stanley park adventures

It was a well intentioned trip that didn't pay much attention to the weather forecast before we left home. It was a beautiful sunny day, and until we left the house (read - cave) we hadn't really noticed that there were 65km/hour winds accompanying the sunshine on Thursday. We took a trip down to second beach at Stanley park, hoping to spend some time in the Best Outdoor Pool ever, picnic in the park, enjoy the playground and such. We ended up picnicking in the car, because we didn't really want our food to blow away.
During our walk, the kids had to check out the shells, barnacles and other findings on the beach. Right before we were ready to move on, Thomas stopped us for this photo op with Eleanor. They are riding a "surfboard", which is apparently the new cool thing to do.
I love summer.


note: there is supposed to be a picture attached, which I am currently having issues uploading. Will try again later. (by later I mean maybe in a couple days, when I have 3 minutes to think)

golf balls

Yesterday we were at the thrift store in Abbotsford, looking for the sofabed that we saw last week. We decided to return and buy the sofa, with the dream of one day having a home that was big enough to use it.
The sofa had sold in the 6 days since we were there last, much to our disappointment. While we were checking out the other various goods (which takes a while, it's a huge store/complex) I came across the "sports" section. There wasn't too much there, except a few packages of new golf balls. Since I tend to lose a lot when I golf, I thought it would be prudent to pick some up since they were so much cheaper than anywhere else.
Thomas and I tire of looking in the store, but Vanessa is still looking for the perfect find. So, we go out to the car and wait. I brought the golf balls out with us, and put them in the trunk. We had been hanging out in the car for a few minutes when Vanessa and Eleanor finally return to the car. Just as they do, Thomas asks me

T: "Daddy, can I see your balls?"
Me: "um, pardon?"
T: "Can I see your balls?"
Me: "oh sure, of course you can see my balls."

Yeah, so I can't tell you how funny that was. I tried, but I don't know that in reading it you can see just how funny it was. This led to a number of further jokes about balls (golf, of course) all through the rest of the day, none of which Thomas or Eleanor picked up on.

definately decaf

There I was, in the car, my GM driving us to a class that we were teaching today. My phone rings, and it's Vanessa on the other end.

V: what has more caffeine in it, hot chocolate or decaf coffee?
me: hmm. I'm not sure...probably the hot chocolate.
V: so you won't have an issue if I get Thomas a coffee then?
me: I guess not

Previously to the phone call, Vanessa and Thomas on the way into Vancouver to visit Ryder:

V: Thomas, do you want something to drink before we get on the highway?
T: Yes, I would like a coffee with two sugars please.
V: ...
{Vanessa makes the phone call to me, drives through Tim Horton's. Thomas gets his decaf}
T: mmm...2 sugars really IS delicious.

Not that I ever get coffee when he is around. That must be someone else that is mildly addicted to the large "double double" setting the example. For $1.49. Please.