It's curtains for the boys!

Kevin has always loved playing with the curtains, whipping them aside with a big grin when we call out "Where's Kevin?". Well little brother Alan has been having just as much fun hiding in them and playing peek-a-boo.

Sleepy boys

Going back to school

Kevin heads back to school. This year, he is in the afternoon class, so we don't have to be up at the crack of dawn to catch the bus.


Ready for another year!


Here comes the bus!


He's a big boy now!


Kevin's home from his first day.

Excursion on the Canada Line

Five kids, four different trains, three free fares, two mommies and one stroller! Mommy and her best friend Nana took the kids (sans Alan, who went with Daddy to Aviation World) for a ride on the newly opened Canada Line. We started off at the Brighouse Station - the Richmond terminus of the line a short walk away from Po Po's house. Kevin, Oscar and baby Seiji were under five, so they got to ride free. Kiyomi and Mina got to have their own tickets!



Going down #3 Road was fun, especially whizzing past the trees! Four stops later, we got off at the Bridgeport Station to change lines to the Airport. An attendant at Bridgeport asked to see our tickets, and the girls very proudly whipped them out. He was quite impressed with how on top of it they were!



The trip from Bridgeport to the airport had a whole new set of sights - a bridge over the river to Sea Island, airplanes taking off and taxiing around, and the massive Canadian Airlines hanger especially painted for the upcoming Winter Olympics.



The Airport Station was busy! Only 5 days, and everyone seems to be using the new train already. We got off to catch our breath and take a commemorative picture, then head back home. Another change of trains at Bridgeport, and we were heading back to Po Po's house, with a quick stop for bubble tea on the way.

Barnston Island

After a stop at the Sandwich Nazi's shop in Port Kells, we and Uncle Peter went to the ferry to Barnston Island.



We walked onto the ferry and waited for a tugboat and barge to pass before we crossed over to the island. Once we were on the other side, we walked to the park at the end of the island. It's a small roughly paved road and the boys enjoyed the "massage" in the stroller, as well as the breeze, swirling leaves, and right before the park, all the cows at the Avalon Dairy Ranch.





At the park, we enjoyed the cool weather, the beautiful view, and our tasty sandwiches.





We took some time to blow bubbles, and Kevin was fascinated by the nearby teenagers playing Hacky Sack.





Uncle Peter tried to take a nap, but Alan had other ideas.

Reward

Kevin had to get shots today so as a reward afterward, we went out for ice cream. Nothing is as refreshing on a hot day as a soft serve cone!

Stupid Daddy Tricks

Daddy teaches the boys how to best appreciate music. Sorry if the video is shaky, Mommy was trying very hard not to laugh!

Happy Independence Day!

Our family will be celebrating the 4th by not having any plans! That's a nice break after all the heavy scheduling we've had to deal with this spring and summer. But last night, we went to Auntie Karen and Uncle Kirk's for a great BBQ and swim party!


After some initial apprehension, Alan loved splashing around the sunbathing deck of the pool. Then he noticed the spillover from the hot tub. Wow!


Kevin was a like a fish all evening, coming out only for dinner and then again briefly for a cupcake.


Alan was having a grand time cruising back and forth around the hot tub. The fountain was definitely part of the allure.


Kevin just didn't want to get out of the water!


Alan enjoyed splashing!

10th Annual Canada Day BBQ

With everything going with Alan's treatment and Kevin's busy summer schedule, Canada Day snuck up on us this year! We did the math and realized this was the 10th anniversary of our annual Canada Day BBQ. Since time was short and our commitments many, we kept it small on July 1st, rather than doing a big bash on the weekend. As a result, our guest list was smaller than usual, and for once, the Canadians outnumbered the Americans!

This year, with smaller numbers, we splurged on some wild sockeye from Alaska.


We didn't have time to make the traditional Canadian Flag cake, so we compromised with a pre-made cake customized by Ryder's Mommy with a Maple Leaf and "Oh Canada".


Kevin wore the usual Roots Canada t-shirt. We'll need to get bigger sizes next time we're in Canada!


Mommy and Alan in the Canadian Flag Gymboree outfit. Time to pass it on after this summer!


Buddy Ryder found his way up a tree. He was having a good time, with a great view of the yard, until he realized he needed some help getting down. Real men aren't afraid to ask for help, so he asked Kevin's Daddy for a hand.


Alan and Stefanie help the big boys (Kevin, Ryder and Austin) create toy carnage.


Auntie Karen gave Kevin lots of tickles and upside-downs.


Canadian Girls Rock!

Happy Father's Day!

We went to Dave & Buster's for Father's Day brunch and some fun games. The boys were pretty darned cute in their "Son of Superdad" t-shirts. After a nice family nap, the boys romped around with Daddy.


Kevin and Daddy read a new book from the library - "Just Like Daddy".


Alan and Daddy roll around.


Daddy and Kevin play Catch while Alan watches.

Kevin made a Father's Day card with a tie he decorated. He chose shiny stars and moons to glue to it and painted the dots on it, saying "Dot!" with each one.