dance and hockey

Well just a little update on the Davenport family. Shyla has now started her competitive clasess. She has a tap group (5 girls)and they are dancing to The Witch doctor. She has a jazz group (7 girls) and they are dancing to Old macdonald had a farm (according to shyla is is a funkier version). She has an acro duet to the song we are siamese. And she has her first solo this year in jazz to Shake a tailfeather. She is so excited about it all. We are going to competitions in Orilla, Toronto, and Deerhurst for sure. We may be doing an optional competition out east one weekend in may and an optional competition in july in either new york city, boston or chicago.
Ryley's team has played 6 games this year and have won two. Unfortunatly it hasn't been when he has been in net. The first two teams that we played when he was in net were tough teams: one of them being whitby who hasn't lost a game. He had 41 shots on him and we lost 5-3. He played a good game. He just played sunday against ajax who hasn't won a game. He was really hoping for a win. However, his team did not play very well and with 2 assists by his own team, ajax won 2-0. He was not a happy camper. The stress of being a goalie...

Anniversaries

When Steve and I got married, we decided that we weren't going to buy each other gifts for our anniversaries. Instead we would take turns every year planning something to do together. That person would be in charge of planning and paying for everything, including childcare arrangements. This year was our 14th and Steve's turn. We went to Buffalo for the weekend. We dropped the kids off at his parents on Friday night and then we stayed in Oshawa attending two movies, something we don't get to do too often anymore, just the two of us. Then Saturday morning we left for Buffalo for a weekend away shopping and tickets to go to the Buffalo Sabres game. The shopping was awesome, but very busy due to the outstanding dollar. The game was great. This is only the second ever NHL game I have attended. The first one was a leafs game years ago when tickets weren't so scarce and expensinve. The buffalo arena was awesome. We were in the last row seats but the view was great. Buffalo won against the Capitals. It was a great game with lots of shots. Sunday was more shopping and then we came home to Pickering were we met our kids to watch Ryley's team. It wasn't Ryley's turn in net, but it was fun anyhow. It was a good game, with Oshawa losing a fighting battle 2 to 1. And so another year has come and gone and it is my year next year.

And so we are back to routine again

Well it has been two weeks of starting the back to school routine. My kids have adjusted so far. They both have teachers that they like. Shyla is in grade two now and ryley is in grade 5. Boy I feel old. With the start of school, starts homework, projects, extra curriculars for school, hockey and dancing; but so far nothing new on television to give me the much needed wind down from the day. Shyla is dancing in 5 regular classes this year: lyrical, ballet, acro, jazz and tap. She will start her competitive program within the next month. She is also doing vocal lessons across the street. She is also trying out for the school cross country team. Ryley is back to playing single A hockey for Oshawa as a goalie. He plays he first exibition game this tuesday against Port Perry. He is also trying out for the school soccar team and cross country team. Yes they like to be busy. And it keeps them out of trouble and in shape.
We are also in the middle of renovating our bathroom, long overdue. It is so exciting but at the same time our bedroom is a disaster as we are making pocket doors so that our bathroom will be accessible from our bedroom. We even had no toilet for 3 days, so that meant many trips to the basement even in the middle of the night to go; not so exciting. Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end. We are then going to finally be able to put hardwood in our bedroom and all of our rooms are done, until it is time to start over again..lol.

