Macdonald Family Blog

2009-07-07T00:49:00.003-03:00

As you all know I'm not much of a "Blogger" since I have just simply used this site as a means to share photo's with our family and friends..... I thought it would make more sense to share photo's with Shaw Photo Share rather than a "blog" .... so please bookmark this site instead
http://photoshare.shaw.ca/gallery/rossandkelly/
and watch for updates....

Love,

Kelly (and Ross, Kyran & Tianna)

xo

2009-02-05T19:22:00.004-04:00

More Random Photo's

New Hat :)

Kyran being silly

Chubby Cheeks

Skating at McKenzie Lake

Out for our weekly coffee date with "the girls"

2009-01-24T12:08:00.001-04:00

Kyran Grade One Photo

Kids ~ January 2009

2008-12-07T23:41:00.006-04:00

Tianna's first trip to Toronto ~ 3 weeks old

Fortunate big brother took a week off school to come to TO with his baby sister.

Mastered climbing the door ways at Gramma's and Grampa's House

Great Gramma Ann

Watching Daddy and Kyran at the Wave Pool

2008-11-17T23:21:00.006-04:00

Tianna's Pro Photo's by Dee-Ann (http://sparklythingsdee-ann.blogspot.com/)

Tianna ~ 2 Weeks Old

My Handsome BIG BOY

Totally ADORES his sister...... Cutest thing to watch :)

Some of the many hat's Tianna already has....

Kyran says she's trying to whistle in this pic

You can almost see her dimple ...... Kyran has one in the same spot. Too Cute.

2008-11-14T13:15:00.006-04:00

Tianna's First Photo Shoot

CLICK HERE: http://sparklythingsdee-ann.blogspot.com/search/label/Tianna%20Elle

Plus a few more.......

My little Peanut

2 Weeks Old

2008-11-05T13:22:00.004-04:00

Tianna Elle Macdonald
Born: Oct 27, 2008 - 7 Pounds 9 Ounces
Our perfect little princess……..

First day Home

Getting Ready to Leave the Hospital

Very Proud Daddy

Big Brother Snuggle Time

Tianna's Room

2008-09-16T12:13:00.003-03:00

Kelly @ 34 weeks pregnant with the proud big brother!

.... only 6 weeks to go! Yipppeee

I've had many requests to post a recent photo (so you can all see how HUGE I am!).... so here you go. I'm still feeling fantastic but getting very anxious to move into our house so we can get settled before the baby comes! Hopefully only a couple more weeks until we can move in!

2008-08-28T23:35:00.004-03:00

The next installment of reno pics......

Master Bedroom - Closet taken out so more room in bathroom. New walkin closet made from removing the hall linen cloest and fire place chimney.
Family Room - Panelling all removed and walls moved.

My two cute boys :) Ross doing ceiling. New kitchen installed.

Master & Main Bath Being Combined
Downstairs Bathroom

2008-08-03T00:29:00.004-03:00

2008 Summer Fun

McKenzie Skate Park. Ross & Kyran got a skateboard - showing off the moves.
Kelly 26 weeks Pregnant and Feeling Awesome!
Kyran trying out daddy's dirt bike
Stampede 2008

At McKenzie Lake

Still Loves Superman!

2008-08-03T00:15:00.003-03:00

The Renovation Progress....

The Hard Workers!

Ross and Gordon have spent all of their extra time at the house hard at work.
Living Room/Kitchen Walls Gone Kitchen Gone
Main & Master Bathrooms Being Combined
Fireplace Gone...

2008-07-22T00:53:00.003-03:00

Our New House

As most of you already know, our new house needed a little work done in order to bring it up-to-date, make it more functional and to clean it up.

Here is a little glimpse into our renovation journey......

Front Living Room - The previous owners just finished having this "cherry" laminate installed throughout the main and lower level ... it's a shame that was not our style. We managed to recycle it as we gave it to friends of ours that are using it their rental suite.

Kitchen - Wasn't in bad shape (but was VERY dirty!!) but we want to update and modernize it so it was more our style.

Living/Dining Room - "L" shaped wall seperating the kitchen andthe living/dining room wall will be removed.
From kitchen looking into dining area.

3rd Level Fireplace. It looks much nicer in the pictures ;) The jagged stones all stick out and is just an accident (IE: a child cracking their head on it) waiting to happen. The fireplace is also not in safe condition and would need lots of repair in order for us to use it. So we are completley removing it and hopefully will put in a gas fireplace. 3rd Level Family Room.
4th Level (basement) - After Ross had 20 mintues with it.

Main level with flooring & "L" shaped wall removed.

2008-06-28T10:21:00.003-03:00

Kyran's Last Field Trip of Kindergarten!

The kids all went to Safety City and learned all about pedestrian and car safety. It was a fun day out with the kids!

Being silly with his friends
Portending they are cars and practicing safe driving rules

Saying good bye to his friends on the last day of school. Mrs. Chow's class had a Year End party for the kids, with lots of food and games - big smiles and ready for the summer time fun!

2008-06-28T10:16:00.003-03:00

2008 Soccer ~ The Blue Rollercoasters

Kyran had a blast playing on his first soccer team!
Being goalie was his favorite

2008-06-25T22:19:00.003-03:00

BABY NAME IDEAS

Now that we know the baby is a GIRL (or at least we are banking on what the ultrasound tech said :) we can start throwing around name ideas. We've started a list that our friends and family can 'vote' on. Check it out here:

http://www.babynames.com/namelist/9627783

This list is going to change dramatically over time as I'm sure we are going to have lots of new additional names and remove some that just aren't working for us. Feel free to offer any suggestions. Since Macdonald is a long last name, we are looking for a name that is one to two syllables so it's not such a mouth full.

2008-06-23T10:02:00.003-03:00

2008 District Convention ~ June 20-22/08

Kyran 5 1/2, Kelly 20 weeks pregnant.

2008-06-15T15:42:00.002-03:00

Camping May Long Weekend - 2008

We go camping every year on May long and it always rains or snows - this year we decided we wern't going to do that as we are tenters and were sick of being caught in the cold. However, this year our friends convinced us to join them in their trailer. And of course - it didn't rain or snow - it was a perfect weekend - temp was around +25 the whole time!

Holding the moon

Being goofy!
Yummy white chocolate smoores!
Marcel was spoiled all weekend :) he's never eaten so good - sure beats soup

from tin cans - eh Marcel :)

Boys enjoying crepes for breakfast.

Daniella & Marcel
Pat was very happy to win at scrabble after not playing for 20 years!

2008-06-15T15:38:00.004-03:00

June 2008
Kyran 5.5 years' & Kelly 20 weeks pregnant (half way there!!)

2008-06-15T11:08:00.002-03:00

Kindergarten is Almost over..... sniff, sniff.....

Wow - that went fast. Only a few more weeks of school then summer holidays!
Kyran has had a fantastic year in school but is also looking forward to his summer holidays. Unfortunately he will not be able to attend a Mandarin bilingual school next year as his school (the only Mandarin school in Calgary) is moving even farther away from us. It would require him to travel on the bus about an hour each way and we don't find that very fair for poor Kyran. He has learned a tremendous amount in Kindergarten and we will be sorry that he will no longer be immersed in the Chinese language as he has done so well. (I think he can count higher in Chinese then he can in English!) However, on a positive note - his new school (at the new house) we can see from our living room window. We are very excited to be able to walk to school each day and having the privileges of being able to spend his lunch hour together. It’s going to be great!!

Thanks to Mrs. Chow his teacher and her helper Mrs. I and all his friends (he calls them ‘his students’) he will miss all you guys!

2008-05-30T01:30:00.005-03:00

Yes, I'm pregnant!
Most of you already know that I'm pregnant, we just couldn't keep the excitement to ourselves! My due date is November 4th. I'm currently 17 weeks and feeling great! Kyran is so excited to be a big brother. He waviers if he wants (we will try to find out if we can) a girl or a boy - but either way thinks it's way too long to wait. He doesn't like lean on my stomach cause he thinks it might hurt the baby. It's super cute :)

17 WeeksWe are so thrilled that Kyran is at the age that he understands what's going on. I'm so thankful that I will get to have the one-on-one time with the baby like I did with Kyran since Kyran is now in school.

2008-05-30T01:25:00.003-03:00

Children's Festival - May 2008

Every year we get ticketes to the Children's Festival. This year they went to see

Circo Comedia. http://www.circocomedia.com/

Carey, Nana, my mum and the kids had a good laugh and had fun playing dress up after.

2008-05-30T01:09:00.004-03:00

Mexico - April 2008

For years Paul & Nova have been inviting us to go on vacation with them. We finally had the opportunity and had a blast! We flew into Cancun and stayed just outside of Playa Del Carmen in a place called Puerto Adventuras. It was a beautiful condo right on the ocean on a dolphin resort sourround by dozens of little resturants and shops. http://www.puertoaventuras.com/. Definately a place to return to!

We decided to take this trip on our own so Kyran stayed in Calgary. He of course had a blast as he spent the time with Gramma Sandra & Grampa Gordon, then the rest of the week with Aunt Su...... he was spoiled to death of course and barely notice we were gone.

Day trip to the Cenotes - Ross & I went snorkeling while Paul, Nova & Chris went on two dives
Ross giving the "a-ok"
Nova-Lee & I snorkeling in the reef outside our condo
Out at one of the resturants near by
Front Balcony of Condo
Back Balcony of Condo
Chris & Ross staying in the shade (because they were both sunburnt) with their IPods
Me getting the sun after snorkeling in the Centoes

Breakfast at the Omni

Inside the condo
The beach outside the condo. I was burnt on my chest and forehead but I just can't resist being out of the sun - so I just covered up the burnt spots with two hats :) Chris & Novalee stayed in the shade cause they were also burnt.

2008-05-28T10:20:00.001-03:00

I know, I know... I've been a bad blogger :( Sorry!

I'm going to do my best to catch up on a few things this week!

2008-03-29T10:36:00.004-03:00

House for Sale

After finding out that Kyran's school is moving farther away, we decided we wanted to move house so we were in walking distance to a school.

We choose McKenzie Lake because of the lake. We love everything it has to offer, the beach, volleyball, basketball, playgrounds, boating, fishing, tobogganing, ice skating..etc. It's been 2

years since we moved....feels like a long time for us!

Hopefully the house sells fast!
MLS #C3317435

Master Bath
Master Bedroom
Office/Main Floor Flex Room
Living Room

Guest Bath

Upstairs Bonus Room

2008-03-01T19:52:00.004-04:00

The newest addition to our family

Layla Isn't she cute!

2008-03-01T19:20:00.008-04:00

Murdery Mystery Weekend ~ Sandpoint, Idaho

Start to the trip ~ A rock hit Ross' window and completely shattered it!

Ross' make shift window. Would you expect anything less of Ross??

Can't pass Sparwood with out a pic at the biggest dump truck!

From the Balcony

Kids looking at the view from the living room
View From our Room

Playing Cards Dressed up in costum for the Murdery Mystery Evening
Clark the ring bearer & photographer & Stacey the Aunt of the bride
Clark showing off his name. Angie arranged for the kids to suprize the parents with a little concert! It was so cute! They sang "addicted to love"

The Victim ~ Becky (AKA my mum) the bride

Schweitzer Mountain

We had the most amazing day (despite a few bad falls) at Schweitzer! It was the most amazing conditions and a beautiful mountain. I can't wait to go back - it was great!

Carey (who snowboarded for the first time in 10 years) did a great job, Ross & I snowboarded & Marcel Skiied.

