Quick update on LAST weekend first. We planned a quiet weekend home to try to recuperate after all the insanity of the last month - but then jam-packed our weekend full of fun and...organizing. We did an overhaul on the back bedroom, our computer room and historical "dumping ground". Now it doesn't have a particular "theme" but it is tidy and organized! Can we call it "red wings meets amish quilt" ? We also dropped into a last minute BBQ at "Cancun/Gym" Jen's house. Brian was able to meet some husbands, drink some home-brew and Isaac played happily with all the kids since he knows them so well. I had a relaxing dinner...SHOCKING!! ha. After that, we returned home to a last minute stop by from Courtney and Chris...who 2 bottles of wine and some MarioKart Wii later - stayed the night. We spend a good portion of Sunday hanging out with them on the deck and indulging in some gyros.
Now - onto the topic at hand! What a jam-packed weekend. I had all intentions of calling up some local friends for a play date (sorry S&J!), but there just wasn't time!
The fun began at 6am on Saturday, when Brian and I woke up to the sound of a house of Comptons! Brian and I stayed the night at Michael and Perry's to make the day start easier, and it sure did! You just can't help but have fun around Perry, Roberta and Denise when they get together.
The whole gang was there to watch the Crim - and we even found a few friends and old classmates to cheer on. It was hot though - WOW - Brian was happy he didn't run it this year...and I was happy that I had his help watching Isaac. Towards the end of the race, Isaac decided he needed to participate, as he ran 3 blocks down University Ave with his Dad in tow. What a sight! He also decided he is a big fan of the harmonica!
That evening, we attended the wedding of Kenny and Chrissy Paul. It was great to catch up with all the Paul clan. The evening culminated in a test of endurance for our mother's Malibu.... 6 Freeman family members crunched into one tiny car...but it was fun.
Sunday did not mean time to relax. We had 10am tickets for Thomas the Train at Crossroads Village. Mom, Dad, Tim, Missy, Will, Brian, Isaac and I rode the train, then roamed through Crossroads. We mostly visited all the children's activities, but we still had a great time. My favorite part was riding all the vintage rides.
As always, we have uploaded a plethora of photos onto our shutterfly page. Feel free to check it out!
Our Photo Page
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Delayed updates...and other events.
Brian's sister taught Isaac how to say "COOOOOOL".
Brian's sister was here for a visit. She arrived the night we got home from Farlane and left last Friday. We had a nice time with her and Brian's parents up at the cabin - and Isaac go to know his "Aunt Lo-lo". We have been answering "where is aunt lolo?" questions all weekend. Anyways, there are some pictures from her visit and our trip to the cabin on our photo site...
http://spratke.shutterfly.com/477
Along with that - we have had an exciting event in our house...oh yes...potty training. Isaac took interest, big time, in the potty last week - and Brian was successful at 2 potties each day we were at the cabin (apparently there was stage fright with mommy!). He stopped his progress for a few days when we got home - but he seems to be back at it - even last night, he took me to the potty and pointed...then when I put him on it - he went! Mind you - we have NO clue what we are doing...we haven't even gotten to that stage of "err...should we read a book on this or something?"...but, either way, it's kinda exciting. ;)
Now - off to finish my "chores" while Isaac naps!
Some fun videos:
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Farlane 2008
Back in 2005, as a childless couple, we joined Jon, Dawn and 18 month old Samantha on a trip to the Spice Cottage at Cache Lake, Farlane, Ontario. Unfortunately, the weather gods were against us on that trip - so we didn't get much of a tan, but we had a good time.
This year, we braved the drive and wilderness to return - with Isaac in tow. Also there were J&D's friends - Kevin, Carrie, Haley (7) and Keagan (4). Samantha (4) was delighted to have buddies!
The drive there was uneventful (no bears to be hit this time) - and the first week the weather was OK. It rained a bit - however, we still got to squeeze in some dock time, swimming, hiking, fishing, cliff diving, etc.