Our trip to Branson, Missiouri

Well, there is so much to talk about. We left at 5 am on Thursday, August 9th with Steve's parents to go to Branson. We made it through the border at Windsor with no wait and no problems. About noon, it was starting to get hotter, about 84 and I turned on our air in the van. About a hour later, it was now 92 and the van was getting warmer by the minute. Of course the air conditioning picks now to decide to not work. We just got our van not too long ago, so this was unexpected of course. We turned up the fan to high and trudged through. We arrived in Dayton, Ohio, our first stay along the way about 2:30. We asked the hotel clerk where the nearest dodge dealer was and we were in luck, it was only 20 minutes away. Steve phoned and they did have a shuttle but couldn't get us in that day. We explained that it now was over 100 degrees and were on our way to st. Louis the next day and couldn't do without air. They told us to bring it in and they would see what they could do. We were very lucky that they fixed it for us. It was very hot outside, so we swam for the afternoon, then we went to CiCi's pizza for dinner. It is an all you can eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert place for 4.99 for an adult and 2.99 for children. We were stuffed. We did some shopping at a Kmart nearby to wear off our food and then went to a grocery store to load up on food for the next day's trip.
Friday, August 10th
We had breakfast at our hotel and left around 10 to go to St. Louis. It was only at 5 and a half hour drive so it wasn't bad and we crossed a time zone so we actually gained an hour! It was very hot, over 100. We got there about 3 or so and toured the giant arc on the mississippi river and went on a tour boat down the river. We then made our way to bush stadium for a cardinals game. It is brand new and very nice, very much like PNC park in Pittsburgh. The game was very good and it was a beautiful night.
Saturday, August 11th
We left our hotel today to go to our final destination:Branson. It was only a little over 3 hours drive. We arrived in Branson and stopped at the tourism centre to pick up our tickets that we had pre-ordered for the shows. We were glad that we did as they were very helpful showing us all of the back routes to travel by as the main strip is very congested. We also go roped into a timeshare presentation and earned 100 dollars towards our tickets. We got to our resort and found out that we had to check in someplace else. After doing so, we found out that the pool that was suppose to be built at our resort hadn't been yet. However with our unit being brand new, it was beautiful and fully equipped. It had two bedrooms and two baths, with three televisions, music unit, full kitchen and washer and dryer and a balcony. We went and grabbed some groceries for a quick dinner and then we were off to The Spirit of the Dance. This show was amazing. We had 5th row seating.
Sunday, August 12th
Today we slept in and then went to our timeshare presentation. Very interesting but didn't buy as we already own, but worth earning the 100 bucks. In the afternoon we went to the Walmart supercentre and did more grocery shopping and got the kids some clothes for back to school. 'That night we went out to dinner at the Golden corral, a chain of buffet restaurants. It was carver's night and had ham, turkey, roast beef and all you can eat steak. The salad bar was incredible and the whole thing had over 100 items, including mac and cheese, pizza, chinese food, soups, ribs, mashed potatoes, gravy, buscuits, shrimp, corn on the cob and other veggies, pasta and sauce, meatloaf and the list goes on. The bakery/dessert bar was much the same with ice cream and all of the toppings.
Monday, august 13th
today we went to the outlets and shopped till we dropped, then went to one of the nearby resort to swim. At night we went to The acrobats of China show. We had 2nd row seats for this and the show was amazing. These kids from 8 -18 were incrediably flexible and talented. It went too fast.
Tuesday, august 14th
today we went to another timeshare presentation and earned another 100 towards our tickets that we purchased at the last minute for the Liverpool legends show. we then went to the dolly Parton's Dixie stampede dinner and show. It is much like the Medieval times show here. they had a great pre-show with free drinks (non-alcoholic) and peanuts and popcorn. The main show was in an arenawith the seats all around. It was two teams, the north and the south. We were the north. The show was fabulous with horses, pigs, ostriches, doves and lots of audience participation. The dinner was great: all you could drink Pepsi or ice tea, a whole chicken, a good piece of pork, cream of vegetable soup, a buscuit, a potato, corn on the cob and apple turnover for dessert. we were stuffed again. The kids loved every minute of it.
Wednesday, August 15th
Today the temperature reached 110 so we went off to the local waterpark for the day. Steve's parents stayed behind. The park was great and we had a lot of fun in the wave pool, going down the family waterslide and the lazy river and other great things a water park should have. Ryley and Steve actully braved a waterslide that had a vertical drop. NO way for me. We all went out for supper at another buffet called the grand country buffet. This restaurant was good, but the Golden Corral was better for choices, however was food was there was terrific.
Thursday, August 16th
today we didn't do too much, except swim and take a ride out to the dam and see the fish hatchery and the mountains and table rock lake. It was beautiful. Then we went to the 50's at the hop show at night. It was a much smaller theatre, but very personal. we were again near the front and enjoyed the show thouroughly. shyla even wanted to get up and dance. Surprise, surprise. Steve's mom said she didn't want it to end.
Friday, August 17th
Since we bought our waterpark tickets through the branson tourism centre, we received another day for free so we were off to the park again. We only went for a couple of hours as we had to come home and pack to go home. That night we went to the liverpool legends show. It was a tribute to the beatles. We were a little further back this time as we didn't book this show until we were here, but the view was still great. The show was great and had a lot of hisory in it. The guys even had a very strong resemblance to the beatles. george harrison's sister louise was there also and had a lot of interesting background tidbits to share.
Saturday, August 18th
It was home time. We travelled to dayton to stay again. It was a long day with a 10 hour drive (we had some construction stops) and we lost the hour we gained we we came. We went to cici's pizza again and watched highschool musical 2 .
Sunday, August 19th.
our ride home was uneventful and crossed the border with no wait and no problems. All in all a great trip. The kids were awesome in the van and on the trip. We couldn't asked for more. Steve's parents were great to travel with and I think that they really enjoyed themselves also.
here are some pics from the trip

