Happy New Year!!! Another year behind us, a fresh new one laid out ahead, full of new possibilities and adventures.Our trip to Alberta was wonderful, filled with family and friends. We spent our time in Edmonton and Rocky Mountain House, visiting and eating and getting caught up on all of the happenings. It was relaxing and laid back, which was just what I needed after the craziness of the house and Christmas and all that sort of thing. The kids adored all of the time they got to spend with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jay and I got some much-needed time away from the kiddos, which we appreciated a great deal (Thank You SO much Mum & Dad D and Mum G).
Sydnie, who had a touch of the flu when we left, made a quick recovery. Her fever broke just after we boarded the plane to leave for Edmonton. She seemed right as rain from then on.
I had a bit of excitement while I was away. The photo I mentioned in this post, which was being considered for that Ottawa travel guide, was chosen for use. No, I won't make any money from it, but it's exciting none the less!
The gym where I volunteer also offered me a paid position there as the coordinator of the child minding. Basically the same job I was doing in Airdrie. As flattering as it was to get the offer, I decided to say no. I would have to take on more shifts, and I don't want the hassle of struggling to cover those when I need to take trips away. Also I enjoy the free time I have, and I don't enjoy working at the gym here as much as I did the one in Airdrie due to the fact that I am the only staff down there during my shift.
Yesterday the kids and I embarked on The Great Hamster Hunt Of '08. They were begging me all morning to do something about the empty cage sitting there, just waiting for a furry critter to occupy it. Finally I relented, loaded them up in the van, and headed to PetSmart. We were there for half an hour, waiting for someone to help us with hamster purchase. After having one of the clerks page twice, I was annoyed enough to leave a cart full of litter, hay, and toys and walk out with the kids. Off to a second location, not far away, in the hopes of more useful staff.
The second store was much better, the service was fast and friendly. Unfortunately they only had ONE hamster left, and it wasn't what we wanted (we were looking for a teddy bear hamster, since they are the friendliest). The older woman who was helping us felt bad, and quickly offered to call another store, to see if they had hamsters. They did, and off we went, now quite frustrated, but hell-bent on bringing home a pet regardless.
Finally, at the third store, a nice young man was quick to assist me in picking out, packaging, and purchasing an adorable little girl hamster. We were in and out in less than 20 minutes, our new addition scratching away in the cardboard carrier.
Lincoln wanted to name her Charlie, and who was I to argue? She is all kinds of cute, and has provided us much entertainment already. Although she's still a baby, and still pretty wild, she's good natured. She hasn't at all attempted to bite, despite me handling her quite a bit. The kids are in love with her, even though she's not quiet enough for them to hold her yet.
Jay and I have an anniversary coming up on January 19th. We will be married 6 years, which seems incredible, considering all that has happened in that time. I've asked Sarah to babysit for us that evening, so that we can go out to a movie or for food or something. We are looking forward to that.
We are also planning a trip to Ottawa in February, for the Family Day long weekend. It will be great to see Tina again, and it will be something to distract us from the lag of the house building.
Speaking of the house, it seems that they were insulating in our absence. We are going to take a peek inside it this weekend, and I'll take my camera. I'm looking forward to moving in there eventually, and doing my very best to avoid getting frustrated.
2008 is going to be a great year, I can just feel it!