230 INCH Base... plus 35 INCH fresh ~ It was awesome!

Knocked out on the long drive home!

2008-02-09T20:16:00.000-04:00

JANUARY TORONTO VISIT

Mikayla & Jeremy

Married

Good lookin' Mum & Dad of the Bride

The Georgous Couple

Visiting with Elisa

Keanen & Kyran
Engagement Party for Mikayla & Jeremy

Grampa taking Kylee & Kyran for a ride around the property

Lianne & Tamara's new Music Shop ~ Pianovations. http://www.pianovations.com/

Impressive New Shop.....

Dinner at Elisa's.... as usual a wonderful meal!
Buck A Roo - again, way to much fun!
Making Lianne set up Mouse Trap a million times!
Having SO MUCH FUN! Uncontrollable laughing.... way to cute
Toronto Boat Show.....

the first 4 hours were fun, the last 4 hours were getting a bit tiring, but

we couldn't Doug drag Doug away!!

Waiting to see one of the biggest yaughts there - 60 foot
Checking out a cruiser....
Fancy yaught bathroom

2008-01-26T19:11:00.000-04:00

Kyran's Kindergarten Picture ~ 2007

Cousin's ~ 2007
Kyran, Kura & Jayda

2008-01-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

Ross, Mark, Audry, Larry and I went skiing/snowboarding on New Year's Day..... The conditions were perfect, we had a great time.

Audrey & Larry

Ross Mark

2008-01-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

Flames Game

Kyran and Ross had the opportunity to go the Flames Game thanks to Doug Lyon who gave them the tickets. As you can see, they had a ton of fun.

2008-01-02T23:39:00.000-04:00

It was a fun filled weekend in the mountains.......

Kyran along with the Larrett family went to Fairmount while Ross and I went to Canmore. We stayed in the Georgetowne Inn which was amazing. We had a wonderful, relaxing two days and then we went up to Fairmount and met up with the rest of the crew.

We had a ton of fun with the Larett's and Morrison's........lots of fun activites - skating, hockey, hot springs, skiing, scrabble, eating.....and more :)
All in all we couldn't of asked for a better weekend spent with family and friends!!

Kids watching a movie
All ready for skiing at Panorama
Our beautiful room at Georgetowne Inn

Cave & Basin

2007-12-16T14:15:00.000-04:00

Grey Cup Weekend!

My good friend Tami won the Grey Cup contest with Rogers. The prize included paid trip for two, to Toronto, 3 nights hotels, prime seat tickets at the Grey Cup, tickets to the half time show (Lenny Kravitz) on the field, back stage passes to meet Lenny and a bunch of Grey Cup paraphernalia.

**the prize was worth $10K!!** Crazy, I know!!

Anyway, sadly Tami’s husband couldn’t go, so I got to be fortunate friend she took!! Yipee! We had the most amazing time!! There were a few glitches in the weekend, but overall we managed to have an incredible time!

It was a great girls weekend away - couldn't be better than being with

two of my closest girl friends :) Thanks for the good time!

My mum came downtown and met up with

us for for two days for some shopping and fun……..
Trying to do a self portrait...

Yes, that is my mother.... I know - everyone always

thinks it's my sister! She's so cool!

On the way out to find a place to eat...
Out for dinner at Nawlens (www.nawlins.ca)

It had amazing food and an awesome jazz band!
Tami giving the thumbs up...haha :)

Arriving at our Hotel
Dinner first night
Our room was super modern.....
End of a long day shopping

We didn't take the camera to the game as we were told we couldn't bring it for the Lenny Kravitz show, so I left it behind at the hotel. Tami had her camera phone and we got some GREAT pics of Lenny Kravtiz during the concert...... we just can't figure out how to get the pics off the phone..... stay tuned for those pics.

2007-12-15T11:21:00.000-04:00

Kyran Watching a Funny Video

2007-10-23T22:03:00.001-03:00

2007 Fall Family Photo's

Couldn't have a picture without "Spider or Super Man"

Starr kindly took our fall family photo's this year as she is putting together her first portfolio. She was a great photographer! Anyone interested can check out her work and contact her at http://starrmercer.blogspot.com/

2007-10-12T18:52:00.000-03:00

The First Month of Kindergarten

It was quite the month for adjustments:

Kyran taking the big school bus all on his own
Learning Mandarin
Home work EVERY night
Not getting his 3 hour naps every day (we have now tried to only have those a couple times a week)
Having all new friends and trying to remember their names

But so far, he has been adjusting well. He enjoys the bus (especially if Mum or Dad can chase the bus down and drive beside him for a quick funny face or a wave). So far, he doesn’t mind the homework (this will change very quickly I would think). He has managed to pick up Mandarin very well. So far can easily count to 10 and knows some colors and standard greetings “hi, how are you”, “thank you”, “bye, bye”, “very well”…etc. This week he started learning basic stroke work for Chinese characters, shapes & textures, color by code, singing high and low tones…. And much more.

Kyran also got his Chinese name. In pinyin it is spelt Ké Rén (pronounced “ku (as in cut) Ruin”) The teacher picked this for two reasons – one it sounds similar to Kyran’s name and two, the meaning of it is: Good/fine qualities.
This is the Character for his name: 可仁

Playing before class starts
Proud of his school bus

(Yup, he takes the BIG school bus - him and only 2 other girls....only 3 kids on the big bus, crazy I know!)

Ms. Chow - she's a fantastic teacher!

In front of his locker (they give children in kindergarten lockers these days! I didn't get this privilege until grade 7!)

2007-09-23T11:31:00.000-03:00

September 2007

Kyran's first day of School @ Langevin Mandarin Bilingual.

He LOVES it!

