emma had fallen asleep on the back of my bike. Let's just say that Emma and Daddy day is off to a slow start. So what better thing to do, but hang out on the patio at Starbucks . . . people watching and working on the blog. The only teaser is that, I can't even order a drink because Emma is strapped on my bike . . . Snoozing away. This reminds me of going to the PNE and watching all of my friends go on the rides because I was not tall enough . . . story of my life.

Ah Emma woke up, time to get on with our day. Next stop, sushi for dinner at a local eatery. Emma was a little hungry after her nap as she had a cucumber roll and chicken teriyaki don for dinner. T he little one can eat when she wants too. Dinner was "yummy" according to Emma . . . it was fun just chatting with Emma, without being interupted by the boys or Michelle for that manner. I think she has got the gift of the gab and is learning to "Wonder" from her mother. Lets just say that Emma's favourite thing to say is, "why?????". I don't know about you, but trying to explain and reason with a two year old is an uphill battle to say the least. Although our chat was light and fun, our conversation resembled a scene taken from the movie Goundhog Day! "Why is that man eating?" "Because he is hungry". "Why is he eating here?" "Because he likes this restaurant". "Why does he like this restaurant". "Because the food is yummy". "Why is the food yummy?" "Because the cooks are good cooks" "Why is that man eating?" Arg! As a dad, I have learned the art of diversion and redirection when it comes to conversational skills with my kids . . . I think this is a prerequisite for going into the CIA . . . if you can reason with a two year old, you are in!
Next stop Steveston Park for some swings and exploration. Emma loves the swings, the bigger the push, the bigger the smiles. She especially likes the "under duck Daddy!" We played on the swings for awhile and then went over to the rockers, she loved helping her daddy up when I got stuck. Lets just say that these were not built for 38 year old men . . .

I know, I know, photography faux pas . . . yes, that is my shadow taking the picture.

It was nice to be able to focus on Emma, rather than being pulled three different ways.

We finished off our night going to Steveston Docks to look at the boats, the fish and enjoy some Timothy's frozen yoghurt. This was Emma's first visit to Timothy's and she enjoyed every lick of it. She ate the strawberry frozen yoghurt and I had the blueberry. Emma enjoyed it so much that she wanted me to scare the little birds away because she thought they were going to eat her treat. I told her not to worry because, "birds don't eat ice cream, they eat little girls!"

"Yummy Daddy. I like the special place.

A great night with my Little Emma . . . yes, those are running shoes with a dress. She wanted to wear her runners like daddy. Lets just say that Michelle was not impressed. Oh well.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Squamish / Whistler

Since we were stuck in traffic, we decided to make the best of our day by heading back to Alice Lake to spend some time on the beach. Josh brought his GPS so that we could do some geocaching, but unfortunately we could not find the two caches that were located close by. We had a good time searching the area and doing our best job to be as stealth as we could. We went back, sat on the beach, and watched Emma making her sand soup. Emma does love to play in the water. It is amazing how a bucket, shovel, and some water can keep our kids entertained for hours.

After a little while, we decided to get away from the wind and go for a hike through the trails . . . lets just say that hiking is no longer hiking as the boys love playing Man Tracker. Even my little Emma started to say, "I am Man Tracker, you go and hide". As we came out of one of the trails we were surprised to find a little bike park that the boys just had to try. The boys rode for awhile and Emma spent most of her time sliding down the slide at the park.

Another spot that we have enjoyed going to is Shannon Falls as it is a good spot for the kids to stretch their legs and get out of the car for a bit.

I must admit that I do love the kid's sense of humour as they are always looking at ways to ham it up!

Slowing down and enjoying the little moments in life.

Cautious Josh crawling along the fallen tree, whereas Jamie casually strolling behind him . . . I love this picture. A tale of two kids with different personalities. By the end, Josh was practically running across this log and jumping off of it.

