Canada Day in Canada

Its been a long while since I've been able to spend a Canada Day in Canada (July 1st for those not in the know), so it was pretty special to be there with my little family.We had a pretty great day from start to finish. We spent it on Wolfe Island, where Grandma and Poppa Mike live. The day dawned hot and sunny as do most summer days in Ontario. Usually there is nothing I like more except that we were planning to run the Wolfe Island Classic 5K race which started at the sweltering hour of 9:30 am. Running races are one of the most painful things I voluntarily do with my free time (albeit very occasionally these days), but running them in mid-morning sunny inferno heat takes the pain experience to a whole new level.

But I tried not to think about it as we arrived at about the most pleasant pre-race event that I have experienced in years of racing various sports. Racers were relaxing under shady trees, or munching on bagels from the free breakfast. There were no line ups and no parking issues. Mellow. We pinned on our numbers and tried to stay cool.

Yep, the littles ran too. They were pretty pleased with their race numbers. I had a cute red and white Canada day outfit picked out for Teia but she was making her own choices that morning (why I expected otherwise I have no idea). 

We didn't make them run the full 5K in such heat, of course. They ran the Kiddie Kilometre which was actually 200 m on an out and back course. 

You'll see that our kids weren't the first off the line. In fact, they needed a little prodding from Greg (far right) to get going. But eventually we did get them moving. Kai decided not to show the burst of speed he is very capable of and instead opted for the run/walk option. We're not sure why. Maybe just all the commotion, screaming parents and kids biting the dust, while the fastest and oldest kids were already on their way back, against the main flow of traffic (note to organizers, an out and back course for little kids on loose gravel - maybe not the best idea. Always a good call to keep the little racers moving in the same direction). Maybe next year I should be Kiddie Kilometre Race Director. We were proud of our little finishers who were much more interested in the finish line freezies than in their very nice medals. 

Next up was the big kids race. There were actually two - a 5K and a 10K. To give you a sense of the true mellowness of this event, the race director asked politely for anyone who decided to change races mid-race to make sure and let him know so the results would be accurate. No worries of that happening here. 5K was plenty far enough. I didn't pass out from the heat and I only walked at the water stations (yes, water stations, in a 5K. I would have died without them) so I consider the race a success for me. It was my slowest 5K ever but I managed to stay under 30 minutes. I am thankful for something I learned from sports psychology years ago when I was more serious about my little competitions - always set an objective goal, one you can control. So that morning my goal was to stay positive in the face of all that heat and not listen to the little naysayer in my head who loves to chatter away at me during any difficult physical experience. We all know the one - "why am I doing this? I hate running anyway. I'll feel better if I stop." I must say I did a pretty good job of telling her to STFU and now I look forward to getting somewhat fit again and doing a race in much, much cooler conditions. Maybe even rain. 

Greg, on the other hand, walked away with a medal and gift certificate. Nothing new there. He seems to do that in pretty much any race we show up at, even when he hasn't run in weeks. He beat me by about 10 minutes. A slow time for him but good enough for 2nd place (actually 3rd but the 2nd place finisher was a woman so she wasn't counted against him). He looked pretty fresh as he flew by and high-fived me after the turn around point although he claims that he was hurting. 

Teia was pretty excited to see me after my race and use me as her personal climbing structure. Kids don't care how you place :-) They enjoyed the post-race atmosphere and especially the cookies. I really appreciated the organizers choice of finish line right beside the cool waters of Lake Ontario. Swimming never felt so good!

The coup de gras for the kids' first Canada Day in Canada was of course the fireworks. We had to keep them awake until 10 pm (gasp!) in order to see them b/c it stays light out pretty late up north, eh. A campfire at Grandma's house was the perfect distraction. 