After a week of schoo,l he already

has a best friend and a bus buddy, Jinko :)

2007-09-19T10:17:00.000-03:00

6 Year Anniversary ~ September 15, 2007

This year Ross insisted that he make dinner for me rather then go out. As you can imagine this was a bit of a shock to me since most of you know Ross doesn't cook and doesn't spend anytime in the kitchen! He spent a lot of time planning and writting notes and drawing diagrams....too cute. He kept everythign a secert and made me leave the house until everything was ready. He served 5 courses and made sure everything was perfect to the ligting, music, table setting..etc

This was by far the best anniversary yet!

He even melted white chocolate over berries

and served it with port....yumm my fav

Chi-Chi wanted part of the fun
He lined up over 100 tea lights along the deck

and installed rope lighting...ahh so romantic :)

2007-09-15T09:57:00.000-03:00

Prince ~ Earth Tour

London, England - O2 Arena

For those of you wondering about the Prince concert..................................

after a major gong show of getting the tickets, getting someone to watch Kyran and then finally trying to drive into London....

YES, we made it!

The tickets ended up arriving the Wed before the show (when we were already in England) so my good friend Su FedEx'd them to us and we got them JUST in time.

The seats were amazing ~ they couldn't have had better!

And of course, he put on a fantastic show!

The O2 Arena

It was a pretty impressive dome for the concert

2007-09-15T09:12:00.000-03:00

Family Vacation - England ~ 2007

We had a great vacation in England. It was jam packed with things to do and people to see. 10 days was hardly enough time to do everything! Here are a few highlights from our trip......

In Wendy & Paul's Garden

Piccadilly Circus

Cromer, Norfolk - Pier
Visiting with Uncle Peter & Aunt Sonya
Kyran with his "piggy bank"
Shopping the "Lanes" in Brighton
Big Ben

Brighton Pier

Balcony of Uncle Don's House - Overlooking the Sea

London Eye

Bethany & Kyran at Nanny Wendy's

Brighton

Laying in Bed at Uncle Don's
Wendy, Bethany, Ross, Kyran & I
At the Mall in Crawley

Bethany, Paul, Wendy, Doreen, Gordon, Sandra, Kelly, Jenny, Kyran
At Bethel
Bethel Homes

Ross' Nan proudly showing off the flowers

Bethany & Kyran picked for her
Showing Nan a Video of the Family

Age of Beauty - Jenny's Beauty Salon
Jenny opened up her beauty salon over 5 years ago in Walton on the Hill and has done an amazing job and is a huge success! She recently won the award for the Fastest Growing Salon in London! We're so proud of you Jenny!

Arriving at Gatwick
Meeting Bethany
Bed & Breakfast we stayed at in Horley

Kyran watching Ewalks while waiting for our plane
Playing Scrabble to pass the time in Huston

2007-08-31T01:52:00.001-03:00

England Vacation - August 2007

We are off to England for vacation this Sunday so you will not find new

posts for a least a few weeks.

This is our first "family" vacation in 4 years. The last vacation the three of us had was when we went to Idaho where Bob James kindly let us come stay at his timeshare. We are really looking forward to this over due vacation. Especially for Ross who has been working way to much and too hard for the last 4 years and is well deserving of this break!

We will get the opportunity to visit with Ross' Nan (Gordon's mother) who we haven't seen in a few years. As well as Jenny, Ross' cousin who we haven't seen since our wedding (which will be 6 years ago in a few weeks :) and will get to meet her daughter for the first time, Bethany. As well, we will get to see two of my Uncles, Don & Peter along with the families. We have a jammed pack schedule of visiting family as well as tourist things (London Eye, London Bethal, Trafalgar square, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, Harrods.....). We also purchased tickets to see a sold out Prince concert which we are pretty excited about. The only small problem, is that the tickets have not arrived in the mail yet :( so we will see what happens. It will be very sad for Ross and I to be sitting in our hotel we booked minutes away from the O2 Arena (http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/tour) faintly, listening to the concert we should be at........

Will let you know what happens when I post our vacation pictures when we return.

Take care, Love to all :) xo

2007-08-31T01:37:00.000-03:00

Macdonald Family Dinner - August 2007

Angela & Grant came back to Calgary for a short visit (after almost 2 years) and we had the opportunity to have a wonderful get-together. It's always nice to get the family together, we had a nice time! They will be returning back "home" to Paraguay in a couple weeks.

Thanks for the great evening!

Macdonald family group photo.

I left the spot between Mark and myself so that one day when I get a chance I could superimpose Brenda into it. Brenda sadly had to work and couldn't make it :(

Rena, not only amazing with children but also with cats.

Magically she can always calm & get them to sleep :) She has a powerful touch....

Nickolas & Kyran enjoying one last pose on

the porch before Nickolas leaving....

Ross starting a game of Trival Pursuit, after hearing

about all the interesting things going on in Paraguay....

Happy Johnny.....

Gordon tried, but couldn't quite make it until the end of the night :)

Something I would do (fall asleep)......

He feel asleep on the deck enjoying the beautiful weather and the 'romatic' hanging

candles we had in the yard...... hahaha :)

2007-08-24T22:48:00.000-03:00

Summer Fun.....

This summer has been the busiest and most fun and I simply can't blog

every time we do something memorable or fun or I would be blogging an hour every day!....

This post is about 2 months over due.... a bunch of us went out to Bragg Creek and had a bon fire. We had a great time and the kids of course had a blast. Memorable part of the evening: Ross snuck up on Kyran and Tanner in the forest when it was dark and pretended to be a Moose.....Kyran will never forget that, too funny! He totally freaked them out!

Ross, Paul & Marcel
Marcel getting smoked out :)
Ahhhh...Kyran with the girls... Look closely ~ Claire and Kyran are holding hands :) How cute, we didn't even

tell them to do it :) oh no, we might have something on our hands here......

2007-08-24T22:30:00.000-03:00

Chelsea's Wedding Shower - Aug 20th

Thanks to Kim Mason for hosting Chelsea's wedding shower. We had a great time and Chelsea receive so many beautiful things. Can't wait for the big day, September 1st! It's going to be beautiful!

