We have had another busy couple weeks. B is doing very well in school and he reads so well and enjoys books and school work.
Baby I did not like walking on the Beach, and really hated the wind, but she was cute anyways.S Loved the Beach and the stormy weather the day before, but for this picture it was nicer outside. It was way to stormy and windy for him to sit on his own the day before this one!Stel chose what Baby I was going to wear, let me just say, white capri's while climbing around wet rocks and stuff, not a very great idea!!!B LOVED the wind, it was hard to stand during some of the gust but so much fun climbing. This is one thing he loves - climbing and adventuring in the outdoors.
Our frinds came over to Hornby for a day to visit and we had a great time. The power was out most of the day because of the storms so we went outside to play! We were about to pack up our stuff and head to their place off the island but the power came on at the last minute, too bad. Baby I loves playing with her friends and talks about them all the time.


This is a great picture and looks like he is being safe!

Wait for it, ya just scroll down a wee bit more.............................................

Yup not a shock!!!
The wave was over his head at one and he was soaked, but laughing. Somehow none of us were surprised he got totally soaked!!!

B and I were checking out the cool starfish, they weren't actually starfish they were the ones that are huge and look like a sunshine. There were also a bunch of crabs climbing around on rocks deep in the water
The kids were playing video games in S's room at Canuck Place. We were there for a couple days after Hornby Island trying to settle a couple medications for S.

Our girl is almost 2

Our little Baby I is almost 2, less than 12 hours to go (oct 30th 2005 she was born while B was at a friends house for a sleepover and S was in hospital very sick and it was pouring rain outside...)

Today she had a little party with a few little ones.They made their own bear, or in our case a Puppy at Build a Bear. They played some games and colored while each one got to stuff their bear.After they finished stuffing their animal they all put their hearts in and they were all sewn up. It was then time to wash and brush their animal. They all had fun at this station, from there they went to find bows or things to put on, the girls had more fun with this than the boys... Baby I did not love this part when they sang but for turning 2 she did very well during the whole building process and waiting turns.They headed for snacks and cake. The cake was a big hit and so cute. She loves her new pink computer, now hopefully she will leave ours alone a bit more...Well, 5:45 and she was out...Exhausted from a very fun exciting day. The boys loved the cake, though B wanted the least girly peice we could find, lol and he didn't want a bear so he went and got a raindeer webkinz instead. We can't believe she is 2 already, they are all growing up soo fast

It's the end of another busy week....

The kids and I spent the week up at Camp in Squamish with Canuck Place. Its been fun and exhausting. We saw a bear and lots of bunnies and the kids had loads of fun. They loved going into the pool each day and all the activities. Stel came up friday night and we headed to whistler later Saturday morning. It seems to be tradition to head to whislter after camp and love wandering around. Baby I must have been exhausted after all her walking. Everyone seemed more energized after our ice cream cone!!!

Life just seems to get so busy at times, then add a long weekend and we are exhausted!!

We were on the Island on the long weekend, yes we were crazy enough to try catching a ferry on the apparently busiest long weekend of the year. We did well on our way over, we only had to get up at 3:45am shower get ready and take the sleeping kiddos to the van by 4:30am and head to the ferry terminal. We picked up groceries and snacks in Coombs, Baby I loves the goats on the roof so we had to visit them again. B loves the bookstore and S also thinks the goats are funny. Luckily we caught the ferry and were on our way to Hornby Island. We got a chance to visit up on the higher part of the island and the views are breathtaking! B and I were watching the fish and the so many kinds of starfish. It was so cool B said. B had so much fun outside on one of the ferries, the wind was crazy and the water was splashing over the sides, Stel and I were out with him and we all got soaked but he had so much fun. We enjoyed some beautiful scenery, some insane winds and rain and some very encouraging appointments.

On our way home we stopped in Parksville and B and Baby I played mini golf, then Stel, S and B went in the bumper boats. S was so excited, he laughed and squealed - he was happier than we've seen in a very long time. They all got soaked but had so much fun! We then headed to Nanaimo, we visited my Auntie Pearl. We then headed to the ferry terminal to wait 4 1/2 hours to catch a ferry and got home just in time to collapse into our beds! The alarm clock rang far to soon this morning. We had a very successful Happy Thanksgiving long weekend, hope you did too.

Can you believe September is over already! Wow time flies by, the kids are growing up way too fast.

We have been busy....
B is back into hockey full swing, school is going, he's got a great teacher and I have great hope for a good year for him. He enjoyed going to a couple pre-season Canucks games and loves seeing his friends again. Baby I loved the hockey game and the hot dogs!!
S is doing really well right now. Baby I is doing well also. She is a very busy little girl, she got her first bite from one of her little buddies. She didn't know what happened to her, she was very mad and upset poor little one!

