Update Time

I was told I haven't been updating enough so here goes a little recap of summer activities thus far.

First off, I had a crazy Star Wars themed wedding cake for a friend from church. It was pretty funny to deliver something so 'different' to a fancy place like the Vancouver yacht club, haha. Anyhoo, they loved it and it was the start of the real start of wedding season. I have almost every weekend booked in August for weddings, crazy!

Ariel did swimming lessons at the pool for 2 weeks and passed swim kids 6!!! Wow, she is such a crazy strong swimmer for such a tiny thing. She was the only girl in a class of 5 big boys who towered over her. She worked hard and was excited when she found out she passed with flying colors. She is going to give swim kids 7 a try in August, she loves a challenge so it should be fun.

The Tour de Delta was in town again for another bike race filled evening of fun. We always enjoy going and this year Ariel was old enough to ride in the kids race. Some of her friends from school rode too so it was a great night out, and she got a free dinner at the end of the race including a cute medal. 

Then it was VBS time! This year Xander was able to go and was SOOOO excited. It was a wild west theme and there was lots of yee-haws around our place for the week. Both kids had friends from school in their classes so that was really nice. I must say I enjoyed the mornings off for a week. It was a small taste of what is coming in a short year once Xander starts kindergarten. Wow.

During that week we had a big of a scare. Meeko went in for his 3rd set of shots and everything seemed fine until late afternoon. While enjoying a visit from Maureen and Andrea, Meeko's face started swelling up. His eyes looked puffy and before I knew it, his eyes were so swollen they shut and his muzzle was 3 times the size it should be. Maureen stayed with the kids while I ran Meeko over to the vet. Seems like he was having an allergic reaction, most likely from the rabies shot. They gave him some benadryal and kept him for an hour to watch him. Thankfully it seemed to work and we got to take him home. He was groggy but good. He had to have a few more pills over the next few days and was finally back to normal.

Ariel had a big pageant coming up and she needed some new photos so I took her out for headshots but was having so much fun we did some shots down at the beach by the ferry terminal during sunset. This is one of my favs of the night.

In the end this was the shot we got and I was super happy with it.

Ariel had been raising money for Children's hospital for her pageant and in the end raised $1286.50 which was thrilling for her. When VBS ened on the Friday at noon, we picked her up with the suitcases already packed and Ken took us to our hotel. We checked in and Ariel met for a short meeting with her coach Megan for a quick run through of her routines. That evening was just the interview portion so the girls got into her shirts and whites and were ready to go. Ariel's white shoes were too small but we couldn't find any in her size so she wore flip flops until the last minute when she had to put them on. Thankfully she was a trooper and you couldn't tell, but its time to find new ones soon!

That night the girls all went swimming and had a wonderful time. The next morning was full day of competition, starting with beauty with personal intros. With natural pageants there is no make up and only simple hair so its pretty relaxed. Its more about public speaking and basic walks, so we just tend to get to enjoy the day more without running around. Ariel did great on her intro and it really started her off on a strong foot. 

She did casual wear, then on to commercial and speech arts. For commercial she did a cinnamon toast crunch ad, which was really cute. Speech arts was something we wrote together about her observations about coffee and parents. Well she had the room laughing pretty hard and then we just had to wait. 

The evening was the carnival and lots of fun for the girls. They had a recording booth and Ariel and pal Emma recorded a Taylor Swift song. She got lots of little trinkets and goodies from the games and ate lots of treats.  A fun time indeed!

The next morning we headed to crowning. First off Ariel was named Miss Congeniality by her peers which was really special. She also won best headshot for her age group too, woot for me! They started doing the age groups and finally got to hers and my stomach was in knots. It was a tight group and 3 of the girls were really fantastic and I couldn't pick who would win. The group got smaller and smaller then was down to those 3 girls, including Ariel. The announced the first runner up and then it was just 2... they announced the Petite Miss BC title which was the other girl and then it hit me, SHE WON! I started crying, I was so excited for her, and she was just smiling away totally thrilled. Then the director announced she had the highest score of the WHOLE PAGEANT! That is when my legs went to jelly, I don't remember much but coming up to help her off stage with her arm load of gifts and prizes. 

We had our own moment on the size of the stage and totally missed the next age crowning. Her friend Emma who won last year (Ariel was runner up to her) was so excited for her, now they were both in the royalty family. Ariel has her title for a year and then will crown the new girl next year. She gets to help at events, will have a uniform like Emma's to wear during the year, and gets a cute jacket with her title and name on it. She has to keep her sash and crown safe during the year so I am out looking for a special box to keep them in. 

Following the crowning the new royalty had to stay for photos and get into their whites. I am looking forward to the year ahead as we get to get to know the rest of the royalty moms of this new group, some of which we are already good friends with. We got our score sheets and saw that Ariel was almost getting perfect scores in every area, it was amazing, she has grown so much in a year. So proud of her and her hard work! Way to go baby!