Beautiful Bride to Be!
Brides mum and Best Friend!
Some of the Yummy food...... more importantly, the amazing cupcakes

Cheryl & Symone brought. Lemon Raspberry, Irish Cream & Chocolate! You wont understand until you try one, they are "to die for"

Chelsea is having these at the wedding instead

of wedding cake ~ isn't that cool!

(for those wondering, they are

Baby Cakes Cupcakes, in Calgary)

2007-08-24T21:56:00.000-03:00

Kura’s First Trip to TO with Gramma Chris

Kura had her first opportunity to go home to Toronto with Gramma Chris. Gramma made Kura a little pilot outfit with Grampa Doug’s old uniforms, and as usual (what she has done for Kyran) it’s a huge hit with everyone at the airport & on the flight! Kura & Gramma flew to Winnipeg so they could catch the plane Grampa was flying home to Toronto. When they arrived in Winnipeg the “crew” was picked up by a stretch limo. And as you see by the pictures, Kura could get use to “the life as a pilot”. First class, stretch limo, fancy hotel…….who couldn't get use to that :) Kura was the flight attendant’s helper and was asked to pass out the headsets to all the passengers. She then got to spend the week on Grampa & Gramma boat and a few days at their place in the country. Next year, it's Jayda’s turn. Then, Gramma’s next project, make 3 pilot outfits and take all three grandchildren ……

Getting ready to go and getting excited......

Flight Attendant's Little Helper

After a Hard Day's Work :)

Getting Picked up to go to the Hotel

Can you tell she is LOVING this!!!

Having fun at the Hotel
Riding around the Yaught Club
One of the 10 Swings on Gramma & Grampa's Property

Love this picture!

2007-08-06T23:36:00.000-03:00

Learning to Dance like an Ompalumpa

After a long fun day playing in Nana's pool, we did a quick Ompalumpa

dance lesson before watching Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.....

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x82/kelmacdonald/?action=view&current=Aug07013-1.flv

2007-07-27T16:04:00.000-03:00

Thousand Islands Trip - Part 2

We had the opportunity to visit Bolt Castle on Heart Island http://www.boldtcastle.com/, Alexandria Bay, New York

It's a wonderful love story of a man who in 1900 built this mansion for his wife. 3 years into the making she died and so he had all the workers drop their tools and leave. It was left unfinished for 75 years. In recent years they have been resoring it. Mr. Boldt had the island shaped like a heart (blew up parts so it created a heart) and all the small details, everything has hearts in it. It was a great tour!

Power House
Castle

Inside Bolt Castle - The Main Grand Staircase Boltd's Boat House

More pics of the boat....

Camelot Island, Thousand Islands

End of Island - Boat Anchored out in background.

Kyran playing his own game of Scrabble.....he put down the only word he can spell...
We went for a walk around the entire Camelot Island - it was beautiful!

Kingston, ON
Having a Snack....

Breezer with your Cereal Kyran?
Watching a Movie when Kyran wasn't feeling well.....

Apparently movies make him feel better :) haha

Kyran and Grampa Doug - Hopefully Gramma is driving the Boat!

2007-07-27T14:05:00.000-03:00

Since I'm always the receiver surprises and wonderful date nights, I decided to plan one myself! We had the opportunity to set sail on Calgary's ONLY paddlewheel boat and enjoy the breathtaking view of the glenmore reservoir & the majestic Rocky Mountains (Took that from the brochure;)

We had gourmet hor d'oeuvres while listening to a live jazz band. What an awesome evening!

Some of the yummy food we had:
Beef Carpaccio on Toast Crostini w/ Roasted Garlic Ailol, Smoked Salmon w/ Cream Cheese capers, red onions & mini bagels, Artichoke & spinach dip, European & Domestic Cheese Platters, Crudités & dip, Tropical Fruit Platter, Pastries & Squares, Poached Prawns w/ Lemons & Cocktail Sauce, Sushi.

I love you! Thank you for a wonderful evening, as usual!

2007-07-26T02:01:00.000-03:00

This has been the best summer ever! We have done so many fun and wonderful things not to mention the Perfect weather we have been having. We set up the pool a bit late this year, but turned out ok as we have/and still have great weather to enjoy it!

Ready to do a trick!
Sweltering Hot - But LOVING IT!

2007-07-22T13:04:00.001-03:00

2007-07-22T12:26:00.000-03:00

Little Bow, Champion Lake

Angie, Kyran & I took a trip day trip to Little Bow Provincial Park

where her parents were camping for the weekend.

Uncle Doug drove the boat to the other end of the lake and we went swimming.

The water was so warm (+30) it was awesome. It was super windy so the waves were crazy! We saw 3 pelicans and a deer on the ridge. Kyran was having a blast swimming in the waves!

Kyran's sand castle - with a little help from mum.
Little 'sun-baked' fish Kyran found on the boat.....

Auntie Lynne & Kyran being silly

2007-07-20T18:05:00.000-03:00

We have had the BEST summer here in Calgary. Beautiful weather for the past couple of weeks - between +25 - +33 it's been great! Today I met up with Starr and her kids as well as Shelby and her little brother. The kids had a blast at the McKenzie Towne water fountain and then at the park. What a great day to spend a beautiful (day off) Friday!

Testing out the water, still a bit cold....

Kyran & Scarlett
Having their snack
Kayden, Ace, Kyran & Scarlett

2007-07-18T23:57:00.000-03:00

Picture of us BEFORE the accident!