A new flavour to add to my Road Trip diners would be . . . FAT BURGERS. Yes, Fat Burgers, doesn't sound too healthy or appetizing, but I must admit that it is one tasty, cardiac stopper of a treat for the road. The Californian Burger combo is definitely a four napkin meal as the insides become the outside . . . there is no real subtle way to eat one of these burgers. If you are trying to impress someone on a first date, this is not the place for you as you will walk out with more grease on your face than in your gut!

Whistler is one of my favourite weekend getaways as there is lots to do as a family. We always hit the local bike park and the boys get a kick out of riding the dirt trails and watching the older kids perform their big air jumps. Josh is beginning to whip around on his bike trying new things on the bike park and the skate park. It is amazing how well Jamie rides as he is already riding some tracks that Josh could not ride by himself last year. Even Emma got into the action as I took her on the dirt track on my bike . . . I couldn't see her myself, but the constant giggling from behind me was enough for me to continue riding around.

Finally, we found our first geocache of the weekend. This was a cool one that the kids enjoyed opening up and picking out their prize.

Perspective

There have been two events for whatever reason have really made me think about me and more importantly my family . . .
1) My soccer accident that occurred about 14 years ago . . . yes, 14 years ago. I have always been one of those people that believed that it would 'never happen to me' so when it did, it really made me think that I wasn't the Superman that I thought I was. I could be hurt and become sick even though I didn't have any serious side affects to Kryptonite . . . and that there were other things out there that may hurt me. It was really from that event, that really changed my perspective on life and how fragile life can be. Every time I look at a picture of me, I am often reminded of my accident as I notice some of the differences in my face . . . it is not a sad thing for me, but a good reminder for me to live as positively as I can.
2) On a more recent note, we were driving up to Whistler and we were stopped on the Sea to Sky Highway. As the seconds turned into minutes, we began to wonder why we were at a stand still. With three kids sitting in the backseat, we decided that we would try to investigate and find out what was going on. As Michelle walked up the street, I turned on the radio to see if any news was being aired . . . much to our horror there was a head on collision about 5 km up the road. I couldn't stop thinking about how the two families would be changed from this point on . . . it is not only the families, but the "villages" that care for the occupants in the vehicles. Life can change in an instant and unfortunately this event has reminded me that I can't control everything that happens, therefore, I need to make sure that I don't take things in my life for granted.
Perspective . . . lets just say that I held my family really close to me this long weekend and appreciated the big events, but more importantly the little things that we did together from the hugs, kisses, and the many giggles shared by us all.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a day that we love to spend together appreciating the little things in life . . . and Michelle is one of those little things in life . . . okay, maybe just in stature. I am not sure how she does it, but she manages to do it all for our family and her friends in a thoughtful and caring way, despite having the most difficult job in the world, which some believe is tolerating my antics as a dad and husband. Yes, I can be a pain once in a while believe it or not. As I read over different parts of our family blog and reminisce about our adventures, I am continually reminded of how lucky we are to have such a SuperMom in our lives. If it wasn't for her, we would all have scurvy and be eating a daily diet of Ichiban. Happy Mother's Day!! We love you all the way to the moon!!!

Looking for mussels, crabs, and throwing rocks into the water.

Climbing a Mt. Everest.

Look ma, no hands!!

Kits Beach has a great park for all of the kids.

Monday, May 21, 2012

What Were We Thinking?

For the past few years, Michelle and I have talked about how the boys birthday parties are becoming a little too big to be held at our house . . . too many kids in a confined area is not a recipe for a sane birthday experience for the parents. We tried to pursuade Jamie to have an "offsite" party, but Jamie wanted to have a party at home. Don't get me wrong, Jamie has come up with some great ideas, for example, he had a chocolate party, a rock star party, a workerman party, and this year he wanted the ultimate game show party. So after a few nights spent googling game shows we came up with what we thought would be a fun, but organised party for 16 boys . . . yes, 16 boys!!! Despite the overly excited and hyperactive boys walking through the threshold of our backyard we tried as best we could to ignore the sarcastic parents as they turned their backs on Michelle and I mumbling, "good luck". Lets just say that some of the parents were not even in our backyard before they sprinted the other way with a huge grin on their faces. I must admit that the party was successful because at the end of the day the only thing that mattered was whether or not Jamie enjoyed his party and he did. We started the party with the kids running the Gauntlet in our backyard version of Wipeout, which required them to run across our backyard and back again while the other kids threw beachballs and balloons. Next, we played Deal or No Deal, where candy, hockey cards, and Pokemon cards were the prizes. It was really funny because for the rest of the party the kids would say, "Deal" or "No Deal" whenever we offered them something. "Who wants a cupcake?" "DEAL!!" The final game that we played was Silent Library where the kids were subjected to some interesting challenges. Another fun, but exhausting party for our not so little Jamie.

