Our Adventures

Jun 4th New room projects

The new room was coming along just nicely. The pieces to put more details of the room had arrived. Now, the boys just needed to put them together.

I asked Matisse to read the instructions and do the best that he could. By the time I arrived, his bed was at least half built. This was great!

When I started helping, things hit a snag. Things were not fitting right, and after reading the instructions, a couple of the items were backwards, which forced us to undo part of what was already done, in order to flip the piece around. Well, a certain Matisse started to grumble because he did not want undo everything. Unless we undo it, and rebuild things, it would not work out, I told him. He grumbled some more, and started helping fix the mistake.

The extra effort to undo things paid off. Once we fixed the mistake, all the pieces fit together and the bed when together relatively quickly.

The bedroom was one step closer to being finished…

May 29th Weekened of adventure!

It started off like any other weekend, except that we had the luck to be able to walk to Matisse’s swimming lesson, because mom had the car, and it was sunny! He, of course, was grumbling because he wanted to ride a bike. Dad wanted a good walk and fresh air. Dad prevailed 😉 We had a good walk to the YMCA.

While Matisse was inside working on his Dolphin level swimming skills, Alvin and I hung out inside the YMCA and he ran around about making friends as usual. We eventually went outside and played on the equipment outside. Matisse made his way outside after his lesson and we had a good walk home and found an some delicious pizza waiting for us. MMMmmm….

Matisse had been bringing up the idea of buying a present for his friend who was moving to another neighborhood. He was getting pretty persistent. So, when we woke up in the morning, I told Matisse that yes, we could go find his friend a present. But, he will come with us to Alvin’s swimming lesson to encourage his little brother. Afterwards, we will head to his toy store to find a present. He quickly accepted the offer.

During Alvin’s lesson, Matisse was called on for his smiley face and encouragement to help his little brother. He was actually happy to help;-) Alvins courageous face and strong “I can do it” act did not last the whole lesson, but more than 2/3’s of it. I was happy with that!

After our traditional “long hot shower” after our lesson, we headed off to the toy store. Toys R us was our destination.

Upon arrival, the boys had their eyes everywhere with excitement. There were nothing but toys. After looking around and not knowing where to go, we finally asked where the BayBlades were located. There was a they realization that did not come cheap. So, after looking at all the options and considering our budget, Matisse chose hsi gift, and Alvon found one too.

Then the next requests were so predictable. Dad, what about something for me? All I want is this, or that. Then I gave him the option of buying a present for his friend, or something for himself. He wrestled with it for a bit, but finally decided that he wanted to give his friend a gift more than one for himself.

Off we set off to have lunch. We decided on one of two restaurants. A new Mexican restaurant that we found next to Toy’s R Us, or another restaurant a short drive away. We all seemed to be on board for the mexican restaurant, but Matisse did not want to walk to it. He insisted that I drive the car 100 feet so that he did not have to walk so far. I stepped out of the car and started walking with Alvin. Matisse grumbled as he followed…

We jumped in line and waited until it was out turn to order. There were to many options. We decided on ordering: 3 tacos, or mega burrito and a plate of nachos. We ordered them with a variety of ingredients each! When we got the order at the table, we knew that we went over board:) In a good way!

We ate the nachos and tacos, no problem. But, after a couple small bites each, we went home with the burrito! It was giant! Left overs:)

Later that evening, I got Alvin and Matisse out for a walk. It was evening, but it was still light out, and not too chilly.

We headed down to the Beaisejour park by the river. It was a nice walk, but there were a small number of mosquitos. We just kept walking a few steps ahead of them. Then, I made a bad call… Instead of heading home, I took the path that leads behind the hospital. There were a few mosquitos, like in thr park. Matisse was complaining about them. It only got worse once we got to the bridge section of the path that is over the spring time water pond. The mosquitos only got worse, and I told both Alvin and Matisse to walk faster. NO luck. They seemed to love Matisse more that Alvin and I, and he got more than his fair share of bites.

We survived the walk and Matisse was unhappy with me for that walk, understandably. After a good night sleep, all was forgotten, well, almost…

The next day, we were off on a bike ride. We went through mosquito forest with little issue. We made it to the park and the boys started to fly their drones. My bad luck returned and the mosquitos found Matisse and Naveed. Not Alvin and I as much. Matisse wanted to go home… So we did…

I hope that our future rides are less, we’ll say, adventurous!!!!

May 15th First overnight scouting adventure!

Okay, maybe the title does push the boundaries of the limits of exaggeration. Adventure might be a big word, but when put in context, it might fit for the uninitiated. So, I’ll use it.

Since joining the local scout group last fall(after waiting a year and a half due to the pandemic), the activities have been limited to weekly meetings. Which are a good thing, since Matisse and Alvin got to meet a whole new group of kids and have new activities to do. But, there had been no other activities besides the weekly meeting. Time was right to do something else!

There was to be a sleep over for. New scouts need to do an over night activity away from home. This close to home, away from parents trip will help the younger scouts get used top away form home activities.

The night started on a good note. After some fun and games, the scouters had a search and find game which grouped older and younger kids together. I loved that. Little ones learning and encouraged by older ones:)

After the game, the main attraction of the night was launched. Bad Boys was screened. But, as the night went on, the kids slowly left the movie and “watched” it from a distance. They were more than likely playing another movie or a game. Only the adults were left watching the movie:)

It was then bed time. All were off to bed, but some stayed up later than others:) The older ones(adults ) and younger ones(beavers) were likely out first.