Kyran kissing a dragon fly :)
After all of this fun, Kyran stepped on a nail! Yup, for real! It went through the middle of his big toe, and it came right through the other side! Ross was quick to the rescue. Surpizingly Kyran did not too bad considering. Daddy pulled the nail out of his toe (while mum is freaking and giving him Motrin and trying not to look) Kyran was saying "mum, please call the police!" ahhh, poor little guy! Anyway, too make a long story short, he was fine. By the time we got the nail out and him in the car on the way to the clinic (total of 5 mins) he was not crying and totaly calm. (I was still trying not to faint!) The Dr. gave him some antibiotics just in case of an infection and a badaid. Everything was fine. And the next day - yup, you guessed it.....running around and back at day camp! So just goes to show how resliant kids are and how much more tramatic it is on the mother! Ross, please don't leave me alone with Kyran - I can't handle this! just kidding. But shoes are now required AT ALL TIMES!

Overall the whole experience was far more tramatic for his mother than him....

2007-07-18T23:42:00.000-03:00

The Thousand Islands were so beautiful! Such wonderful scenery and neat things to see! It was amazing to see the tiniest little islands with just enough room for a little house, then the bigger islands with mansion's on them.

On Top of Audry & Randy's boat watching the SnowBirds show - it was amazing!(http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca/site/index_e.asp)

Kyran going for a swin
Randy & Audry's Tug Boat in Gannaonchque Marina

Mum relaxing on the back of her boat.....
" Gramma", "Grampa" and Kyran going on a Dinghy Ride
We were anchored out and the police kicked us out - I guess we

wern't allowed to be there....oops ;)

Kyran & I were watching a movie one evening on the couch in the boat and we looked over and saw the moon, Kyran insisted we take a picture of it (Kyran is the photographer)

2007-07-15T23:06:00.000-03:00

More Summer Boat Pic's
Since being in the Thousand Islands for 4 weeks - my mum and Doug once and a while get high speed internet on the boat depending on the marina. When this happens, they manage to send me a few more pictures from our trip with them.... so stay tuned, they will eventually all come. I know how much you've said you want me to post as many pictures as I can so I'm doing my best! It's hard when so many exciting things are happening EVERY day!

"rafting" with John (Doug's Brother) & Sandy's boat (on the right).

Mist Approach, which is Doug & Chris' (my mum, of course) boat is a new Silverton for them last year - yah, it's just a 'little big" Kyran 'only' has a bunk bed in his 'own' room :) He loves it on the boat and wishes we had one... it's hard to explain to Kyran

that in Calgary, you just can't have a boat ;)

Kyran posing on Camelot Island, Thousand Islands, CA/USA

Going to shore to wash away the stinky

dead fish ( you see in the background on the rocks)

since we were going to be anchored here for a couple of days.

Camelot Island, Thousand Islands

2007-07-14T21:02:00.000-03:00

Chi-Chi - Looks how she's grown....isn't she cute :)

2007-07-14T20:59:00.000-03:00

Having fun at Nana's Pool!

July 07

Jayda showing Kyran how to get

the candy off the candy necklace :)

2007-07-12T13:24:00.000-03:00

McKenzie High Street Stampede Breakfast - 2007

Cute Samuel in his western diggs
Horse & Wagon Ride

Kyran & Sage
Nicollea, Sage, Gemma, Kyran & Gabrielle

Yummy pancakes, sauages & eggs....mmmmm

2007-07-08T15:51:00.000-03:00

Calaway Park - July 2007 with Nickolas & Brenda Macdonald

2007-07-04T22:57:00.000-03:00

June 2007
Kyran had the privilege to join Grampa Doug & Gramma Chris on their holiday's. They spend the entire time on the boat - having a great time of course!

Now loving SpiderMan AND SuperMan

Toronto Island

Kyran kissing the LARGE fish Grampa Doug Caught - haha - note the rubber gloves :)
Anchored out On Camelot Island, in the Thousand Islands.

Grampa & Kyran going for a little "toot" on the Dingy

Mummy came out after Kyran being on his own for a week

and spent a fews days on the boat
On top of Audry & Randy's Tug Boat watching the Snow Birds Show

2007-07-01T13:27:00.000-03:00

At "The House Coffee Sanctuary" seeing Michelle DeCecco & Eddie Warren Perform!

The very talented Michelle!

2007-07-01T13:20:00.000-03:00

Calaway Park - June 2007

Soaked after Bumper Boats!
Daddy won Kyran a prize. "Woof, Woof"

Having Too much fun on the Cars!

2007-06-29T14:20:00.000-03:00

Kyran's Graduation! June 29, 2007

.......from Pre-School :)

2007-06-05T12:21:00.000-03:00

BIG ROCK EDDIES - 2007

Ross & I with Jules (my co-worker) and her friend Rosemarie

Ceilis pre-party
Waiting for our "limo" ride :) to pick us up from Ceilis to the Jack Singer

Kyran didn't come (mind you he would have fit right in). Took this photo the day before in his other new suit...... isn't he handsome....

2007-06-05T12:10:00.000-03:00

Camping May Long 2007
Our first family camping trip of 2007. Bow Valley, Kanasakis

On the Drive there with a very PACKED Jeep!

Ross with the kids at Starr & friends campsite

Ross and Kyran setting up the Tent

We had a fantastic weekend!
Starr, Cory & Family were camping close by - so we went by for a visit.

2007-05-29T19:38:00.000-03:00

Visit with Rose, Stephan & Ethan

We had the opportunity to have them over for an evening and over night on their way back home, Carrot River, SK. They were in Lethbridge visiting with Rose's family for a few days. Thanks for the visit! It was nice to finally meet cute little Ethan!

2007-05-27T15:31:00.000-03:00

Visit with Grandma Chris

New Suit

2007-05-27T15:22:00.000-03:00

DAY AT CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

Watching Acrobat Show

Nylon Animals in the Parade
Riding home on C-Train
Mouse & Bat

2007-05-03T19:57:00.000-03:00

Girls Night Out

All us "Gals"
Thanks to Tami who came up with a great idea to start a "girls night out" We had such a blast yaking and joking at Jack Astors last night! If anyone is intersted in joining us next time, you're more than welcome, let us know!!

