A gas fireplace just doesn't compare to a woodburning one. You can't even see our fire going on the bottom but it is. Ryan's graduating class sold poinsettas as one of their fundraisers. They are really nice. I'm hoping to pick up Christmas village stuff when they go on sale after the holidays to put in this spot next year.

Our tree...I bought some ribbon to put on it but it just didn't look right. I also bought way too much. I thought it said 7' but it was 7m....so I have about a 100feet of ribbon. Lots of bows to be made.

We think we're going to back to the old fashion lights. These just aren't bright enough. We also got hit with a major snowstorm..you can see the drifts in front. I left my van at work and Roy picked me up. There were 27 vehicles in the ditch between Red Deer and South Edmonton (150KM) this morning.

Woody's Pee Wee Team

Mark is back to playing hockey. This is his first year in Pee Wee (that means checking is allowed now). They've won their first two games but lost an exhibition game last night. There is only one out of town team that they play in their league. So that is not too bad for travelling.

Happy Birthday to Me

Ryan made me breakfast for my birthday. I spent the morning at the Dr's with Mark and his ear infection. In the afternoon, Roy put up Christmas lights. I don't know what to do now for the rest of the month because that's usually the amount of time required nagging him to put them up.

Roy gave me flowers and a cake with a carrot for each year. I'll save you the time counting, there are 30 carrots. He also made some delicious ribs. Mark sang a beautiful made up song and did a little dance...very entertaining. Must have been the medication he was on.

Halloween

Ryan went to a party dressed as an unemployed rig hand. Mark was a skeleton, apparently with a broken neck. The mask on the right hand side was something Roy picked out while we were in Vanuatu.

Thanksgiving

We went to Mike and Tannis's for dinner. We almost didn't make it because of Roy's terrible directions but that's another story not suitable for blogging.

Mark and Clara

Not sure who is happier in this photo...Sean or Statira.

Happy Birthday Mark!

Roy buttered Mark's nose. He asked for hotwings and Frozen Oreo Cake for his supper. He bought a game for his Xbox with some of his b-day money and is saving the rest...but don't tell him because I think he's forgotten about it.

Ryan made the Red Deer paper twice in a couple of weeks. He's #55. The caption was not flattering to Ryan or his team. Ryan's team is 6-1 with one more game to go. Then there is the play offs.



Ryan and his team mates were in the Terry Fox run. This photo made the front page of the paper. I guess they took turns carrying their injured team mate.

Happy Birthday Ryan

Ryan turned 17 on September 7th. He is getting old because the candles set off the smoke detector. He had some friends over and is saving his B-day money for his first car. He has to wait until the end of November to get his licence.

The Boys in Blue

Ryan is playing football for the first time this year. They train hard, two hours a day after school. They even had three weeks of pre-training workouts. It is paying off; they are 4-0. Ryan is number 55. This is from their first game.

Cadomin

Ryan, Mark and I went to Cadomin for the night with Travis and Jen in their camper. On the way back to Red Deer we stopped in Nordegg for a weinie roast and smores.

Mark has to be in every photo.

Just after this photo was taken the park warden showed up. I didn't have firewood or a fire permit. Who knew you needed both. I just used some sticks from dead fall. The warden was very good. He just told us to make sure the fire was out. I must admit I did want to take his photo for the blog.....Thats weird. Anyways, I figure I better not press my luck.

Inbetween Nordegg and Cadomin

We found a chipmunk and he found my sunflower seeds.

Cadomin from the enterance of the cave.

Ryan and Travis found a neat spot to go. From where I am standing Ryan is about 30 feet down.

The cave sure was dark. You can't tell but we are in a huge room. The ceiling is 40 or 50 feet high and at least 80-100 feet long. Thats Travis in the front. Hes from Truro. I do not hold that against him......hehe.

The mouth of the cave.

Gull Lake Aug Long Weekend

Travis and Jen took us out on their boat when they came for a visit. It was a lot of fun. I have some videos of us tubing. I just have to sort out how to do that again.

Our New Home

Well, we broke down and bought a house. I should say Carol bought a house. She looked at it, put an offer in, added conditions to the sale, picked the possesion date, got a lawer, inspector, and got the financing straight all before I even drove by the place. I think she made a good choice. I guess you can look at the photos and deciede for yourself. I must admit, I am glad she got the inspector. The shingles were shot and they will be putting new ones on before we move in. The possesion date in Sept. 11.

Tornado Warning

This is a photo taken just north of Red Deer. They were broadcasting to take cover as three funnel clouds were spotted. They passed quickly and didn't develop into anything more serious.

Ryans School Photos

Just thought I'd post Ryans team photos. Life in the MacLellan household is dull. Between work, X-box and being the kids taxi service keeps us fairly busy. Mark is on day 3 of summer vacation and he's BORED. Carol already can't wait for the start of the school year. We are looking for a house to buy. We saw a few we liked. We are taking donations for a down payment. So if anybody have some $$$ laying around feel free to send it along. I hope everybody had a great Canada Day. I hope our relitives south of the border showed the Yankies how much better July 1st is over July 4th.