Doing our part

We couldn't get out to volunteer with the thousands of other folks who showed up at McMahon stadium today. Emmett doesn't meet the age requirement (18) and his Mom...well, carrying a 24 week old fetus is a pretty good reason for exemption. But we're doing our part by taking 2 minute showers, reusing our cups, avoiding the washing machine, walking instead of driving, staying off the phone, making cookies for police officers and working from home. Emmett's Dad went to work, even though it was closed, to be part of a skeletal crew to answer calls from frantic students. Emmett and his Mom stayed home...Emmett's downtown daycare was closed, and fortunately, his Mom's employer advised her to work from home.

The rain has stopped - for now- although there are thunderstorms in the forecast, and Auntie Clare reported another 12 cm in the mountains today. The rivers have crested and are starting to recede. The Elbow River (right next to where we used to live) has gone down significantly, and the Bow (1 km south of where we currently live) is going down gradually. There are power outages in several parts of the city, and about 65,000 Calgarians who were evacuated were allowed to go home today. Not to livable abodes, mind you. That will still take some time...

First Day of Summer - June 21, 2013

The first day of summer, and it's a wee bit wet in Emmett's home town. 

 

During a brief reprieve from the rains, Emmett and his parents venture out to witness first hand the wrath of the water.

 

It's unreal. All access to the downtown cut off. All businesses and residents from the core have been evacuated.

 It's eerie. The Bow River flooding streets and bridges, it's flow rate the highest it has ever been.

 It's completely unbelievable.

 

It seems like we are watching footage of somewhere else...yet it's just down the street.

 

Fortunately, the city has a pretty killer Mayor...

 

Bend it like Emmett

Despite a 9-week training camp replete with snow, rain, and mosquitos, Emmett reaches the pinnacle of his soccer season with the year-end U4 tournament.

After a few shifts playing wingman to a Christine Sinclair-like striker...

Emmett's mom takes him aside and talks psychological strategy which leads to...

 

Emmett taunting the opposing team from the sidelines by exposing his huge gut, a tactic...

which culminates in a red card and ejection from the remainder of the game.  Given that the sidelines happened to be where the ice cream bars were stored, Emmett still gets to chalk this one up as a 'Win'.

Special thanks to our friend, David Pugh, for the stunning photography!

Memories of Bermuda

Monsoon June has landed on our fair city (and province). Amidst the deluge of rain and constant thunderstorms, Emmett and his parents think back to their time in the sun of Bermuda. A mere two months have passed since their trip to these islands in the Atlantic, and Emmett still asks if we are going on the plane to Bermuda. Even though it is not as hot as other southern, tropical islands, at least the sun shone almost every day! Can't say the same for the past three weeks in Emmett's hometown.

Bermuda's economy is based on offshore insurance, reinsurance and tourism – we did our best to contribute to the latter and enjoyed some time in the sun and on the beach. Another international stamp in the three year old's passport...
 

  Hard to say who had more fun in the sand, Emmett or his Dad.

 Climbing Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, circa 1846. 185 steps to the top of the world's oldest cast iron lighthouse.

Have to sign in before climbing the stairs.

Historic St. George's. A world UNESCO site.

 The trolley that takes guests to and from the beach, and to restaurants around the resort. The trolley was pretty much Emmett's favourite thing about Bermuda. 

Chasing Waves.

 Our days began with complimentary continental breakfast in the Gold Floor lounge, and ended with complimentary happy appys during happy hour, thanks to Auntie Clare.

 Kids eat free at Fairmont. Translation: adjust your menu order based on what is on the kids menu. Order the largest kids appetizer and kids entree, eat it, and then just give the kid dessert.

Again, hard to say who had more fun on the beach...Emmett or Emmett's Dad.

Father's Day 2013

Happy Father's Day, Emmett and Folj'r's Dad.

Celebrating at A&W* with bacon an' eggers after a morning Father's Day run in honour of Dad.

(*hey, don't knock it! That's what the man of the day wanted, AND we had a coupon...)