Left Coast Mama » My Boys

Farewell 2011, Hello 2012

Gwen — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:14:30 +0000

Like the last few years December has gotten away from me. I was so busy writing Advent letters and planning for surprises and trying to get something that might actually be a surprise for Anthony that it left me with little other time to write. Of course we have also had two bouts of intestinal illness go through the family as well.

Christmas was wonderful in many different ways. The best was Quinlan’s reaction to Christmas morning. He got up pretty early but we managed to keep him in our room for a few minutes so we could get upstairs with him and give the surprise guest a few seconds to get up as well. When the boys saw Grandpa sitting at the dining room table they were thrilled. When Quinlan saw the cookie that Santa took a big bit out of he was absolutely flabbergasted. I tell you I wish I had been awake enough to have my camera set up for his reaction as it was classic. He had the biggest round eyes and open mouth, and the hand to the cheek as he exclaimed “Santa ate the cookie!” Once Quinlan saw the presents under the tree there was absolutely no turning back. It was all we could do to open our own presents. I have never seen anyone open presents so fast in all my life. He was so excited that he even “helped” Aidan with the opening of Aidan’s presents.

Having Grandpa John come to stay for 5 days was fun, but went really quickly. We were able to have a small family get together on the 27th, and I am so glad we decided to have the turkey then and not on Christmas day.

There have been a lot of great things about 2011. The start of preschool for Quinlan has been a highlight. He loves school, and ballet and swimming. Aidan is growing up so very much. He is getting so grown up and he is so interested in learning about everything. It was especially acute during our road trip. Aidan was so interested in figuring out about everything. He found out about so many of the parks and their geological features. He got to look at the night sky and actually see stars.

This new year I am hoping to keep up with all the boys activities including theatre, swimming, skating, piano and ballet. I am also hoping to keep up with writing and photography for me. We want to keep up with our geocaching and keep going to events like the few that we took in this year. The Geo-monster ball and the best of the bad events were fantastic and really helped to give us the best caching year ever.

In 2012 I am going to try to get to Blogher in NY again. I won a conference ticket and as soon as I get the confirmation I plan to figure out the rest like hotel and airfare. I also want us to take the boys camping this year, it is about time we used the tent.

Those are my goals, simple and easy. No worries about losing weight or being a better person. I like who I am and I think that I will be much happier if I stop trying to change myself. All I want is to be happy.

© 2011 Left Coast Mama | Permalink | One comment
Related: Aidan, family, Family Time, goals, Gwen, Holidays, hope, My Boys, New Year, Quinlan.

Do You Believe in Santa? I do.

Gwen — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:54:24 +0000

When I was growing up we were poor. I look back now and I am not sure how my mother and father managed as well as they did. I think for the most part my brothers my sister and I did not notice how poor we were. We had clothes and we never went hungry. My parents never let us know, until much later, how close we came to losing the house. If there were nights when we had pancakes many days in a row we didn’t notice or for that matter care. Pancakes for dinner was a treat. I understand why we had regular milk mixed with powdered milk.

One year when my dad lost his job and my mother was at that point still home with us, things must have been quite bad. I didn’t know how bad things must have been. I remember being asked to help out a family at school. All classes brought all kinds of canned food for this family and we did as well. What I didn’t realize and neither did my parents that the family they were supporting was us. I remember the surprise and I admit a little excitement when there was a knock on the door. Our pantry, well the shelves on the stairs going down to the basement was filled to over flowing.

I am not sure if it was the same year, or another when there were three deliveries to our door. One was anonymous where someone rang and ran. I still remember that there was a huge Christmas colouring book that kept us well occupied. That year there was also a visit from a Santa’s helper in a Santa suit bringing wrapped presents for all of us. The most surprising was when the doorbell rang and Papa Smurf was at the door helping out Santa.

When we were better situated we were happy to help out other anonymous families who were in the same situation at Christmastime. Being a helper to Santa was a big part of feeling good about Christmas for our family. Even when we didn’t have much, we always found a way to help others. I am not saying this to brag, but it helped us to feel less guilty about having things when we knew there were other people in bad situations.

