Life of Sam: I LOVE Summer!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

I LOVE Summer!

Even on the very worst days as a teacher, a mere pause to think of the two glorious months off in the summer, makes things not seem so bad. Well, my friends, those days are here. And Summer 2011 has been a whole lot of sunshine and fun so far. I love that my response to "what's new" is that I got a sunburn today... summer slows life down and has allowed me to focus on the best parts of my life and then things that make me happiest. Nothing to complain about (all out of chocolate, that's a little disappointing) and excited to go to sleep because tomorrow is another day to look forward to! I love summer! Here's what we've been up to in the first week:
Canada Day...

Sporting red and white in tribute to this great country. Sam couldn't get enough flag waving!

Sitting on the parade route right up front! Perfect seat to see all the action!

In a parade traffic jam, the Mounties ended up stopped right in front of us. Sam loved pointing at them and asking me "What's that?" They toured through the crowd and shook the young peoples' hands wishing them a happy Canada day... pretty cool!

This beautiful rodeo princess waved right at Sam and said hello... ladies love him!

And you wouldn't have a proper Albertan parade without some loud, jacked up vehicle... it was our lucky day because this one was pulling a camper on monster truck tires!

We had a huge afternoon nap to prepare for the fireworks display on East Lake. Sam napped until 5:30, then we headed to our faux family's house for a delicious Canada Day meal and to visit and play. We zipped home to bath and put on our jammies. The fireworks were on the other side of the lake from the track and field bleachers... it was BEAUTIFUL. Tons of people but also lots of space for everyone. Kids galore and a really nice job on the show. One of my favorite 'firsts' with Sam!

The sun is finally setting and Sam is wondering what on Earth we are doing outside. We tried to explain fireworks to him, but it wasn't until he saw them that he realized what we were getting on about.

A little nervous at first, but it turned into a lot of "wow"s and "what colour is it".

Loved it. Definitely going to be a family tradition!

Love this little peach face!

On Saturday we headed into Calgary on a Vannie mission, but were sad to see that many shops were closed. Shaun made a spontaneous decision to go to the Riley Park Splashpark and it was great!

My guys!

Mom, I found a stick!!!!

Good old game of dump the water on the shovel... good times, good times. Little tip to any future wading pool go-ers - bring a floaty or beach ball or something of the sort because EVERY OTHER CHILD has something and a stick and bucket are only fun for so long!

On Sunday, Sam and I headed back home for some good old family time. We hit the farm and saw Granny and Big Bob (Sam's names for my grandparents), then some 'good times' at the Ponoka Stampede, over to my Mom's and then a tour around Paskapoo.

This was the only ride that Sam could do all by himself at the Ponoka Stampede. There was an incredibly embarrassing ride we took together on a Bee (it's not made for kids my size!), a jumpy house, the merry-go-round and an enormous and borderline dangerous slide. I ended up with a crushed ego, wet bum and the happiest little boy in the world... all in a day's work!

My Aunt and my Mom loving a day with Sam!

In the morning we went to Paskapoo Park. A little treasure that one just doesn't appreciate until they come back to visit. Beautiful green space, playground, pond and little pieces of history. Love it!