Then we bathed the kiddos and put them in their jammies and headed down to the public boat dock to watch the show. It couldn't have been more perfect. We were close enough to see everything (and hear it too) but not so close that the kids were scared of the noise. I learned that lesson when Kai was 3 and we had front row seats to the 4th of July fireworks in Bedford. Scared Kai to death. Although he has very happy memories of that adventure now and talked all evening long about each of the 3 sets of fireworks he has now seen in his 5 years. These were Teia's first fireworks and she was very impressed. She also liked the sparklers we brought along for the occasion. 

It was a great day and so good to be home. We kept reminding ourselves of how much the kidlets enjoyed the experience and the resulting 11:30 pm bedtimes the next day when we sorely paid for that late night. It was definitely worth it. 

Happy Fourth!

We are spending 4th of July in Canada, where we just celebrated Canada Day a few days ago with a 5K race (post to come) and fireworks. Today we celebrated the 4th with a decidedly unique ice cream cake:

Guess that's what you get when you let a 4 year old girl pick out the cake :-). Teia was quite impressed with her cousin Allie's choice and Kai and Dax just cared that it was ice cream. 

It was pretty special to celebrate a holiday, any holiday, with the little cousins all together. With all the miles that separate us, this doesn't happen very often. 

Teia and Allie are already fast friends. 

Here all the "big kids" do their best to blow out the candles while little Daxie just tries to see what is going on up there!

Our niece and nephew are pretty cute! They loved celebrating with their Can-Am cousins. 

Preschool "Gradulation"

Last Friday was Kai's gradulation from preschool. He is a big boy now. Off to kindergarten in September. It feels like one of those big milestones, gigantic big. Like sleeping through the night. Moving out of the crib. Turning 3. He's not a baby anymore, not a toddler, and now, not even a preschooler. Wow. Its been hard not to be emotional about the whole thing. I think for any parent the transition from really little kid to not so little kid anymore is a big deal.

When your child has a few extra challenges on his plate, it is a really big deal, sending them forth into the world of elementary school. I don't think I have ever blogged about Kai's place on the autism spectrum. Its not something that defines him.  But it is almost impossible to write about this life transition without mentioning it. So much of his preschool experience (and ours) has been colored by this diagnosis and what it has meant for Kai and for us. We almost didn't send him to kindergarten, not this year anyway.

When he was diagnosed nearly 4 years ago, kindergarten seemed so far away. But it was hard not to think about what life would be like when we finally got here, standing on this bridge leading forward into maturity. In some ways, we still have so far to go, so much farther than I thought back then. Yet there have been incredible and surprising and wonderful accomplishments along the way. Autism or not, my heart swells with admiration and love for the little/big boy he is today.

To my surprise I managed to keep my emotions in check throughout the entire graduation. As the kids came out to take their places on the "stage" we captured this adorable moment as little sis ran up to be with big brother. Melt my heart.

And here we are waiting for the performance to start:

Teia refused any hair adornments and barely tolerated a brushing but she did wear a bootiful dwess that she was quite excited about!

And she was quite the rapt audience as well:

The graduation performance itself was a little bit of chaos. The kids sang 5 songs during which 2 children were sobbing, many were leaving their spots on stage, pulling up their shirts and jumping around. It was like watching 30 little wiggle worms. Kai did a great job of staying still and staying in his spot but like the rest of the kids, I think he was a little overwhelmed by the crowd of parents with cameras for faces. He did go up and accept his diploma as the teachers read out each kid's future aspirations. Can you guess what Kai's was? He wants to fix submarines when he grows up. 

Speaking of subs, Greg wore his whites to the grad b/c there was a Change of Command at work that day. The kids were pretty impressed, until they found out he wasn't a pilot or the captain of a cruise ship. And the day ended with us learning that, thankfully, Teia bounces. She fell off the top of the play structure at Kai's school (about 4 feet) but came away from it with just two scraped elbows. With all the meowing she does with her beloved cats, I'm guessing the whole nine lives thing has rubbed off on her. Thank goodness for that. 

So preschool is over for Kai and he is onto bigger and better things! But first, bring on summer holidays and here's to taking it day by day.

We did it!