pictures from branson

more branson pics

A weekend away with my mom

Well this past weekend, we packed up and left with my mom and the kids to go to Presquille provincial park. Boy was it hot on thursday night when we were setting up our trailer. Thank god for air conditioning. I know roughing it with air: how dare we? If you have it flaunt it. Anyhow, the time we got there and set up, we sat around for awhile admiring the moonlite lake: our site was across from Lake Ontario. On Friday, we all slept in and spent the day playing games, reading and snoozing. It was wondeful. Friday night we had a fire and enjoyed the cooler evening air. On Saturday, it was history weekend, so the park put on many events. We started off by going to a home made min golf course made like they did in the 20's. It was cool. Both my kids got a hole in one and received a free ice cream cone from the store. Picture is above. In the afternoon there were games like they did a long time ago for picnics: wheelbarrel races, egg toss, tug of war, three legged races etc. It was a ball. That night we took off for brighton to watch the stock car races: one of my mom's favourite passtimes. Again a great evening. On Sunday, we were lazy again, playing games, going for walks etc. all about R and R and some good quality time with my mom enjoying the outdoors. On Monday, it was time to pack up: boy time goes fast. We had a great weekend with great weather. Now we have to work for two days and pack for our next trip to Branson, Missiouri. We leave this Thurday at 5am with Steve's parents. We are staying in a timeshare this time and we are all looking forward to this trip.

catching up!!