My back story is part of the reason I want so badly to get Aidan and Quinlan to understand that since we are in a better situation that we need to help as many people as we can. Donating to the food bank with money and canned goods is our biggest focus for the season. There are so many families who are not making it in BC, especially in the lower mainland. I want them to see that we are in a very good situation and it would be really good to help other people. Aidan really gets it. He has a philanthropic plan for the Aidan company already. Quinlan is starting to get it and by the time he is Aidan’s age he really will as well.

My hope is that by helping others my boys will grow up to be empathetic and enlightened men. That they will not look down on people for their monetary situations. That they will be generous human beings. I think we are on the right track.

Best Day Ever According to the Boys

Gwen — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:15:55 +0000

Today we had the best breakfast ever, french toast and fruit smoothies. Then we got dressed and headed out into the chill air and sunshine to the Grey Cup festival. So much fun to see the Olympic Cauldron lit, and Bobs and Lolo. Two footballs and a microphone each and some tap dancing and you have just about the perfect day.

Seconds after the Olymic cauldron was lit.

Having lots of fun . . .

You are never alone . . .

Jump in, Action packed!

Muscles, Muscles you're the best . . .

Bobs and Lolo

Cindy Seahorse

Aidan and Quinlan with Bobs and Lolo

Touchdown!

Aidan Floyd here reporting for Global BC . . .

© 2011 Left Coast Mama | Permalink | One comment
Related: Aidan, Family Time, My Boys, outings, Photography, Pictures, Quinlan, Vancouver.

Trains, Trains, Trains

Gwen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:28:01 +0000

I am pretty sure the boy get their love of trains from me. That is not to say that Anthony doesn’t like trains, but I think he was more into other things growing up. A big part of the reason the boys have so much wooden train track and trains is because I love them. When Aidan was too small to make his own track layouts I took the time to make intricate layouts for him. Aidan loves trains and his track layouts are extensive and intricate and beautiful. Quinlan’s eyes light up when he is playing with trains. Both boys were excited when we walked into the gymnasium filled with elaborate tracks, scenery and moving trains at the Model Train exhibition in Burnaby.

I think my favourite were the Lego trains, but there were a lot of cool models there as well.

Although it may just be the elaborate minifig presentations that won me over.

The details in the other models and backgrounds were pretty fabulous as well.

Our boys had a great time and it was nice to see the looks of joy on their faces and that of the grown ups running the trains. Everybody needs a place to play.

Things That Are Making the Rounds in Our House

Gwen — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:55:46 +0000

I promise this post is not in anyway about sickness or iPhones. In our house lately there are a few things that the boys say that make Anthony and I laugh out loud.

There are a lot of times that Anthony or I ask Quinlan questions. It could be “Why on earth did you not go to the toilet?” Or, “Why did you climb on the counter?” Lately he has an answer ” I don’t have a good answer for that.” Also on the subject of toilet training, Quinlan likes to hide behind things and yell “No peeking at me!” At this point we try very hard to get him to the toilet on time. Sigh.

Aidan had a girlfriend at the beginning of the school year. He told me about it very shyly and when I asked him what did having a girlfriend mean to him he answered “We are friends who do some secret stuff.” (I am paraphrasing at this point.) When I regained my breath I asked as calmly as I could what secret stuff he was doing with his girlfriend. “We hugged and kissed on the cheek.” The adorable tilt of his head and slight blush was both heartwarming and terrifying for me. Things cooled off pretty quickly and the discussion about not hugging and kissing at school seems to have sunk in. I am just glad that he wanted to tell me. He has a new girlfriend now who he has not hugged or kissed. The funniest part of all the discussions was Quinlan’s quip after hearing about Aidan’s girlfriend incident “I want to kiss a girl before I am old.” This was said very plaintively as if he was getting long in the tooth and might never kiss a girl at all.

Have you ever noticed that anytime a child says “It is not funny!” in that indignant tone, that even if you are trying to agree and not laugh, it really is at least a little bit funny.

What are the things that make you chuckle?

A Blast at the Disney Store

Gwen — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:01:19 +0000

I had the opportunity to check out the newly reopened Disney Store in Metrotown on Tuesday. I brought my boys and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. The boys had an absolute ball. The staff was friendly and ready to get down and play with the kids. The store was ready for play and had a much more interactive feel than previous Disney stores.

Aidan hard at work making cars.

