Disney World Half Marathon and Kids Races

Well, it wasn't as pretty as it should have been, but I did it!  A severe lack of training since September led me to think I may not complete the race, but I did it!  I finished with a time of 2 hr 15 minutes 1 second.  6378 out of 21966 runners. 

I love the Disney Races, probably because I am a little Disney crazy....There were lots of characters along the way, and we ran right through Cinderella's castle!  I preferred the Disney World race over the Disneyland Race, as it stays on Disney property the entire time, whereas the Disneyland race takes you out through the industrial park nearby. 



The 4 boys also ran races that same day.  Goob and Na-Na, 100m.  Tree, 200m, and Cob 400m.  They loved it!  It was a chance for them to do something like mom.  They all did fantastic.  Na-Na won, Tree came 3rd, and Cob 8th.  Goob finished the race in the middle of the pack.  

France

My husband has been talking to many people in hopes of shedding some light on where we should consider living in France.  He worked 1 year in the UK, 11 years ago, and that work also took him to France for the project implementation.  He is touching base with some colleagues from long ago. 
So far, everyone has recommend the south of France, due to the nicer climate.  Aix en Provence has come very highly recommended.  The biggest trick, finding a house that is big enough for a family of 6 (and ideally a little extra room for visitors!!). 
So, if anyone has any recommendations, advice, etc, I welcome it!!

New Place to Live....and Birthdays!!!

Luckily, we have found a place to rent in Okotoks and we had our choice of places.  When we were looking back in November, there was nothing available.  It is a 3 bedroom, so all the boys will be sharing, but it has a nice big bonus room, an office, and lots of room in the kitchen/living area.  Now, on to the dreaded packing....
Luckily, we have 1 month to slowly move stuff....and I am sure it will take me the whole month!!  I am such a procrastinator!!!
We are into our winter birthday rush.  Na-Na turns 4 tomorrow, with the hubby turning ??? on Wednesday.  Tree turns 6 in 3 short weeks, right when we are moving!!  I am trying to arrange to go bowling for that one.  For the hubby's, Superbowl Party Feb 6th!! 
We had 14 preschoolers over today (okay, 3 of them were mine), for a Toy Story 3 (TS3) themed party.  I had games setup all over the house for when they arrived.  Just off the foyer, TS3 Tic Tac Toe.  At the kitchen table, TS3 crafts---cut out figures to be glued on, stickers to be stuck on, and markers to draw with. In the living room, TS3 bowling.  At the bottom of the stairs, Stick a Badge on Woody and Buzz.  I think all was a hit---we had several sheets smothered in glue with a few cutouts!!!  I served Hot Dogs and cut fruit for lunch, on TS3 plates.
I was stuggling with what to do for a cake.  I ended up making cupcakes, and buying TS3 Stick Em's ($2 a piece).  I think it turned out quite well. 

For the treat bags, TS3 tattoo's, TS Kindersurprise, TS Silly Bands, TS Playing Cards, and some other small candy.  I did a fair bit of my shopping at Party City. 

Updates!

It has been forever since I have blogged, but we have had lots going on.  Sometimes I feel as though no one really wants to know about it, but I have made the decision to blog anyways!!! 

Update 1:  Our house sold.  We signed the contract to sell the house while we were away on vacation in Orlando, in mid November.  Possession is March 1st.  We are currently looking at houses to rent until the end of July.

Update 2:  We are unsure of what we are doing now that we have sold the house.  Our original plan was to move to Orlando, Florida, and then vacation back in Alberta every summer.  We are not sure that is exactly what we want to do now though....

Update 3:  These are some of our new ideas!!!  A) We are seriously considering living a year abroad, probably in France.  Cob and Tree are currently attending a French Immersion school, in grades 2 and K, so it would be a great opportunity to learn alot!!  We would enroll all 4 boys in school. We don't have a house here that we would need to find someone to look after.  B)  After a year abroad, we would then buy a house in Okotoks, and live here.  Every 3-4 years, we would live a year abroad.  C)  If not abroad, then maybe a year in Orlando, while my husband takes his Masters Degree, and continues to buy Orlando real estate.

I think I am really leaning towards a year abroad every couple of years.  It would give us a chance to see alot of the world, and still have the connection to home.  I was most concerned about moving away from our families, and having the kids move to a new school.  The year abroad still gives us the best of both worlds!!  If it works, we would enroll the kids in school wherever we go, otherwise, I would homeschool for the year.  I do have a Bachelor of Education (which I put to good use for a whole year, before I had kids!!), so I would feel comfortable in schooling for the year, if need be! 

Well, that's all for now.  I will try to keep this up to date--a New Years Resolution!!