Gee, I wonder how Josh and Jamie both lost in Silent Library this round??

A great time had by all, but I do think that next year I will push for the "offsite" party a little more. I can't wait to hear what theme Jamie would like for next year.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Easter Adventure

The Easter Bunny's visit this year was full of surprises and a new adventure for the kids. When we brought the kid's baskets upstairs into our bedroom the kids were a little surprised when there was only one gift to unwrap with a little note attached to it. The boys got a compass each and Little Emma got a loud, red, Fox 40 whistle from the Easter Bunny . . . confusion spread across the boys'faces . . . excitment spread across Emma's face . . . fear spread across our faces as we anticipated the first of many loud whistles from the little one. Josh read the Easter Bunny's note out loud for the rest of us to hear, which set in motion a mini scavenger hunt around the house.

The kids enjoyed following the clues, using their new compasses, and searching for the small presents left behind by the Easter Bunny that were hidden around the house.

Our adventure took us out into our backyard were the Easter Bunny left a few little treats for the kids to find. Josh and Jamie looked for the high ones and Emma found the low ones. It is funny how when you ask the boys to look for ie. a lost library book they return in about 30 seconds and can never find it, but when Easter Eggs are filled with chocolate and candy are hidden in almost impossible, never to be found places . . . they not only persevere at the task, but ultimately leave no stone unturned in their quest of finding every last one.

I really enjoyed watching Emma searching for the eggs and excitedly announce every egg that she found. We did have a good chuckle over how she would often walk right past many of the eggs and even over look them as we tried to guide her in the right direction . . . I guess she got my "Man Eyes" as Michelle would call them . . . poor Emma. This was the first time that we have had Easter morning breakfast home alone as we are usually heading off to a family brunch somewhere. I really enjoyed just sitting down together as a family this year and simply talking about and reliving some of the morning excitement with each another in the comfort of our own home with just us. We got to set the pace to our morning and enjoy our time together creating new memories to be shared again and again and again.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Schwakida Spring Break

We headed off on one of our favorite quick getaways to Seattle. We have done this one several times so we have it down to a fine oiled machine . . . Which is nothing like our traveling companions car. We made our way to the Children's Museum in Everett where our kids love all of the different theme rooms. Josh is either trying to figure out how things work or is busy building things. He especially liked building with the foam bricks and trying to surround himself so that he could eventually explode through the walls . . . Much to the horror of some of the parents with really small kids. Jamie was busy at the ball tube machine and of course the water room. Spraying water and hanging from the chains to get the waterwheel moving peaked his interest. The more physical, action packed, and messy the activity the more he engages and explores . . . Better here than in my house. Emma is much more gentler in her play than the boys. She loved the pizzaria room where she served pasta, pizza and of course dessert. She also loves the pretend farm house, where she can drive a tractor and climb onto a stuffed bull. All in all a good time had by all with no glitches for us at least. Our next stop was for a quick bite to eat at Brooklyn's Pizzaria . . . I was the only one in the family that was going to eat, but I was not going to pass up the opportunity to grab a slice for the road. Yes, it is that good and when Michelle took a bite of my lunch, she was regretting not getting her own, as was I (those of you that know Mich, she always has to have a small bite or sip of everything that I have . . . That is why I can often be found snacking in my solitary spot, which happens to be my garage).

