Opening Ceremonies

We couldn't decide what to d0 on Saturday and I always get the Vancouver anxiety (must do something, must do something - it's sunny out). I'm starting to lose that feeling though as it's actually pretty brutal doing things here during the sunny and hot summer days. So I didn't feel too bad when I told Cyp that I wanted to watch the Opening Ceremonies - they started here at noon on Saturday. I was expecting to be let down a bit - Do you remember "Canadian" movies from the 80s? I was kinda expecting a Canadian version of the Opening Ceremonies along the same lines. I was surprised. They weren't bad. Of course when it started to get good, Ellis had had enough. I tried to keep him interested through the parade of nations by trying to get him to guess what nation came next, but that got old after a bit. So when the actual show got going, Ellis wanted to get going too. I convinced Cyp to take him for a swim, but then I felt guilty about sitting inside watching our big tv on such a sunny Saturday and I dragged Rowan out for a swim too. He also thinks he can swim without me and is always trying to peel my hands away. So, I missed KD Lang (whom the Aussies seem to love) but I did see her later on the highlights. I was glad I saw most of it and it didn't really make me homesick as they didn't show much of Vancouver- really it could have been in a stadium anywhere.

At 3:00 the guilt had kicked in big time so I decided we should walk to our neighbourhood park. We have quite the collection of strollers and accoutrements now. So - we took the green stroller and Bob and each got to push a kid. Ellis had a great time - he went on the zip line (actually - more like a Poma lift) after I had muttered under my breath - "he'll never want to do that" It's a pretty nice park. Too bad it's at the bottom of Everest. By the time we hiked home, we decided we'd earned our happy hour.

I guess I was still feeling bad about not getting out during the day - I decided to bike to the village to rent a movie at our local Blockbuster (it really is - I did wonder briefly if my Vancouver card would work). Cyp wanted a blue ray to test out our DVD player so I phoned him a few times to get opinions, but after the third call he didn't answer anymore. Darn - Benjamin Button, I Need a Man or Gran Tourino? I quickly decided Gran Tourino as there must have been a reason he wasn't answering. I asked if they have foreign films - yup - they are called Arthouse here.

I then puffed my way back up the hill. I could hear stereo screaming coming from up above. Not sure if I've noted this - but you can see through the planks in our floors to the garage and laundry room below. Ellis is over the laundry room, we are over the garage. No insulation here.

I went upstairs - nursed Rowan to sleep in about 2 minutes. He was worn out from crying. Then I went to check on Ellis. He was sobbing.

"I didn't get any stories. Daddy told me to use the potty, but I didn't have to go, he said he was going to count. He said (sob sob) "1" two stories, "2" 1 story and then "3" no stories. But I didn't have to go pee and now I don't get stories. sob." I told him I'd ask daddy if he would consider one story and that seemed to solve the problem. When I relayed Ellis's side of things to Cyp, he was surprised at Ellis's interpretation of things. I'm not sure what really went down. Ellis was tired though as he fell asleep after his one story. We managed to watch the entire movie without falling asleep - it was good! Of course, Cyp had already seen it...