The second week, Kevin, Carrie and clan had to leave, however, the weather really shaped up and we got some very nice weather - perhaps even in the 90's (but who is keeping track?).
Isaac loved the water, had a great time meeting new people and playing outside. He even caught 2 rock bass! He now understands "fishing pole". I successfully did laundry in the woods, much to my surprise. We drank wine, had fires in the fireplace...and, all became masters at Boggle.
It was a good time, but it's good to be home.
I am still going through the pictures, trying to eliminate duplicates...but here is the link to them anyways!
Click here for pictures.
This year, we braved the drive and wilderness to return - with Isaac in tow. Also there were J&D's friends - Kevin, Carrie, Haley (7) and Keagan (4). Samantha (4) was delighted to have buddies!
The drive there was uneventful (no bears to be hit this time) - and the first week the weather was OK. It rained a bit - however, we still got to squeeze in some dock time, swimming, hiking, fishing, cliff diving, etc.
The second week, Kevin, Carrie and clan had to leave, however, the weather really shaped up and we got some very nice weather - perhaps even in the 90's (but who is keeping track?).
Isaac loved the water, had a great time meeting new people and playing outside. He even caught 2 rock bass! He now understands "fishing pole". I successfully did laundry in the woods, much to my surprise. We drank wine, had fires in the fireplace...and, all became masters at Boggle.
It was a good time, but it's good to be home.
I am still going through the pictures, trying to eliminate duplicates...but here is the link to them anyways!
Click here for pictures.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Going Green Ain't So Tough
So - obviously, everyone and their brother has heard about the concept of "going green". Method sales are up, rock festivals are recycling and even small cars are cool to drive. But how many people have started to be green in small ways? Based on reactions that I get from people when I mention my current projects, it doesn't seem many. I get a lot of "wish I had time for that" or "so much effort"...
Well, we don't try that hard. Really. Don't overestimate our motivation. Brian and I are busy people - just check our calender, or the mileage on our cars...but, to sort of tell people that it really isn't so hard to be green...here is our progression into being greenies...or at least greener.
It started with recycling. It took a few years for us to stop grumbling - but we did. Now, we have 2 overflowing bins every 2 weeks and one barely full garbage bin weekly. Mostly disposable diapers, unfortunately.
Then came the efficient house years. This is the phase when we analyzed increasing insulation in our attics, added a ridge vent, got new windows, stopped using AC so much, made an attic fan cover for winter. You know, all those little things that makes your heating/cooling bills so high. To this day, we are still amazed at how efficient our 40-something year old house is, compared to other people's houses. (yeah, yeah, SF probably does have something to do with it - but I feel like I have a big house! ha)
This year has begun other, small changes. Light bulbs. Reusable grocery bags. Cloth diapers. A failed attempt at organic lawn care (ok, there is some info behind that later). And most recently - cleaning products.
I have been phasing out my cleaning products and began making the switch to home-made cleaning products. I have replaced windex, floor cleaner, toliet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner, comet, laundry detergent - all with recipes that pretty much include vinegar, water, borax, washing soda, baking soda, salt and castile soap. Ok - there are a few essential oils dumped in there for pretties too. I have been impressed - I don't see any difference - and it's nice to be able to get Isaac in on the "cleaning gig". ;) I have a few clingers - I haven't used up my furniture polish yet...but all n' all - not only is everything green - but WAY cheaper!
And ok, it's kinda fun too. Isaac helped me make laundry detergent this morning and it was hilarious.
So far, our only failure has been the lawn - but, we think if our back lawn was in good shape when we started, we would be able to maintain organically....but, it has been riddled with weeds and crabgrass for a few years due to lack of chemicals (we try to keep pesticides away from Blue)...so, we are going to re-evaluate that later. I believe it can be done (Brian did some experiments killing weeds with Borax and Baking Soda - and it worked!).