We were on Hornby Island for a few days and thought this was a very cool bike rack!! We spent some time exploring the beach, and B and I enjoyed watcing the Deer's wondering around while we were in the hot-tub. We had some issues with S's G-tube breaking and realized how tiny of an island Hornby is!! Our friend came to Hornby for a day with her girls which was great. We hadn't seen each other for a long time, the kids loved the hot tub.
We visited the market in Coombswhere the goats live on the roof. Baby I really liked seeing many different animals while we were gone; deer, goats and cayote's!! B loved the market in Coombs- he found a 2nd hand book store. I couldn't believe how great his reading has gotten, S really enjoyed B reading to him!

We will be heading back to Hornby for a few days coming up, the kids are going to camp again this year with Canuck place in Squamish and lots of appointments is whats coming for us in October....

WoW is really the words I have for STEL.

CONGRATULATIONS and we are so VERY Proud of you!!!

Well its been a long day but a very good day. Stel is tired but did great.

The race went really well..... Stel did the kayaking on his own so was slower than the double kayaks, but somehow passed most people during the biking. The run got changed to 9.8 km from the 8 but he is a Champion! We spent the day at the park cheering him on during the transitions and played. After 10 hours in Deep Cove we are happy to be home. If you press the little play button that is stel coming into the finish...A huge huge THANK YOU to Everyone for your support. Stel was able to surpass his goal for monies for Canuck Place thank You.We will add some more pictures when we get them

Tonight is the final sleep before school starts...

Stel has 5 more sleeps until the Canuck Place Adventure Challenge. He feels about as ready as he can be, Saturday morning he went for his final bike training up the mountain.

We had lots of fun camping at Golden Ears Provincial Park. Stel left us there Friday evening and so he could go to training and returned later Saturday afternoon. The kids had lots of fun. B enjoyed cutting the wood and he and I enjoyed playing games in the evenings after S and I were sleeping. He loves exploring and climbing around in the woods as well as some swimming in the lake. S enjoyed his time as well and of course loved the 4 wheel driving. Baby I did very well except with the walking on the road. She loved the lights!!!She had fun on the beach and talking to every dog in the campground!! We were prepared for any weather this time so a little rain didn't affect us and we had a great time. The tent clean-up... getting all the air out!

S got the coolest new thing.... It's called the I-Gallop. I am not able to post video for some reason but it looks weird but way too cool. It is exactly like riding a horse, is actually meant for adults as a core and abs exerciser but is awesome for S. He used to ride horses but they wouldn't let him once he became dependant on oxygen and he is doing so well on it. B loves it and both Stel and I have tried it and it really is like riding a horse and Baby I will tolerate it for short times if we hold her hands.

We will let you know next week how the triathlon goes. Thank you so very much to everyone who has sponsored Stel.

August is almost over already, where has the summer gone.....

Stel is continuing to enjoy his training, less than 2 weeks till Adventure Challenge day!!! Yesterday he did a bit of everything, its tough and oh my, very challenging, but he is enjoying it. Ok, yes he is exhausted, but he said a good exhausted!!All i can really say is.... I sure hope that brush was not a return item as she called it her toothbrush!!! At one point she had all the plungers out!!

We got to spend some time with our adorable niece's at our house. It was so great to see them and they seemed to enjoy playing. Baby I still talks about them, I think she likes saying their names!! They had so much fun running around on the trampoline. It's too bad Japan is so far away!

The kids and I have been keeping busy too...
We spent a day up on Grouse Mountain. B climbed up the mountain from the mid point and followed a deer a wee bit. I and S stayed down as they couldn't get up there. The lumberjack show is always entertaining and S and B liked riding the chairlift and seeing the views.
We spent a day at the PNE, fun, hot and crowded as usual. The kids love the super dogs, they enjoyed some rides and wandering. S and B LOVE the log ride, especially getting splashed and B LOVED the crazy wild mouse mini roller coaster (which I think is scarier than the big roller coaster!!).
We ventured out to Castle Fun park which B has now renamed to Castle No Fun park, but at least we tried!!
We have actually seen a couple movies recently which is a change for us, B was bugging us to see Mr.Bean so we did that. B Loved is, we all enjoyed it actually. We also saw Daddy Day camp on a rainy day. B enjoyed it, thats all I can say about that one...We've also been up at golden ears provincial park on and off all week in between B's hockey in the mornings. we are camping this weekend and praying for no rain!! Stel will be up part of the time, B is so excited....he has been wanting to camp since before summer began.

Summer is just flying by.... It's almost the middle of August and Costco is full of Halloween Candy and Christmas decorations already!!!
Well Stel is really enjoying is triathlon training. This past weekend he was out for another run training session. These sessions are great as they are doing the trail he will be on for the race so its great practice. He has had some bike technical difficulties so he is shopping around for what will work better for him on this rough terrain. Thank you so very much all who have sponsored him, it is going to such a great cause.

We have gotten in some visits with my brother and his family who are visiting from Japan. It s great to see them all and spend some time with his girls. They are absolutely adorable. Here they are at the Tsawwassen Sun Festival parade.
Baby I is really enjoying some girl time with them and wanders our house saying their names over and over. The kids enjoyed the festivities after the parade. B and Stel had loads of fun in Sumo suits and also whatever this is called...