Guest of Honor - Mr. Grayson - SO CUTE!

2007-05-03T19:54:00.000-03:00

Kyran's First Piano Lesson

Kyran has just started his weekly piano lesson with Cher Hirth. Hopefully it wont be long and Ross and Kyran will be playing a duet.

Kyran with Baby Eden (almost 3 months) the most adorable little girl....

2007-04-26T22:09:00.000-03:00

Visit with my Mum

I had the opportunity (last minute of course) to go and visit my mum. We managed to plan a quick trip to Buffalo & Niagara Falls, New York for a little shopping and sight seeing. Their boat was just put into the water the week before (they aren't living on it this year) so we stayed at the boat for a couple nights (which was awesome, I left Calgary in a blizzard and arrived in TO plus 24!) and then we stayed in

NY where it was also beautiful!

As usual we had a blast, lots of visiting, playing scrabble, shopping, sitting in sun & sightseeing.......I couldn't ask for a better mum or best friend!

This was a mum & daughter trip as Kyran stayed home with Ross to do some Father/Son bonding. (they went to Ruckers, Toys R Us, and ate junk food all weekend!) It would have been nice to have Ross & Kyran come along especially since my mum misses Kyran like crazy! We are hoping to either go to TO next month or hopefully my mum will be able to take time off work to come to Calgary.

Playing Scrabble (as usual) Sun going down - from upstairs on the boat

Doug & Mum on their boat

Taking our own pic before heading off to Buffalo On Canadian Side of Niagara Falls lookig at American Falls

Looking at the Tower on the Amercian Falls
Picture from American side on the Tower
(being on Canadian side is much nicer!)

From Tower.....

2007-04-19T20:19:00.000-03:00

RAFTING

Last Saturday, we took advantage of the beautiful weather (+19) and went rafting down the Bow River. I think we were the first ones to do down this year as April 14th is pretty early to be rafting in Calgary :) We had an awesome time, and as you can see it was so relaxing, Kyran took his nap half way through. Ross enjoying fishing while I enjoyed the scenery and being with my 'boys'. We started at Glenmore and ended at Sikomi Lake - it took 2.5 hours. If anyone is interested in coming with us next time, let us know!

2007-04-08T12:36:00.000-03:00

"Knitting Club"

Super Dom ~ Standing on top of chairs

(notice the broken leg-guess that doesn't stop him!)

Broken Leg
Jace
Kyran Helping Dom with Super Outfit

Cheese

We're hiding the Knitting :)

2007-04-08T12:28:00.000-03:00

Play Date

Joanne Dolo hosted a wonderful brunch and playdate with the kids...... we all had a great time! Thanks Jo!

Beau thinks he sees something through that

polly pocket tower he thinks is binoculars...so cute!
Sitting in a doll's high chair....
Gracsen & Kyran
At least two out of the five are looking at the camera :)

Showing off his Nintendo Belt (actually he borrowed it from Ross)

2007-04-03T22:35:00.000-03:00

Ross' Celebrity Look a Likes....

So I was going to post my look a likes as well as Ross' but when I did Ross' the only look a likes that came up where Prince William, Jack Black and the rest were girls :(

I think I may have done something wrong.... so I thought I would save the imbarrassment of posting it. (mentioning it is only 'half' the imbarrassment!) Love you hun XOXOX

2007-04-03T16:56:00.001-03:00

2007-04-02T17:26:00.000-03:00

The Blanket HAD TO GO!

While my mum was here we picked up some material to make Kyran and more suitable cape. The blanket was just way out of control. As you can see - Kyran's pretty thrilled with his new Super cape.

2007-03-31T18:18:00.000-03:00

Long Overdue Visit with My Mum
As most of you know - my mum usually visits every month... however, since taking a job working at H&R Block for tax season and the school board begging her to come back temporarily - she hasn't been able to come out to visit. So after 84 days since coming to Calgary, she was able to sneak away this weekend for two nights.

We managed to squeeze in a game (or two, or three) of scrabble, as most of you know our obsession with the game!

We typically play with the regular deluxe version of scrabble, but recently I've found a new version - it's called SUPER SCRABBLE. It has a larger game board and more spaces and quadruple point squares. Plus, 200 letter tiles which allows you to make words not possible in the standard game of only 100 letter tiles!

We had so much fun playing - We played two games on the "super" board, both scoring in the 900!! Here are the 50 pointers (when you use all your 7 tiles for one word) that we made in the two games:

Chris: Kelly:
Fringier Tossing
Pleasing Ranchero
Partions Listened
Coyotes Bloating
Mendings Trimmings
Southers

Having this many 50 pointers in two games in unheard of in the regular game so if anyone is interested in playing with the Super Board - let me know!!

2007-03-29T14:26:00.000-03:00

SUPERMAN

So as most of you know, Kyran is totally fanatical about Superman. His "first" cape was a tea towel clipped on. Then he graduated to a superman shirt with a cape velcroed to the shoulders. NOW- he has discovered that blankets are also great as they are HUGE.... oh my, what next!

2007-03-25T23:13:00.000-03:00

Lisa, Debby, Jenn & I went to a Cookbooks Company Cooking Class.

This one was "Freezer Hors D'oeuvers. We had such a blast! We made all the food and then they do a "cocktail" reception after - which consisted of all of our creations (listed below) and of course wine!

Us with Chef Chris HalpinMaking "Baked Caramelized Onion & Chevre Dolmas"

The Other Recipes:

Olive & Manchego Flat Bread

Stilton & Walnut Phyllo Kiss

Apricots Soaked in Brandy with Green Peppercorns wrapped in Pancetta

Sundried Tomato & Chevre Tarts

Honshu Salmon Satay

The next class we are taking is "Exploring a Thai Menu"
We are then waiting for the "Vietnamese Cooking" class to become available as we ALL love Vietamese food!
This is such a great idea for a day out with the girls.... They even do
"Saturday Night out: For Couples" and Ross even expressed interest in this! Whoo hooo!