Yep, we did it. We made it through an entire one night tent camping adventure. And we slept. Not much, but a wee little bit so we'll say it counts. The kids were very excited but Kai was a bit impatient waiting for the main event. Campfire and sleeping in the tent. Once we got that part underway he was a happy boy:

We chose a state park about 50 miles east of San Diego, up in the mountains. I'm not a big desert person. Looking at all that brown just makes me thirsty but this was beautiful country, particularly as sunset approached. 

Teia proved herself a worthy little camper! She quickly got very dirty and enjoyed it quite alot. She even fashioned a toilet roll holder out of her scooter and was very excited about it. 

She was also very keen to help with the camping chores. Except she liked to scoop the soapy water out of the dish washing bin and put it on the dishes on the ground instead of putting the dishes into the water. But it did keep her occupied for awhile. 

And she also enjoyed the campfire very much.

Loved watching her roast marshmallows. She would put one on her stick, wave it in the fire for about 3 seconds and promptly pop it in her mouth saying Mmmmmmmm, quickly followed by "I wanna nother one?" During our campfire, Kai asked me if there was a bath at camping. I told him nope and he smiled and said "we get to stay dirty!" Funny how that pleased him. 

After we ate sufficient banana boats, roasted (or not) marshmallows, and toblerone we finally zipped the kids into our 3 person tent and cleaned up camp for the night. The giggles coming from inside and Kai calling out "Daddy, we're CAMPING!"just about made up for the evening's subsequent events. We expected a little difficulty settling down. After all we don't usually all sleep together and definitely not outside. It was kind of exciting even for me, its been awhile. I can't even imagine how it must have felt for the kids. Teia was kissing everyone and Kai was full of questions and observations. But as they started to get sleepy no one could sleep. We were camped next to THOSE people. Kai still talks about our noisy neighbors, a full week later. We knew 10 pm was quiet hours so we decided to suck it up and wait and just try to sleep. Eventually Teia did nod off but Kai was all ears. Every time there was a lull in the action he'd say "they're quiet now." Only to have them start laughing, drinking and yelling again. Ah camping! Greg finally left for the ranger station and Kai and I climbed out to see what was going on. We saw the ranger truck come by and ask the folks to quiet down. They did, for about 5 minutes. That ranger's shift must have been just about finished b/c we didn't see him again. Not at 11 pm and not at 12 either. So once it was past midnight Greg made his way over and asked them personally to STFU. 

Finally, they did and Kai went to sleep. No sooner had they doused their fire and climbed into their tents when the wild turkeys descended on our site. I was dying to get up and see them but I daren't wake our finally sleeping kidlets so I just laid there and wished that they would decide to sleep too the noisy buggers. Shortly after they left there was a strong aroma of el skunko parading through our site and all kinds of unrecognizable bird and insect sounds played throughout the night. Will have to get a field guide for this region of the world b/c I had no idea what I was hearing most of the time. 

I spent the rest of night lying on my side b/tw Kai and Teia and periodically scooping Teia up from b/tw the air mattress and the side of the tent where she would slide down. Kai was sprawled out across the tent, taking up the lion's share of the room (hence my side lying all night) and I think Greg was finding himself b/tw the mattress and tent on the other side. 5:45 am came early when Kai opened his eyes and you could see the recognition right away.....Daddy, we're CAMPING! But he did manage to doze until about 7 when the entire campground seemed to be up. 

Everyone was bright and bushy tailed to start the day:

We got in a boat ride before lunch. Both kids enjoyed a chance to be oarspeople, although Teia insisted she was fishing with her oar. We spotted 2 coyotes (or teia-yotes as Kai likes to call them) on the shore and saw some really big fish jumping as well as a beautiful heron. 

By the time we were ready to have lunch and pack up, we had two tired little monsters, er kids, on our hands. Kai couldn't even sit up to eat his lunch and Teia was in need of kid-glove handling. Hence, her own private dining table, "chair" of her choice and Ipad viewing during her meal. 