Yes I have been lax in writing to my blog. Have we been busy.
Yes! In the past month we have wrapped up dancing and dancing exams, looked into new studios (as the communication at ours was horrible), went into full swing with ryley's rep baseball, went camping a few times and now that is it summer, I have up to 10 kids all day long to look after. Has it been fun? Most times yes.
Shyla's dance exams went very well. She completed her pre-bronze in ballet and jazz and scored highly commended in both (the highest mark you can get) and she did her pre-primary in tap and received honours(the highest mark again). We were very proud of her. We had been unhappy at the dance studio she had been with for the past four years with the organization and communication, so we scoped out other studios. We were proud to say that at every studio shyla tried out for (the competitive team)she was accepted for and even offered a solo at each. They said she danced not only great tecnique wise but with her heart and soul. We now had options. Being that we have been happy at the studio she is with with the foundation of her dancing, it was a hard decision. We sat down with the studio owner and discussed our problems that we had. She was very receptive to our complaints and suggestions. We are going to give it another shot and see how it goes. Her studio is going to try and skip her a level to catch her up with her ability. So she is taking some tap classes this summer. They think she has great potential to go big, but warned us of the commitment both from her and us...she will probably have to dance all year to be at her best, just as any good athelete would have to do...we don't mind at all as long as shyla keeps loving it....once that stops, then it ends or slows down....financially we will just have to do more fundrasing....
As for ryley, his baseball team hasn't done too well this year, but ryley is doing well at his first year of catch...he loves the signals and being in command....he is also done fairly well at hitting off of a pitcher for the first time (in the last three years, it has been a pitching machine)...he loves the fact that he can steal bases now and be walked...his team has qualified for the A provincials in sarnia on the labour day weekend....
As for holidays, we went camping for a week and it was very relaxing...we are going this weekend away to presquille and then we leave next thursday for Branson, missouri...i can hardly wait...
The kids both did well on there report cards this year: Shyla with all A's and Ryley with mostly A's and some B's....a C in art (guess he isn't artistic..lol)...i cannot believe that ryley is going into grade 5 and shyla is going into grade 2...boy time flies...if you have children, cherish every moment...
well that is about all for now.

receital and baseball tournament

well it started thursday with shyla and her rehearsal for her end of the year receital. She had a ball doing all of the dances that she has practiced all year and we stayed until almost 10 to watch some of the older girls that shyla idolizes practise. Ryley had a baseball game in Ajax at 8:30. They won there 2nd game of the season. Friday night Ryley was suppose to have a game down at the lake (a baseball tournament), however a storm rolled in and it was cancelled. Steve however, said the wind was tremendous and more than one huge tree came down. Scary stuff. Saturday morning it was beautiful. Ryley had a game at 9 am. They won. At 1 we had to leave ryley with his coach to attend Shyla's dance recietal. She was in four dances this year: jazz, acro, ballet and tap. It was alot of costume changes, but alot of fun too. We left from there to go back down to the lake to watch ryley play his last two games of the day at 3:30 and 5:45...they lost badly the first game against an etobicoke team that was HUGE...some boys bigger than the umpire....the second game the boys were losing badly again, but came back in the last inning to win by one run, with a steal to home and 2 out...terrific way to end the day...ryley had one more game the next day at 9 and they won this one also and ryley had a huge hit, however the team from etobicoke won all four games so they advanced to the finals...yesterday afternon entalled catching up on groceries and cleaning and some relaxing with neighbours...all in all a great weekend...

just learning

i am just learning about this blog stuff and am experimenting with how to post pics...so bear with me...here is a one more of shyla that i forgot to add to my slide show

shyla pics

dancing and baseball

On Thursday night, Ryley's team finally won their first game of baseball. They played against Cobourg. He had a great night at the plate. He went 3 for 3 and had a walk. He had 1 RBI, 2 runs scored and 6 stolen bases. He has earned the lead off batter position. He is playing 2 positions this year: 2nd base and catcher. He loves the catcher job, as he is always in the game. Ryley had his birthday party with his friends on Friday. He invited 3 girls and 3 boys. They had a lot of fun swimming etc., but I think that Ryley was glad for the girls to go home and have the real party start (the boys slept over).

Shyla had her dance pics on sunday. I got the group ones with the studio, but took my own on our wonderful court setting. I have included some. Ryley lost his game of baseball last night to Peterborough. I was like pulling teeth. I think they lost by 13 runs. Ryley went 1 for 2 and a walk. he played 2nd base. He almost got a double play.