2007-03-25T23:08:00.000-03:00

Visit With Eden Hirth - 1 Month Old

Isn't she the cutiest!!!

2007-03-25T23:05:00.000-03:00

Kyran Fishing ~ Mar 2007

(nope, didn't catch any fish today)

2007-03-14T23:09:00.000-03:00

Why Does Kelly Do the Shopping & Cooking?
It NEVER fails - whenever I ask Ross to pick up something (one or two things) he ALWAYS comes home with a load full of JUNK!

I called Ross on his way home from work today and asked him to ONLY pick up some water chestnuts for an appetizer I make as we are having my in-laws over. As usual he comes home - half hour to an hour late with 10 bags of stuff (over $100). This time I couldn't resist but to take pictures - I thought it was a Joke!

As usual (because I NEVER buy these things) he brought home: white bread, chicken pies, pizza pops, alpha gettes, hot dogs, kraft dinner, pizza, hungry man meals, microwave dinners, specialty cheese, mr. noddles, apple pie, cheese mozza sticks, croissants & chunky soup!

I'm sure a lot of other wives can relate - but seriously, this is ridicoulous! He is fortunate that I just love to cook and cook healthly meals almost every night (with the exception of pizza night)! If not, he would have a diet, which consists of ONLY what you see in the pictures!

2007-03-13T19:17:00.000-03:00

March 9th ~ Day @ the Park.
Starr, Dee-Ann & I took the opportunity when the weather was nice (plus 15) to take the kids for a play date at the park. Here are some shots from Dee-Ann (Click) the pro-photographer.

Kyran, Kaeden, Ace & Little Scarlett
Ace
Sweet Scarlett

2007-03-13T19:12:00.000-03:00

Morgan & Gemma ~ March 2007

Larry & Lisa's (Ross' sister) two girls have hit the terrible two's - and as most two year old's, are into everything ~ Keeping their parents on their toes!

2007-03-13T19:08:00.000-03:00

Guest Bath
We finally (welll...Ross) finished the guest/Kyran's bathroom. Now my mum can come for her long over due visit and have a 'working' bathroom. We're waiting for ya mum!

2007-03-08T19:26:00.000-04:00

Afternoon @ Fish Creek Park ~ March 7th & it was plus 13 degrees

We watched a man fly fishing, this is what he caught
Super Sunny Day!
Jayda & Kyran throwing rocks

2007-03-08T19:02:00.000-04:00

Bebo vs. Blogger

I started using Bebo a while ago so I could share family photo's, however, I quickly realized that my photo's were too large and Bebo would reject them. Because of this I decided to start a blog to post pictures.

I've now realized that Blogger doesn't allow you to post videos - but Bebo does! AHHHHHH. Anyway, if you want to check out Kyran skiing this year (and more posts to come) then you'll have to go to our Bebo account @ rossandkelly or http://www.bebo.com/invite/17231487a293849994b229

2007-03-04T20:09:00.000-04:00

Bible Character Kids Party - March 2007

Gemma & Little Sage
Most of the kids in group photo - Noah, Jesus, David, Miraim, & lots' of King David's

2007-02-27T00:32:00.000-04:00

Feb 2007 - New Family Pictures

Kyran 4 years old

Kyran with Mum & Dad
Ready for the meetingKyran the "superhero"

Kyran's "silly face"

2007-02-18T12:02:00.000-04:00

Kyran tobogganing with his "super saucer" off our deck

2007-02-09T20:10:00.000-04:00

January 2007 ~ Kura (8 years'), Jayda (4.5 years'), Kyran (4 years')

Visit with Great Gramma Ann ~ January 2007

2007-01-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

Perry & Stephanie Androsoff ~ Good friends we miss..... they've did the BIG move to Birtchhil SK! Hope to see you guys soon!

2007-01-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

Family Dinner @ A. Lynne's & U. Doug's for Nana & Pa's Anniversary. Didn't get too many good photo's - but managed a good one here of Jayda!

Kyran & Mommy Building Card Houses......

Kyran TRAPPED inside a card house - amazingly he can stay very still so that the cards didn't fall down!
Having Fun Blowing all the Cards Down!!

2007-01-03T22:48:00.000-04:00

The kids trying a sour candy. Kyran "mister macho" who is also a "super hero" with his tea towel cape and clip is trying REALLY hard not to make a face!! They had a nice day together, playing musical chairs & pin the hat on the snowman with Gramma Chris & Grampa Doug....

2006-12-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

More misc. pictures

Great Grampa Edwin

Kyran's First Hockey Game!

First Assembly

2006-12-22T19:09:00.000-04:00

Miscellaneous Photo's

Copperfield Park
McKenzie Fountain

Banff

2006 Assembly

Spruce Meadows

Carey's Pool

2004 Assembly

2006-12-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

Kyran & Beau

Happy in his stroller!

Beau - the little snowman

2006-12-12T18:22:00.000-04:00

LOBSTER NIGHT @ THE SHORTS HOUSE

Susan & Phil flew in Live Lobsters from the East Coast. They were the biggest and tastiest Lobsters we've ever had!!

Doug flew in from Toronto to have dinner with everyone!

THANKS SUSAN & PHIL

2006-11-30T10:24:00.000-04:00

Doug & Mum's new House in the Country

Taking a hike at the back of their house by the stream

In Front of Their House

Exploring their 1/2 Acre property....lots of trees!

2006-11-19T12:09:00.000-04:00

Party at Northmount Community Centre

Kyran taking his own photo!
Kyran admiring the girls dancing

Kyran being Camera Happy!
Kyran again thinking this would take a good picture!