Right before we left Kai got bitten by a fire ant or two. Like all war stories though, once the initial sting/burn had subsided I think he was kind of excited by it all and likes to tell the tale. At the end of the day, it was a pretty successful trip I'd say. We asked Kai if he'd like to stay another night and his answer was unhesitating affirmation. Of course we told him that would have to wait for another time b/c all mom and dad could think about was a shower and sleep. 

The Great Outdoors

One thing I've complained about since moving to San Diego is that I feel wilderness-deprived. Yes, there is a great big ocean just down the road and there are lots of "in-city" trails but you never really feel "away from it all" in this big city. So we've decided to try to get out there a bit more.

Last weekend we hiked with the kids and another family. It was alot of fun. There was even a snake sighting! And I got these fantastic photos of our little cow girl. Teia has been in love with most of the animal kingdom pretty much her whole life but she's real keen on horses lately. Combine that with her latest obsession with Toy Story 3 and you get this:

Yes, she actually hiked for over an hour with a stick horse b/tw her legs. We discovered that it actually slowed her down which was a good thing. I always get a little nervous hiking in mountain lion country when my lil cougar snacks get too far down the trail squealing and being silly. 

This part of the hike was pretty hot and dusty but we did come upon a shady area with a creek and small pond where the kids watched dragon flies and fish and got to listen to a bull frog. Pretty awesome. 

Along the way we found an awesome huge rock. Greg and I have been talking lately about taking Kai to a climbing wall and by the way he approached this rock, I think we're onto something. 

The successful climbers!

Teia wasn't too impressed that we didn't let her climb up but she did enjoy hanging out with her friend Nina. You'd never guess who is almost 4 and who is 2 and a half in this photo. We seem to grow big kids. 

Back at the visitor's center there were stuffed cats for sale. We managed to get out of there without buying one but not before Teia spent as much time as she could with as many stuffed cats as she could fit in her arms! I really, really want to find some real live kittens for this poor cat-obsessed child to play with, although I'm not entirely sure that the outcome of that would be what we'd like it to be...

In the meantime, we're getting really brave on our quest for wilderness and going tent camping tomorrow. Stay tuned...

New Toys

I miss you blog! Not finding much time to even take photos these days, let alone keep updating the blog. So here is a quick one b/c quick is better than nothing!

I know I've said before that Greg is a really cool dad but I'll say it again (and its not even Fathers' Day!) Lookie what he built for Kai!

This thing is so cool. Kai spotted it on the cover of a magazine and asked for it. One of the lovely things about Kai is that he rarely covets or asks for anything. So when he does, he is likely to get it (unless it is a gokart, trip to Hawaii, flight in a helicopter or any of the other big ticket items he has had on his list lately). It took Greg one trip to home depot, about 20 bucks and about 20 minutes and voila! Kai has his bongo board. I am not sure who loves it more, Greg or Kai, but let's just say this is one toy that is getting alot of use in our house!

Not to be left out, Teia got a new toy friend recently too. Unlike her brother, she IS one to covet and to let you know about it. Her birthday list is already quite long and includes a bunny and kitty (the real live kind). Oh, and a baby dinosaur. But luckily she saw that one in a magazine. We keep telling Teia her birthday is a long way off but she keeps telling us its on Sunday. 

So when a friend forgot her purple kitty at our house for a week and Teia fell hopelessly in love, we didn't know what to do. Spoil her and just buy one? We thought about one for a potty training reward. Nope, might take too long. Then we considered she could earn quarters for good listening and buy her own. Hmmmm....good idea but she is only two and to Teia everything costs "Fouw dowwas." She was breaking us down every time she told us how sad she'd be when purple kitty left us and how hard it was to share purple kitty with someone else. So.....she got spoiled:

The look of pure reverence on her face when it arrived (thank you amazon, 14 hr free delivery) was definitely worth it. 

Dear Kai...

