Who doesn't love a big pile of leaves?

We raked up the leaves in our yard a few weeks ago. All it took was one windy day and they all came down. Eli has his own little rake and loved to help. We also had some fun burying all the boys in a big leaf pile.







We couldn't forget the fur brothers...

Gone too soon

We unexpectedly lost a very special family member. Andrzej (Andre) will be missed by so many people. He truly lived life. He loved an adventure and tried everything at least once. I already miss the sound of his laugh, he found humor in so many things.

I copied his obituary from the Herald since there is no way I could find the words to describe him. Also, check out the video at the bottom of Andre in flight.

Andrzej, I hope you are somewhere where you can fly to your hearts content. We love and miss you.

KOPEC , Andrzej Franciszek November 12, 1962 - October 29, 2009 Andrzej flew to a higher place on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. He was taken from us as a result of a tragic accident while hang gliding. Andrzej arrived in Canada in 1988 without any help and on his own. He taught himself English and one of his proudest moments was achieving his Canadian Citizenship in 1990. That same year he met Nancy, the love of his life, and her family became his beloved family in Canada. Andrzej has a wonderful family still in Zakopane, Poland, who he was in constant contact with. Andrzej brought his family to Canada, where they got to see and fully understand why he loved his new home so much. They were and remain very proud of his accomplishments. Andrzej excelled in everything he undertook. He achieved the status of Master Electrician in Canada and worked at a variety of companies. His latest position was at the Children's Hospital, where he loved going to work every day. His co-workers will miss his infectious smile and compassionate heart and nature. He loved his home town Zakopane, where as a young man, he excelled in all sports and mastered ski jumping. He also loved Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, the mountains and, most of all, Waikiki, Hawaii. Andrzej had a passion for life and lived every day to the fullest. He tried all of the trail riding and motocross sports, and was an excellent athlete, dancer, musician, and attempted to master surfing while in Hawaii. In June of this year, he discovered his ultimate passion and happiness in hang gliding. He instantly bonded with his friends Larry, Kevin, John, Ivan, plus others, and was having the time of his life when a tragic accident changed all of our lives forever. Andrzej leaves behind his family in Poland: mother and father, Zofia and Franciszek, sister Krystyna, brother-in-law Marek, and beloved niece and goddaughter Moniczka. Andrzej will be treasured and missed by his "sweety-hearty" of nineteen years, Nancy Chmilar, her children Burdine (Brian, Evelyn) Rex, Brentley (Jen, Eli), and Brandon. Her family Doreen and Marvin Peterson, Linda Michailuck, Burdine (Colin) Acheson, Lory (Jon) Ross-Hill, Bill (Joanne) Saggs, Dianne (Silver) Laverdiere, extended family and all of Andrzej's friends (including his four-legged friends) will all miss Andrzej dearly. There is a huge hole in our hearts and Andrzej will remain in our lives every day through our love and memories. His compassion, tenderness, sense of humour and love will hold steadfast. The following lines exemplify his passion and love for hang gliding: "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Andrzej, my sweetheart, I love you so much and you are the love of my life. I know we will meet again.

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End of October already?

It has been a busy few weeks at our house. Well actually our house has been empty for a while, but we've been busy. Too much to blog about at once so I'll give you the coles notes version.

- I ran the Investors Group Thanksgiving 10K over the Thanksgiving long weekend. It was cold, but I did it! My ipod died before my legs did so I had to run the last few kilometers in silence. Thank goodness it didn't give out earlier. Brent and Eli came downtown to watch me cross the finish line and it was so nice to see their faces waiting for me at the end. Now I can check that one off my life's "to do" list! Thanks for all the support, it was so encouraging.

- Eli has started going to a dayhome on Mondays. Ms. Tanya is the lady's name and she is wonderful. Eli gets to hang out with a little girl named Daisy (isn't that the cutest) and play all day long while I get some me time. Needless to say we are both enjoying it.

- Brent and I went to Vegas with Casey and Jaelynn last week. It was a much needed vacation for us. We had a blast (thanks guys!). Did loads of walking, eating, gambling...the usual for Vegas. The highlights were 2 cirque shows, Frank Caliendo comedy show, Titanic and Bodies exhibits and the most amazing dinner at Fiamma resteraunt. Eli stayed home with Grandma K over the weekend and then headed to Baba and Gido's place for the week. He did great with all the grandparents. I think he had a really good time. THANK YOU for taking such good care of Eli and Winston and Paul too.

I think that's pretty much it. Here's a video clip of the comedian we saw in Vegas. So funny!
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New Tricks

Eli and Brent are always having fun making wierd noises. It must be a boy thing...

Worlds Best Playdough recipe

Did you know that you can make Playdough at home? It's so easy, and actually really fun to make. It takes no time at all and you know exactly what is in it. Plus it's dirt cheap!!

World's Best Playdough Recipe
1 cup white flour

1/4 cup of salt

2 tsps cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 tbsp oil

2 tsps food colouring

Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium pot. Add water, oil and food colouring. Cook and stir over medium heat. When mixture forms a ball in the pot, turn out and knead on a slightly floured surface. Store in airtight container or plastic bag.

For variety, add Kool-Aid powder to dry ingredients instead of food colouring. It will smell great!

Watch out Eric Clapton

Last night we went to Grandpa Carlos' house to celebrate Sebastian's 17th birthday. Eli just loves the guitar and especially helping Grandpa play it. I always wanted to put Eli in guitar lessons so hopefully he still likes it in a few years. He just helped himself to Grandpas lap to play.

New Friend

Over the last few days Eli has made a new friend. His name is Ervin Thursten. He is fun to carry around and eat with. He is a must for bedtime too. Eli's great Auntie Linda adopted Ervin for him, what a lucky guy! Lunch time, how exciting Ervin wants to sit with me! He needs a bib too, things can get messy around here. I like how he still has his arm around him.