Aidan spent most of his time in the Cars part of the store. A work bench with some tools and parts for making some tricked out remote control cars kept Aidan enthralled. He managed to make a remote control McQueen and Mater and then raced them all around the store.

Hard at work.

Quinlan liked the cars area, but was more taken by the castle and magic mirror. He dressed up in a princess crown, waved a magic wand and presto the magic began. Quinlan also liked the screening area that lets kid choose their favourite clips from different Disney movies and tv shows. The touch screen was easy to use and at the kids level.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Magic Mirror

Do it Myself!

Quinlan had no problems working the touch screen.

I know that our experience was a little different because there weren’t too many kids and adults in the store and the staff could just concentrate on having fun with the kids, but I was blown away by the experience. My favourite part of the experience was at the end when all the others were gone and the whole staff was cheering for a race between a staff member, Aidan and Quinlan and the cars they made. It was a magical time for my boys and they enjoyed every minute. Maybe there is something to the Disney park experience after all.

***

Disclosure:

I was invite to a pre-opening of the new interactive Disney store in Metrotown. I was not asked to write about our experience, but I did recieve a few goodies from the store.

***

Want a chance to see a new Minnie Mouse show? Join them for a viewing and costume party for Minnie’s Masquerade. Session include the screening, a craft and a parde with prizes for all. Session are on April 8th at 4:30 pm and 6:oo pm and on April 9th at 11:00 am and 12:30 pm.

Visiting With Grandad

Gwen — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:07:56 +0000

Last week my father stayed with us and had a great time with his grandsons. We didn’t do anything particularly special, but we had every sort of weather to do it in. We did spend some time at Granville Island, some time sledding, and Aidan and Dad had a bit of adventure time.

Grandad and the boys talking about anchors at Granville Island.

Quinlan building a snowman at Charleston Park after sledding.

Anthony pulling Aidan along to Granville Island for theatre class.

Grandad and Quinlan playing just before we had to take Grandad to the airport.

Grandad and Aidan playing.

All the boys playing.

Just before we had to clean up and go to the airport.

© 2011 Left Coast Mama | Permalink | No comments
Related: Aidan, family, Family Time, Grandparents, My Boys, Photography, Quinlan.

Brothers

Gwen — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 04:31:00 +0000

Aidan took the time to push his brother all around the playground several times, causing many parents and caregivers to comment on what nice brothers these two are. Despite all the friction that is sibling rivalry there is so much love between these two. Not many other siblings at drop off and pickup time kiss and hug their little brothers. I love my boys.

"Aitan, push me!"

"Hello World!"

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Gwen — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 06:07:47 +0000

Aidan at gate D 67 waiting to board the plane.

Today my boys and I had a unique opportunity to be a part of a flight to the North Pole to get Santa Claus and escort him to Vancouver. They had a fantastic time. I am very tired and the words are not coming so until tomorrow I will leave you with some of my favorite pictures.

Cheese!

Children's Wish Volunteers

Seasoned Travellers

Aidan talking very seriously with Santa.

Quinlan was absolutely hysterical about "Yanta"

© 2010 Left Coast Mama | Permalink | 5 comments
Related: Advent, Adventures, Aidan, Christmas, Gwen, My Boys, Quinlan, Vancouver.

Flight in Search of Santa

Gwen — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:06:45 +0000

Last week I was contacted by Brendan from Optimum and asked to be part of the blogger/media contigent for the Flight in Search of Santa. I found out today that I can bring Aidan and Quinlan with me. So tomorrow we are joining a number of Children’s Wish kids flying off in search of Santa Claus thanks to the Foundation and Air Transat.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, dozens of sick children will have their dream of flying to the North Pole and bringing Santa back to Vancouver come true. Together with family, elves and entertainers, 100 children will take their seats on a special Air Transat flight, where Christmas wishes come true and holiday magic will be celebrated.

I am so happy to be able to take part in this flight with my boys. Not only do we get to fly and search for Santa, but we get to be part of seeing so many sick kids get their wish.

I will post tomorrow night to let you all know how it went.

© 2010 Left Coast Mama | Permalink | One comment
Related: Advent, Aidan, blogging, Christmas, Gwen, My Boys, Quinlan, Santa Claus.