Anyways...that's the update on our green transition. More to come, I am sure...
So..anyways,
Well, we don't try that hard. Really. Don't overestimate our motivation. Brian and I are busy people - just check our calender, or the mileage on our cars...but, to sort of tell people that it really isn't so hard to be green...here is our progression into being greenies...or at least greener.
It started with recycling. It took a few years for us to stop grumbling - but we did. Now, we have 2 overflowing bins every 2 weeks and one barely full garbage bin weekly. Mostly disposable diapers, unfortunately.
Then came the efficient house years. This is the phase when we analyzed increasing insulation in our attics, added a ridge vent, got new windows, stopped using AC so much, made an attic fan cover for winter. You know, all those little things that makes your heating/cooling bills so high. To this day, we are still amazed at how efficient our 40-something year old house is, compared to other people's houses. (yeah, yeah, SF probably does have something to do with it - but I feel like I have a big house! ha)
This year has begun other, small changes. Light bulbs. Reusable grocery bags. Cloth diapers. A failed attempt at organic lawn care (ok, there is some info behind that later). And most recently - cleaning products.
I have been phasing out my cleaning products and began making the switch to home-made cleaning products. I have replaced windex, floor cleaner, toliet bowl cleaner, all purpose cleaner, comet, laundry detergent - all with recipes that pretty much include vinegar, water, borax, washing soda, baking soda, salt and castile soap. Ok - there are a few essential oils dumped in there for pretties too. I have been impressed - I don't see any difference - and it's nice to be able to get Isaac in on the "cleaning gig". ;) I have a few clingers - I haven't used up my furniture polish yet...but all n' all - not only is everything green - but WAY cheaper!
And ok, it's kinda fun too. Isaac helped me make laundry detergent this morning and it was hilarious.
So far, our only failure has been the lawn - but, we think if our back lawn was in good shape when we started, we would be able to maintain organically....but, it has been riddled with weeds and crabgrass for a few years due to lack of chemicals (we try to keep pesticides away from Blue)...so, we are going to re-evaluate that later. I believe it can be done (Brian did some experiments killing weeds with Borax and Baking Soda - and it worked!).
Anyways...that's the update on our green transition. More to come, I am sure...
So..anyways,
Tiger's Game
On July 10th, we attended a Tiger's Game with Brian's parents. We took Isaac - for a number of reasons related to driving, napping and leaving for a 2 week vacation the next day - all of which remain to be determined if it was a good idea or not.
The day was actually a great one for a baseball game. Hot, sunny and fun - however, young guys who don't like to sit still....well, I would not advice taking a child to a game after a long week of packing and very little sleep! He had me running crazy all over that park (I saw all corners and levels) - even up and down numerous flights of stairs all in his quest for adventure!
I don't think they won the game, because Isaac and I ended up in the parking lot so he could try to nap. Try. That's the operative word.
Click here for pictures!
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey go to Tiger's too. ;)
The day was actually a great one for a baseball game. Hot, sunny and fun - however, young guys who don't like to sit still....well, I would not advice taking a child to a game after a long week of packing and very little sleep! He had me running crazy all over that park (I saw all corners and levels) - even up and down numerous flights of stairs all in his quest for adventure!
I don't think they won the game, because Isaac and I ended up in the parking lot so he could try to nap. Try. That's the operative word.
Click here for pictures!
Monkey see, monkey do, monkey go to Tiger's too. ;)
Crim participants?
I want to walk in the Crim this year, and I am looking for anyone who might be interested in joining me - or, anyone who is perhaps running to hook up with afterwords.
We normally watch the race from my brother's house at the 3 mile mark, so anyone who doesn't want to participate, but would like to meet up - you are more than welcome to stop by.
Anyone interested?
We normally watch the race from my brother's house at the 3 mile mark, so anyone who doesn't want to participate, but would like to meet up - you are more than welcome to stop by.
Anyone interested?
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