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The bigger the mess, the more that it moves, the more I like it!

Always the builder trying to figure things out.

Next stop, the hotel and a quick dip in the pool. I must say that going to the pool for the first time was probably my favourite moment of the trip. I feel that I need to explain a few things about Michelle and swimming.
1. Michelle only swims in warm bath water
2. Maximum stay in the pool is about as long as it takes her to find the hot tub.
3. Apparently she has a condition that does not allow her to swim in cool water, so that is why it is one of my responsibilities.
4. Michelle has convinced the kids that there are always two pools, a cold pool and a hot pool.

So, when the kids went down to the pool with Michelle as I was getting a few things organised and grabbing us a coffee, she was already standing on the stairs with Emma in the water as I walked in. I felt that the kids were in good hands and Captain Canada and I took a seat on the loungers at the far end of the pool. As we sat there chatting it was soon disrupted by a disgruntled hotel patronage that yelled, "What? There is no hot tub here? Lisa come on! What were you thinking??" this shriek from Michelle brought about a big smile from me as I looked over to Michelle still standing on the stairs with Emma. I decided to pretend that I was still drinking my coffee which brought about the smiling, but stern voice of Michelle stating that it was my turn to go into the pool . . . I could tell that the Incredible Hulk was slowly returning, so I let her sweat it out a bit and gave her a break from the pool. I must say that I did enjoy those five minutes of Michelle squirming in the luke warm pool with the kids. Let's just say that it was her first and last swim of the weekend.

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It's the three headed monster!!! schwartzchronicles.com

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One of the things that we continue to do when we are away is hit the local Chuck E Cheese. The kids love playing the games for the tickets so that they can choose out their little prize from the counter. I know, I know, it would be a lot cheaper to head to the local dollar store and buy them the little trinket that they win, but they do enjoy playing the games, but more importantly figure out what they can get. I must admit that I always make myself scarce at this time and leave Michelle to deal with the boys and Emma at "The Counter". I find it quite painful myself watching them trying to figure out what to get with their 140 points . . . yes there is a math activity here, but by this point of the night, I am ready to head on back to the hotel.

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It is funny how when your life takes on a new focus, you become hyper aware of certain things. What I mean by this is . . . it was like when I was buying our truck, it seemed like everywhere I looked there was an Xterra driving down the street, even though I never took notice of them before. So where is this rambling going you ask . . . well, ever since Josh has taken to chess it seems like these giant chess boards are everywhere. They are at the mall, the food court in Seattle, the Pacific Science Center . . . they are everywhere. The boys decided to take the time to have a chess game while others looked on, which was great timing because there were a few hungry mouths to feed. Emma is funny sometimes because of what she likes and what she does not like. For example, at the Vancouver Aquarium she would not watch the dolphin show as she told us, "I no like the dolphins". At the Science Center in Seattle, she wanted no part of the butterfly room as she said, "too hot, lets get out". She is a girl who knows what she likes and what she does not like and there is no changing her mind.

I really need to get back to the gym!! schwartzchronicles.com

Jamie is beginning to understand the game a lot more as he learns from his big brother
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The next morning, we said our goodbyes to the Schwakida's and headed to one of my favourite stopovers, Sky High Sports. The kids love the trampolines, but I think I actually enjoy them more than the kids. At one point, Michelle was jumping with Emma, the boys were playing dodgeball, and I was having a blast jumping by myself. I would like to say that I was doing it for the exercise, but really the exercise was secondary to my own enjoyment. One thing that I love about spending time with the kids is watching their confidence grow and their willingness to try new things. Emma loved the foam pit and doing some new tricks on the tramps. While the boys tried some flips on the tramps and into the foam pit, but spent most of their time playing dodgeball with the bigger kids. I love the fact that the kids are so active and enjoy being active in so many different ways.

Another awesome Schwakida adventure to one of our favourite places. Thanks again to Captain Canada for taking some amazing pictures for us to capture our time together.