The National Canadian Girl National Royalty 2013/2014

And then it was July!

Um whoa, when did that happen?!  Oh right we had end of school events, dance recitals, a crazy amount of cake orders and Ken was in New York.... yep that is what happened.

So back tracking, we saw the end of the school year for both kids. First up was Xander, who has not only grown so much in his personality and skills but height wise too... check out that picture!

His teachers were emotional talking of his progress this year and how he ended with a bang standing up with his friends and singing part of a song, which he "HATES" to do in front of people. I was so proud and he was too, I could tell.

We are sad one of his teachers won't be working in his class next year, so praying its a smooth transition for him meeting someone new.

Ariel's end of school first came with sports day with a super hero theme. She loved that and we painted a mask on her face for the fun day.

She was excited to be on the same team as her older friends from church. Ken took the day off to help with Xander so I could enjoy the time with her.

The last day of school we got her report card that she was on to grade 2 and exceeding expectations in several areas of study. So proud of her work ethic at such a young age. Excited to see who her teacher will be in the fall, and looking forward to registering Xander for Kindergarten for fall 2014 so we can have both kids at the same school finally!

Dance photo weekend was crazy as Ken was away in New York for a Pixar masterclass, so I was trying to balance cakes and kids. I am excited to see the photos, I saw the previews and they are gorgeous. I love Ariel's ballet costume, she was a bluebell and it was just so pretty and sweet.

That weekend also marked the arrival of a new family member, I now have a niece! Miss Natalie arrived weighing in at 10lb 9oz, born at home. We got to finally get over and see her amongst the crazy days so we could email pics to Ken who was eager to get home to meet her too. Ariel is very excited to have a girl cousin finally.

Dance recital this year was 3 days of crazy for me, as I wanted to help every night behind the scenes. It was such a great moment to meet some of the 'pro moms' who have been doing this for years. Ariel only danced 2 nights as they didn't have the little ones do the late night show. The days she did dance she was on fire. She loves an audience and I am so proud of her and her 3 performances. We also learned about some quicker changes this year with more routines come getting into other costumes and hair styles. Those new moms I met came and helped me so much as I was tending to herding the kids onto the stage, I got a clipboard, so you know its an important job, hahaha. I was surprised during the thank yous to get my own bouquet of flowers from the studio for a thank you for sewing some last minute tutus. Ariel presented me with them, which was super sweet!

Ariel and I had fun with the pile of fluff as you can see.

Following the last day of school was Ariel and I getting to go see Taylor Swift together!!!

Lots of our friends from church and the community were going to so we were able to ride down with friends, which was lots of fun for the girls.

We had an amazing time and it was special for the both of us. She loved the dancers she had on stage, including ballet dancers on pointe for 'Love Story'

Then Ken and I celebrated our 12th anniversary! Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun. We celebrated with a movie with the kids, Monster's University. It was a fun time together and we do look forward to a time this summer we can get away ourselves.

Now we are full steam ahead for Ariel's big National pageant. She has raised $800 thus far for Children's Hospital, I am so incredibly proud of her. She is practicing and we are excited to see how she does.  Then we are into Imagine That camp time, so the summer is flying and we are having fun!

June... summer is on the horizon...whee!

Wow, we entered June this past weekend, and it came in with glorious sun and warmth that was so awesome! Although I am a tad overwhelmed at how much is happening in the next 3 weeks but I am always amazed at how things fall into place and so I don't get too stressed, but enjoy the roller coaster ride. I am really loving today's semi relaxing day, and a dog curled up at my feet.

I do have one particular week that involves a full weekend of dance recitals, wedding cake order and a few big school events (talent show and sports day). I think the following week I will sleep, haha. So that week if you don't hear much from me, you will know why.

So the big news yesterday was Ariel signed up to try out for the school's talent show later this month. She went to the audition and made it! She was excited but so typically Ariel about it, which is mellow. She said she was nervous and messed up a dance step but did well. The teachers watching gave her more credit than she gave herself and I am excited to see her perform in front of the school. Eek!

We are nearly done her last set of swimming lessons as of this week. She nearly passed swim kids 5 last time, just missing 2 requirements so we are eager to see if she made it this time. I am impressed with how good she has gotten and after talking to our friends and our neighbours who are involved, we are thinking of looking into swim club next summer. We shall see.

Summer is taking shape and we have some plans in place. A tad different than we originally thought but it will all be good in the end. Due to the dance camp dates being different this year, Ariel can't attend which was kinda a sad moment in the house. However both her and Xander are ready for fun at VBS, a first for my little man who has been dying to go the past few years.