We also were fortunate to have spent some hours with my Uncle and Aunt from Michigan. B has asked to work on his chess skills for next time we see them! It was a really nice day.

Baby I's favorite saying right now are: stuck (usually with a bit of a scream), no (which she says a lot!), up you go (every time she falls, which is a lot) and there you go. She seems to have gotten a bit wobblier on her legs but is sure doesn't slow her down, just more scraped up knees!

We spent some time on Granville Island yesterday the kids and I. We had had an appointment at children's but when we got there they had to cancel so we enjoyed ourselves much more than if we were stuck indoors. The summer is going by so fast. The kids are all enjoying time in the pool and we are hoping to still get out camping but it may have to wait until next summer much to B's disapointment.

Jack and Angie

Jack and Angie, we hope you are continuing to enjoy your adventure...
We always look forward to your visits and wish you lived closer. Thank you so very much for your card, wow, is all we can say!!
Next time we will make sure we are not in hospital and be able to spend more time with you!
We hope you see this at some point and can't wait to hear about your trip when you get home.

much love,
jen, stel and the gang

Its been quite a week, and a good one

I will start by saying, wow, Stel is really quite excited about his up-coming triathalon... He is now doing the medium race, 6km kayak/32kmbike/8km run...
Today he went to his second official training, today was run/hike through some pretty tough terrain. He was glad he had done some running this week thats for sure but is sure glad he has now seen how tough the terrain really is!! He took a couple big falls, but didn't want to get behind so got up and kept going - a sore ankle and a few bruises. He was pushing himself - he is way to competitive! Later this week he is going for his first bike training...




I took the kids to Victoria this week for a few days of exploring.


They all seemed to have a really good time, but I missed having Stel around to help chase Baby I!!

Baby I loved going on the horse drawn carriage, she loved the horse!



B loved going to the bug zoo, one of his favorite places in Victoria!!



The Titanic exhibit at the Royal BC museum was very good. Each of us was given a boarding pass when we entered the titanic exhibit and at the end you could read the wall and see if you were one of the survivors, some of us were not lucky! Baby I did not like the life-size wooly mammoth! S found the museum to be a bit too crowded but enjoyed the other things we did more.


We went on a tour of the parliment buildings, with the wheelchair we had to take a seperate entrance, because of this we got to see the prison cell in the basement which is not part of the actual tour.

A bit of swimming in the hotel pool and then some visiting with a friend of B's at their house way out in Mechosin,
a 3 ferry sailing wait and home we came.
I am exhausted today, but the kids were so well behaved we had a great time.

Another dismal rainy week gone by....

Stel has officially begun his training for the Adventure Challenge triathalon in support of Canuck Place Children's Hospice. Saturday morning 8 am he was off the deep cove Kayaking. Though it was raining, the scenery is beautiful and he seemd to enjoy it. He has come to realize though that he is too tall for comfortable kayaking!!! Tonight in the rain he took the bike out for the first time in possibly 2 years. He decided he needs a new bike seat for when he actually goes more than a couple blocks and for sure no trails on that seat!

We went to see Grease at Theatre Under the Stars in Stanley Park ths week, I highly recomend it. All of us enjoyed it even B who didn't really want to go!!

Baby I has had a very tough week, high fevers then full body rash which she still has. She has Roseola and man is she not a happy girl. She is miserable, we are all miserable....

Sleep has been at a premium here this week... And when this happens I lay awake and think about what needs to get done, what didn't get done, the bills, the future..... I find thinking about the future to be very tough; I think sometimes as a a special needs parent the only way to survive is to do as an addict does. One day at a time. I know that one day at a time is the way to keep my mind clear and positive. But when I cannot sleep my mind fills with thoughts of the future and I just cannot fathom what our future will hold. Though S is doing well and he does make advances in his own way and time; he knows so much but just cannot show us and he does get frustrated with us when we don't know what he wants or when we answer in the wrong way. But as time goes by the things that were so cute as a toddler and child won't and aren't seen as cute as an adolescent and teen. We love him fully and that will never change. I also worry very much about B and Baby I; they adore him now, but will there be a day when they loose their affection and it turn to embarrasment? It is so hard to be different when you are a kid, will they be strong enough to embrace S and love him on an unconditional basis? Will we raise them right.. B is so beyond fantastic to his siblings, we are so proud of him. Recently with friends over, one friend made a comment that S doesn't know anything and instantly B stood up for him and told him he is so smart and does know a lot, just that that friend doesn't know how to talk to him and watch for S's answers. I had been in the washroom and overheard them in the back-yard and was just so proud of B, and so glad that that was when my bladder was full so i could overhear this.... B is always standing up for S, I hope Baby I will also be so good with her big brother.

Summer is here, pool time has begun in full force and it is hot!!! I know we shouldn't play with our food, but she was having such a good time....
We've begun some back yard clean up, taking down some trees and rotten fence is always more fun when you get to use big machines. B learned how to drive the truck and thought it was pretty cool!!! Its great to have neighbours that like machines too!!