Shyla has soccar tonight. She is playing for Whitby this year. Also, she is dancing and singing for the courtice fair and the new arena on bloor st. in courtice on Saturday, June 16 at 12:30.

busy, busy and birthday

well i am new to this blog thing and I don't seem to have time to write in it now that it is summer. The kids are in full mode of baseball and soccar right now. Shyla has her receital in two weeks for her regular classes. Her competitions are done right now for this year. She played her first soccar game of the season last Tuesday on a bigger field than last year. There is alot more running. She did well and made some new friends. Ryley's rep baseball season has been off to a slow start. Oshawa has played 4 games and have lost all of them. They have done well. Ryley is at a new position this year: Catch. He moved up a level in hardball and now there is pitching, and stealing. Last year they used a pitching machine. He loves the catch position and it certainly helps with the goalie skills. It is Ryley's 10th birthay today. It is hard to believe. He has grown up so much. We celebrated his family birthday yesterday and he is going to have a couple friends over to sleepover this Friday. On the long weekend in May we went camping. It was cold but good to get away. There was a river near by that the kids fished in and caught lots of fish, so they were happy. And I got to read a book! It is also my dad's birthday today. On June 16th at 12:30 Shyla will be doing her tap trio, singing a solo and dancing a solo at the courtice fair, down at the new arena on Bloor St. She is excited about it. Well that is about all for now.

Niagara Falls

Well, another busy weekend. Last week Shyla and Ryley had their open house at their school. Shyla performed her folk dancing and primary choir for us, while Ryley was the narrator of a french play entitled "the three little pigs". All went well. On Friday, Ryley had his first ever experience at track and field at the civic with his school. He absolutely loved it and it was a beautiful day to boot. He competed in Long Jump (4th place), shot put (first place), javelin (second place), 100m run (second place) and 200 metre run (2nd place). For his first and seconds he will go on to tryout for the school track team in which he will compete in the area finals in a couple of weeks. On Friday evening, we left for Niagara Falls for another dance competition. Unfortunately, we had to leave Ryely at home with his grandparents. He had basball Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and hockey tryouts for the 'A' division on Saturday and Sunday. We decided to take the 407 to get there quicker and had no problems but a few slow downs. We arrived about 7 and shyla immediately wanted to swim. We met up with a few of the other families and had a ball. The next morning we had a great buffet breakfast included in the price of the room. Shyla danced at 2:30, her 'talk to the animals'. They did great. She said that she had the most fun ever dancing on stage. They received a ruby award (high silver). We had a picnic lunch with some other families and enjoyed the weather. After adjudication we all went back to the hotel and ordered pizza and the girls all swam. We then had some drinks and shared some great stories when the girls all went to sleep. The next morning we checked out and went to the theatre for shyla's 'lollypop" for 10:30. They did well and received a 'emerald award' (gold) and a special award entitled "the little peanuts award". We then had a picnic again outside and Janice joined us (The dance school's owner and teacher). The girls all enjoyed showing off new moves they learned off of the older girls. We then decided to go across the border and shop at the outlets. We got some good deals. We then went for dinner at "old country buffet" and then went to the grocery store to get the things we cannot buy in canada. We got home around 9 from a tiring weekend. Ryley made it through both tryouts on the weekend as well as last night. He just has Wednesday left to find out if he made the team.