But, Alvin could not sleep and was restless. Half an hour later, he was moved from his friends and slept with me:) Something about arms and legs rolling on top of me was not conducive to sleeping!! I had to ask him to stop more than once to go back to sleep, and not on me. He eventually fell asleep, as did I:)

I was, as to my biological flaw predicts, the first to actually wake up. But, I was tired enough to just stay laying down. More comfortable.

Bodies slowly started moving and getting up. I had a sore back form the ultra comfortable sleeping gym mat! I am getting too old.

Alvin must not have had the same sore back, since he slept for more than another hour, long after everyone else woke up. He needed a good sleep apparently.g

Matisse and Alvin enjoyed the rest of their morning with a continental style breakfast and played some more with their scouting friends.

Then we decided to head home in the chilly morning where mom was happy to see them.

May 14th Team effort- fish in training

We have a new swimmer in the house who still has a bit of apprehension about going to his swimming lessons. So much so that he refuses to go, but with a little encouragement, he makes his way to the car, and begrudgingly gets in.

Today, the same thing happened. He was adamant about not wanting to go. It was not any worse than normal, but I was hoping that he’d get a little better with time. But, this was not the case.

I know that I can encourage him the best I can, but needless to say, this does not always work. So, I decided to try another strategy. I enlisted the hello of dear old mom. She happily agreed and along with big brother, we all hopped in the car and and went to Alvins lesson together. Mom had an immediate impact. He was still scared, but the mom factor helped:)

While I was in the water with Alvin, Alvin was always able to get a glimpse of encouragement by looking over his shoulder. Every time he succeeded in something, he looked for moms smiling face and clapping hands to reassure him of his success.

Between moms presence and the teachers constant appraisals of his good efforts, our little fish will find his way up the stream, I am sure of it…

Next week, big brother will be by the poolside to cheer him on, and we will find a time to get some swim time so that he can practice with his big brother and dad. This will hopefully add to his confidence.

May 13th Tired swimmer and energetic little guy

Matisse came home from another successful day of swimming. He was tired when we asked him if he wanted to go for a walk. It was only 7PM. He wanted to go to bed! So he did.

Alvin mom and dad went for a good walk down to the park and walked around. We had a pleasant time. When we got back, we had another tired little boy who fell asleep as his head hit the pillow.

Dad followed shortly there after….

Apr 30th Litttle Guppy surprises as usual!

Every parent is biased in their view of things. I’ll admit it from the start. Would you? 😉

Alvin is a little boy who loves to praise swimming and all the good things that he will do in the water, but when it is time to go for his lesson, he is 100%, dead set against going, or even getting in the water!

Today was no different! He would not get ready, , then when he was dressed, he would not go to the car. When we finally got to the pool, he was still not going to get in the water. After a little coaxing, we took the stairs into the water. Reluctantly he followed.

He is a little boy who while he wants to learn how to swim, he is scared of the water and that he might sink, even when dad is right there holding on to him.

As usual, by the end of the lesson, and he super happy, after having learned how to glide on his back and he kind of succeeded on gliding on his belly. The great moment was when he jumped into the water, twice! One more great achievement to share with Mom, big brother and grandma.

Apr 29th Little Leader

On our weekly trek to the YMCA for swimming lessons, I was able to see something that was kind of cool. Matisse was at his class as usual, and i was reading the news and my book. I’d look over every so often and Matisse was learning his Dolphin level skills. It was during one of these glances that I saw Matisse and his swimming mates walking towards the deep end of the pool when I noticed that Matisse is the tallest child in his class. Like by at least 2-3 years worth! Learning to swim is done at all ages, I just had not remarked the big different in age before. Like Matisse if the leader, and the rest are hanging out as his sidekicks. Was funny to see!

Apr 23rd Big Bro and Lil’ Bro, high road adventures

The day had come. The bikes were fixed. We made a last trip to the bike shop to get the missing piece for the brakes.

Every one was happy on the way home. Their bikes were ready to go, even though we have to walk home(Dad had no bike !).

After the long trek back to the homestead, Matisse and Alvin took no time to hop on there bikes and took a spin around. Before I knew it, there was a group of 5-6 kids cruising around the neighborhood. Matisse was of course ready to go, but it was really nice to see Alvin become part of the group. He was not, officially, one o the cool members of the bikers club:)

Apr 22nd Big Brother off biking with friends

When the Matissse decides to go off biking with his friends and Alvins bike is out of commission, Alvin, is unhappy. He really wants to go out on the road with Matisse and all the friends. No go. Alvin is mad, sad and frustrated all wrapped into one.

After Matisse spons away I offer to go to the park with him. He gladly accepts. It was a chilly day, and we dress warmly. We head to parc Marbourogh.

I saw that day that when not influenced by Matisse desires or dislikes, Alvin can go play with out worrying about his big brothers wished. He was allowed to be himself. I enjoyed that, because at times, Alvin is trying to be so much like Matisse, the coolest big brother ever. But, Matisse is not one to reciprocate all the time.

I am glad we were able to hang out together and we have some fun on the chilly day.

Apr 18th Walk to the bike store…

We were off to get the missing ingredients to our future bike rides and pick up Dads bike after being repaired.

Alvin’s bike needed a cable and a couple of peices for the brakes for his back wheel.

It was a nice cool sunny day and we headed off to the bike store by foot. It is only a 15-20 minute walk a way. It is always eventful going on walks with these two clowns, as they always have a way of having fun, with a few little arguments in between for fun.

Getting to the bike store, we had to wait as spring in a busy time for bike shops!

Once buying the needed parts, we headed home. The walk home was nice, and by the time we got home, it was lunch time.

We fixed the bikes after lunch, and the new season had officially begun!