*All ready for the May Days parade, a wild west theme. 

Ariel is gearing up for a huge National pageant, with girls coming from across Canada. Its a fun weekend and we are excited to meet some new friends and for her to do her best. Then we all are at Imagine That for a week of crazy fun, Ariel is taking mixed media and sewing and Xander is in Preschool Arts. Ken is back teaching animation and me cake and cupcakes. Woot!  August rolls around and Ariel goes off to camp for 2 nights and we are in birthday season. I think we are having Ariel's early this year in July just for some extra space between the 2.

Xander is nearing the end of his first year at school. Its been a great year, and one of much growth for him. I will blog all about it soon, as it needs a post all of its own. I will share his little alphabet performance, so cute!

Meeko is now 11 weeks old and growing so much! Next week he has his 12 week visit to the vet and his shots. Once he has these, we are safe to take him to the park, puppy classes etc. Until now we could only hold him out and about, now he can be on the grass on his feet. His long hair is slowly coming in, so he looks super fluffy. He wants to chew on things but isn't destructive, more playful. I noticed he is responding more to his name and can do the command 'sit' almost every time.

Xander enjoys his furry friend, and they love to play. This is one of their favorite games, it will be a sad day when they both outgrow the car. Haha.

We have been ending our activities slowly. Sparks ended with the big district advancement ceremony where Ariel moved up to Brownies and Mommy was recognized as a new Guider (leader). We attended the Monday night Brownie troop meeting, the one we are joining and really had a great time. She got her hand book in the mail already and she is eager to start earning badges come fall. It was really cool to see all the older girls in the program and the services they provide to the community. Love the Girl Guides, if you are interested in joining, its totally worth it! Ariel will be a 3rd generation Brownie, a full post coming on that later too!

Been doing some sewing in my brief time away from cake decorating. Ariel is going to a birthday party this weekend and her friend is a huge American Girl fan... and Justin Bieber fan. So for her present, I sewed her doll an outfit and made a tiny JB t-shirt! Yay for photo transfer paper. I already have some people asking if they can buy a t-shirt similar to it, so another business? haha who knows. 

Well I need to get back to my cakes, working on the annual gala for a Vancouver group and prepping for the rest of the orders for the week. Whee!

Waka Waka

Finally got a copy of Ariel's competition team dance from their last performance at Dream Team. She is the first on stage when then annouce the group, since you can' make out their faces.

Enjoy!

Family of 5!

I have been meaning to write all about our newest family member but I have been enjoying him so much I haven't been online much this week except to post photos on facebook. What can I say, we love our fur baby!! He was worth the wait and we are all madly in love with him.

The adventure started early Monday morning. Ariel was taking the day off school to join Stella, Xander and myself ride the ferry boat to Swartz Bay to meet Joanne the breeder. Its been awhile since we road the boat, and the first time the kids had ever walked on vs being in the car. We parked the car in the lot, got a ticket and headed onto the 9am boat.

Since we left early we ate breakfast on the boat, Ariel and Xander both stuffed themselves with waffles, eggs and bacon, while all Mommy ended up with was toast, ha!

The ride over was nice and smooth. We walked around the boat a bit, the kids each got a small treasure from the gift shop and played in the kids zone. It wasn't long till we arrived at our destination... we were all eager to see Meeko! Xander kept looking out the window, I can't see him!!

We walked through the building to come off the boat and as we came through the doors there was Joanne with a tiny, furry head sticking out!!! I so wish I had gotten a photo, but I was too taken with our new little guy. He was so tiny, smaller than I remember Lucas being. The kids were in love, slowly reaching out their hands for him to sniff. Ariel was a bit more shy than I expected, but Xander was just wanting to get as close as he could, which was a real different reaction than I planned.

Joanne took us over to her van and we got to snuggle Meeko and fill out the paperwork. Such an exciting day, so we quickly texted Daddy at work this photo.

We chatted and asked questions about everything that I still had floating in my head. Joanne was telling us how hard it is to say good bye to the pups, I can't imagine...but I promised lots of photos. We headed home with our new boy on the 1pm ferry, this time going to the 'pet room' on the lower level. It was helpful to have Stella take the kids up and get some lunch and come back while I hung out with Meeko.

We dropped Stella off when we got back on the mainland, and headed home to introduce Meeko to his new surroundings. He had a lovely personality so far. He is very easy going, and likes his nap time and FOOD. As of today he is more comfortable and warming up to us, by coming up and wagging his tail. He was happy to see me in the morning so that was special. He sleeps so well in his crate, not a peep from the time we put him to bed till we get up in the morning. His potty training is going well so far, he was trained to use a potty patch, and for the most part does well with it with us. Makes living in a townhouse manageable with him and his potty needs.

