Back home

We got home last night after two busy, fun weeks in Calgary.  It was great to come home and sleep in our own beds, but sad to leave my loving in-laws out west.  The trip was filled with special moments that will become treasured memories.  Here’s a pic of my father-in-law aka "Poppa" playing dollhouse with my two kids:

My kids basked in the attention of their loving grandparents (with whom they slept every night!) and aunts and uncles, and my husband enjoyed seeing his family and friends from the West.  I often take it for granted that he left behind a whole world in Calgary of close friends and extended family (as I did in New Brunswick) when he moved to Toronto.  It was lovely to see him reconnect with old friends, many of whom have become dear friends of mine too.

One of the unexpected highlights of our trip was seeing a Calgary Flames game live!  I detest watching hockey games on tv (and equally detest the many number of hours it consumes of my husband’s time) but I have to admit that I love watching live games.  Especially Flames games at the Saddledome, where there is so much enthusiasm and so many passionate fans.  The game that I attended on the 26th had 18,000 people there, and the energy was incredible.  This trip was the first time my son (now 4.5  years old) could really grasp the game, and much of our fun came from his enthusiasm at being there and his million questions about everything from the game, to the malt ice cream and the score board!

My husband’s sister, Kerry, is pregnant as well, and due 3 weeks before me.  It was great to have someone to share my aches and pains with, and we spent many an hour lounging and munching while others chose more strenuous activities! Here’s a pic of us and another friend, Kerry D. (middle) who’s also pregnant in Calgary and due in the spring: