Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

For my birthday earlier this year I received tickets for a summer baseball game from Andrew and Marci.

So the time had come to head up to Toronto, stay over a Friday night, and then head downtown to the Roger's Stadium to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play against the Texas Rangers.

We drove downtown and found very reasonable parking with a short walk to the game.

Andrew insisted we have a ballgame lunch outside of the stadium from a street vendor who lives in the same apartment buidling as them. We always see the colourful burger, hot-dog and fries truck in the parking lot when we stay over.


Our pre-game special!!

We all bought hot-dogs and we purchased a box of fries to share amongst us. The vendor friends of Andrew and Marci didn't want to charge us for the fries, which were overflowing the box they were in, or for the drinks. So we just left a tip instead. It was yummy and fun to enjoy this meal as we sat on brick wall of a downtown garden in front of an office buidling.

Now we were off with the growing crowds to see the ballgame with the Blue Jays!

It has been a long time since Irene and I have been to a professional baseball game. Being in the stadium was just something in itself to get used to.

Roger's Stadium with the roof open on a hot summer day

The CN Tower right next door

We had great seats to be able to take in the game

There is no doubt that we would be considered very quiet sports enthusiasts.

Unlike our wonderful hosts who definitely take on the real characteristic of a fan...or fanatics!! :)

Marci and Andrew checking out the location of the mobile cameramen

Cheering and dancing with the rest of the fans

What a wonderful fun, filled afternoon we had. Hot-dogs and a baseball game.

Unfortunately, the Blue Jays lost... 0 to 2.

Happy Birthday Children

It has been fun that Camille lives not too far away and Kyle came home with us from out West.

So this summer we were able to celebrate their respective birthdays with us. For Camille we drove down to where she lives and had a celebratory lunch where she is staying.

Camille blowing out the candles on her cake

Later on we noticed something very interesting about these two children when we had Kyle's birthday celebrations the following month at home.

Kyle blowing out his candles...notice anything?

Yes, we believe there is a recessive gene in Saundersons that when blowing out candles only on birthday cakes causes them to raise their arms. We will be checking the other children as soon as their birthdays come back around. Hmmm! Very interesting.

Gotcha!! Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!!!

It's fun to surprise the one you love.

We were getting home from out West on the Saturday before our anniversary.

But before we went home we went stright to the supermarket as we just had time enough to pick up a few items at the supermarket that needed replenishing before Sunday.

"Do you need to buy anything?" my lovely wife asked....longingly!!

"No, I don't need anything. Thanks."

Then for the drive home.

Irene walked in first.

Then the surprise...


A dozen red roses for the one I love

 With our one set of neighbours looking after our place and another one being a local florist...I arranged for the flowers to be snuck into the house before we got home.

Voila! Happy 32nd Anniversary. Love you!

Alberta Bound!!

After a lovely trip to our oldest daughter and her family in Montana, we then drove up with our second daughter and her family up to Alberta.

Miss M, Mommy and Mr Ty in backyard "pool"

We had lots of fun in the backyard playing in the bathing pool, flying plastic planes and kicking and throwing balls around.

Later on we were able to look after the children at the bookstore and at the park while Mommy and Daddy were able to go to the Cardston Temple with Uncle Kyle.

Family portrait outside Cardston Temple

We managed to make it out to the man-made lake and while it was hot there we had a lot of time splashing and getting sprayed with water. Check out the dude in the hat!



Miss M. , Mr Ty and Granddaddyo



Granddaddyo, Mr Ry, Miss M, and Mr Ty

The next day was equally sunny, so we went to another park that has all kinds of fun play equipment which we all took advantage of.

Miss M in her glory



Uncle Kyle pushing Mr Ty on the swings



Everyone on the dizzying spinner!!

Grandma and Mr Ry on the teeter-totter (or see-saw where I come from in England!!)

Time seemed to run out fast after playing games, watching movies and just having a chance to be with family out west.

We were so grateful to see both of our daughters and their great families. We thoroughly enjoyed being with, playing with, and hugging the grandchildren.

We wish everyone was closer!!!

Back to the Future

It has been a little crazy lately trying to keep up with blogging. However, we are grateful for the memories we captured in pictures at the beginning of the summer that we want to talk about.

For the long weekend in July we were able to go to Montana to attend Mr. T's baptism.

Front row: Little E, Mr. Man and Mr. T with Grandpa Ken and Grandma Heather behind

What was really special was being able to connect with so many family members at one time at this special event.

Uncle Kyle & Aunt Camille were able to visit

deBoer's and Elfords came down too!

Many of the family members participated in the service. As Granddaddy, I was asked to conduct the baptismal service, Mr T's Mom played the piano, Aunt Laura led the music, Little E. gave the opening prayer, Miss J. gave one of the talks and Uncle Kyle gave the other, and Grandma Heather gave the closing prayer.

And memories were made just by being present, feeling the spirit of this special occasion in Mr. T's life, being together with all the men in the family as his Dad bestowed the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and just getting together as family.

Miss J, Uncle Kyle, Jacob and Mommy

Afterwards, family photos taken before heading back to the house for some yummy treats.

Mr T's Family

Mr T's Family with Grandparents

Mr T's family, de Boer's, Elford's & Saunderson's

Memories indeed!