Dear Kai Kai,

Daddy and I (well, mostly me truth be told), keep this blog so our family and friends can keep up with us :-P. But we also do it so you and Tay will have a chance to read through stories of your childhood when you're bigger . So, seeing as you just turned FIVE, and five is a pretty big milestone, I thought I'd write this blog to you. Future you can read all about just turned five year old you one day.

It seems like just yesterday you were born in that hospital room in Hawaii that you keep asking about, the one with the avocado tree outside. Your sweet, gentle, peaceful nature was evident to everyone who met you, even as a tender newborn. Mr. Aloha :-)

And look at you now!!!

You still are that same sweet guy who shares his toys and uses "gentle hands" without even being told. You can stop your sister's tears on a dime by holding her hand or rubbing her back. No one else has that magic power! You make us proud everyday. And you're still Mr. Aloha. The 'aina is calling you because everyday you tell us "we need to go back to Hawaii." I'm not sure if you just want a tropical vacation or if you know something we don't know, only time will tell.

Turning five really weighed on your mind. You have given it alot of thought, lying awake in your bed into the wee hours the past few days. You were pretty relieved when you woke up on your birthday to see that 5 felt much like 4. The other day you asked me "Mommy, why am I growing up?" You're doing that alot lately, asking us stumper questions. You got your Daddy good the other night when you asked "How did I get inside Mommy?" I'm not sure he was ready for that one. You like thinking about when you were born. And why not, it is a cool concept. For your birthday, your teachers at school read your favorite book at circle time, "On The Day You Were Born." I think it made your day almost as much as the chocolate cupcakes.

You got your first Big Boy Bike for your birthday. It is red with silver writing, hand picked by you. You like silver and red alot lately. Silver because it matches your toe nails. I'm not sure when Red took over Blue's spot as your favorite color. Maybe it was my red toe nails? One of your friends bought you the Hungry Hippos game for your birthday.  You like it but you told us "the hippo makers messed up." No red hippo!

We celebrated your birthday with a small ice cream cake just for the four Fennells. You were very excited and tried to be as patient as you could until you announced that you were finished your dinner and were ready for the singing. Here you are peeking with anticipation as Daddy lit your #5 candle. 

And there is a happy 5 year old face if I ever saw one. 

You surprised us by not requesting your typical second serving of ice cream by maturely announcing "I've had enough." Your motivation to finish quickly and politely was waiting in the backyard. 

All the Daddy love you've been giving out lately must have paid off. Your Daddy carted this ginormous birthday treat into our yard all by himself. He's been complaining of nerve damage in his fingers and back pain ever since. But clearly it was worth it to see your smiles. You know, only a few years ago you were afraid of bouncy houses and this weekend, you couldn't get enough. You were most excited to share it with your friends at your party today. That's you in the #5 shirt. Yes, it is a jammie shirt but you didn't want to take it off today.

Buds, you were a bouncy house MACHINE. You out lasted everyone! But in your typical Budsy-way, you were fine when we took it down to pack it back up. No tantrums, no whining, just bon voyage to a very fun birthday bouncy house.

Your birthday was a gorgeous bluebird day. Today was more of an infamous San Diego "May Grey" day. But some of your friends were pretty hardy and enjoyed the pool anyway. Your Daddy, I have to say, was a real trooper and got in with the kids. I think the other parents were pretty appreciative, or perhaps relieved. You do have a great Daddy. You and Teia both donned your suits but didn't get past your knees today. I don't blame you! Teia wore her life jacket for pretty much the entire party though. Funny Girl! 

Finally it was the moment you'd been waiting for and you got to see your Music Lion birthday cake. 

I think you were pretty pleased :-)

This time you chose 5 individual candles instead of the number 5 candle. That's why I call you my "novelty guy." Variety is the spice of life and you've already figured that out. Well Kaister Moo, my funny, loving, energetic, thoughtful little man, we're all a little bit exhausted after a very busy weekend but it was a ton of fun. You've already started talking about turning six and put in your bouncy house request. But for now, let's work on not growing up so fast, okay?

Happy Birthday Boo, you are one loved little man. 

xo