We put on his new name tag on his puppy collar he came home in. The one we picked out for him will fit him in a few months most likely, but we love this one because it has hot dogs and sandwiches haha. His markings are stunning, he will be a gorgeous dog when he is full grown. He has a tiny white spot on the back of his head, haha too cute!

I have been taking Meeko on the porch in the mornings to get him use to our area. He is from a very quiet place on the island so the sounds of traffic I am sure are a change. He likes to stand and listen, then usually starts to shake a bit and wants to be snuggled. Shelties are generally timid dogs so there is much training that comes into getting them comfortable.

In the coming weeks Meeko will get the rest of his shots and then can start puppy classes. Lots to look forward to and we are excited to watch the kids grow up with him. 

Welcome to the family Meeko... we love you!

What a Feeling!

Wow, I looked on here last night to see when I last blogged, oops, its been awhile eh?

Ok, lets catch up on life...

First, dance competitions continued and finished up this week. Ariel danced at both Synergy and DreamTeam and her group did fantastic! I am slowly learning how each competition scores and ranks the kids, and they are all different! Confusing!!! I never get tired watching her open the dance, its so cute!

So at Synergy, they got a 'metal standing' of their skill and then a placement level against the others in the same age group. So they got 2nd place and a High Gold metal which is awesome, the only level higher is diamond. 

At DreamTeam its all individual best, so they dance a bunch of groups or solos and then bring them on stage to give them a mini critique and metal standing, very much like an episode of American Idol in my opinion haha. 'That wasn't working for me dog.' Anyhoo, they got a Gold metal, which is second highest, High Gold is the top here. They also got a choreography award which honored their teacher's great work! The girls were super clean at this one, a great performance. I was so giddy watching her. I am so proud of her hard work she put into this. Great work sweetie!

I ordered a few of the stage shots from this last one, because they got a few good ones, but I don't have them yet so I will post them when they arrive. Thus ends our first year of competitions, what a blast!!!

My birthday! I turned 34 this year on May 1st, gack! Almost mid 30's that feels weird to say. Haha. It was an exciting day with handmade cards and lots of eating out. My Dad and Rita took Xander and I out for breakfast at Ricky's, yum! Then Dad took Xander for me and I got to have lunch and girl time with Stella at White Spot, yum yum. It included a birthday brownie with sparkler, whee!

Then for dinner, Ken brought some some grub, since the man isn't a cook, and spared me cooking my own dinner. Haha. The kids presented lovely cards, Ariel made me a flower wreath, so pretty!

Xander drew a caterpillar with a cake on his head.

That afternoon also marked a HUGE event in our home, Ariel lost her FIRST TOOTH!!! Sound the trumpets, this has been a long time coming. Her tooth had been taking its sweet time and finally after school was hanging there barely. With her dance comp the next day I was worried it could pop out when she popped a move and she be crushed to lose it, so I called her over... and quickly pulled it out. She was yelping when she realized what I was doing but it was so quick and when I said 'look!' she stopped and laughed, that didn't hurt at all!

Then I started jumping around all excited because it was on my birthday and how cool that was, Xander started going bananas, 'Ariel lost her tooth, way to go!' He was so proud of her, and it was beyond adorable!

The tooth has yet to be collected by the tooth fairy... Mommy hadn't finished the pillow yet, its almost done. Ariel really wanted to have it for a few days before it went away, so its in a place of honor till we send it off. Stay posted for updates on our first visit from the tooth fairy. 

Finally, the biggest news... our PUPPY!

When last I mentioned him we were waiting on a puppy from the next litter most likely, that was indeed the case until we got a sad call saying the dog had something go wrong and ended up at the vet, with a c-section, and losing all but one puppy. We were crushed, as was the breeder since she knew we had been waiting so long. She called and said she was going to look into some fellow breeders and see if she could help get us on to another list... we were expecting to be waiting at least another few months.

Then a few days later we got a call from her, how soon do you want your puppy and what color? I was stunned, how soon are we talking. Turns out the Daddy dog from her litter, his brother on Vancouver Island had a litter born the same day has them, St Patricks day, and they had 6 puppies, and one available!!! The breeder called us and we chatted, and she emailed us photos. Well we were smitten.

Last night we got word she had picked her puppy to keep and we got first choice of the rest of them!!! Wow, how amazing is that! We emailed some questions, chatted, voted (facebook poll, lol) and then finally made our choice, which was the kid's first choice and ours all along.....

MEEKO!

He reminds me of my first sheltie Lucas, something in the eyes. We all were drawn to he little white blaze on his face, the only puppy in the group who had it like his daddy. I am beyond thrilled, and a tad emotional, haha. I can't wait to pick him up next MONDAY!!!

To mark the happy occasion we picked up his name tag today to take with us next week. So excited to have you join our crazy family Meeko, we love you already!