Dancing, parties and Hockey

Well this past weekend had our shares of up and downs. On Saturday we were up bright and early to be in Ajax for a dance competition for 7:30 am. Shyla danced her lollypop tap trio at 8:30 and they did a great job considering the venue. Usually the girls dance on a stage in an auditorium. This competition was the first year it was run and called Dancer's Choice. The venue was at a hotel in Ajax. The conference hall was suppose to be done by the time the competition took place, however, like all construction it was not even close to done. Thus, the dancing was done in the small ballroom, in the main hotel. The ballroom was very small with the dance floor being long and narrow. The judges table was right in front of the dance floor and the seats were to the sides of the narrow part. There were probably only 50 or so seats on each side, thus making the place very crowded, especially for the larger groups that had no 'backstage' to get on and off of. When the girls danced they were only about a foot away from the judges when at the front of the 'stage' (dancefloor). In both shyla's dances, she was right in front of the one judge. There are usually 3 judges for the competitions. The judge she was in front of happened to be really into it, bee bopping away to most of the dances and showing lots of expression. Some judges don't show any. Shyla also danced that afternoon at 3:30 with her musical theatre group 'talk to the animals" they did really well too and again shyla ended up in front of the groovy judge and with shyla's animated face during this dance, the judge broke out laughing at her. The venue was awful, however the competition was very well run with a lot of personal touches. We receive one free 5x7 and shyla got a silver necklace with a dancer's choice medallion to put on it for every dance she did. The groups did well: Lollypop scored a gold and a first (you get a dancer's choice (distinguished mark), high gold, gold, high silver, silver, high bronze and bronze). It is scored much like skating. they also scored a special award called "the too cute award". The "talk to the animals" scored a 1st and a gold and an overall award and a special award entitled the "grrrr" award. Also in the afternoon, Ryley had hockey tryouts for AA. He was released, so next tryouts for A is this weekend. That is where he really wants to play as he will have one of the same coaches as last year. Saturday night we attended a euchre party and had great eats and fun. We didn't win though. Sunday, Ryley had baseball practice and Shya went to a neighbours birthday party. Her name is 'teela' and she is turning 4 tommorrow. She is so cute. They went to planet gymnastics and had a ball and had some good homemade treats after.

a week in the life

Well last week, both Ryley and Shyla had their spring receital for their vocal lessons. Ryley sang Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day and Shyla sang Butterflies and Castle on a Cloud from Les Miserables. They both did great jobs. Ryley also went to AAA tryouts for Major Atom. Unfortunately he was released. He will tryout next weekend for the AA team. He would like to play at the A or AA level this year, so he wasn't too upset. We were kind of suprised due to the fact that he won the most outstanding goalie for ages 11 and down. However, that being said, I don't think we are ready for him to Play AAA either. Ryley is also trying out for the school mixed field lacrosse team. It is for grades 4-6. Ryley also had rep baseball this past weekend. They are still in the process of tryouts for 4 spots, I believe. Ryley has already made the team. It was a beautiful weekend to spend outside. The pictures above were from the receital but didn't turn out very well.

What a Weekend

Well we had a busy weekend as always with the kids. On Friday night, Ryley had his hockey baquet for The Oshawa Rep hockey league. We were very surprised and pleased that he came home with a plaque. He received his name on a huge trophy that will be on display also. He received it for the most outstanding goalie for Novice to Minor Peewee A/AE divisions. For most of you that do not know hockey, Ryley played A at minor atom (9 year olds). Novice starts at 7 years old and minor peewee is 11 years old. So he was picked out of a possible 14 goalies or so between the ages of 7 -11. We are very proud of him.
On Saturday and Sunday, we were at York University for Shyla's dance competition. For her tap trio, they won a 1st and for her musical theatre group, they won a first also. Mind you in both cagtegories for their average age they were the only ones...lol...however they did very well. Shyla has another competition in Ajax on April 28th. If anyone wants anymore info, let us know. Hopefully as I get this blog thing down, I will add Pictures.

AND WE START THE BLOG THING

Hey there everyone. My friend Michelle has been doing a blog for some while now outling her wait for PUMPKIN. Her and her husband Mark are adopting a little one from China. It is a very long process and in doing her blog, we as family and friends can help support her and know where they are at in their wait. Last night during dinner, she suggested that I do my own blog, as I already know everything that is happening in her life due to reading her blog, but she doesn't know about my own. So here it is, my own blog, with updates on our little family. Please check back often for updates on our daily, busy life.

This weekend is Shyla's second dance competition of the season. It is at York University. This year she is in a tap trio named 'lollypop' and a musical theatre group named "talk to the animals". She is very excited.

Below I am going to include some udated pics of the kids from xmas. That is about all for today. It is a start! If you want to see Michelle's blog go to http://www.waiting-for-pumpkin.blogspot.com/