Halloween 2011

This year Halloween started for us on Friday October 28. I took Casper to our ward's trunk-or-treat activity! It was so much fun! Dan had a show that night so sadly he missed out. I dressed Casper up as Elmo and when we arrived there was a dance going on, and Casper got so excited! He headed right for the gym door. He didn't have time to wait for me so he went in with his cousins and found his Auntie Kristie. When I came in he was a little teary-eyed, but soon warmed up to the music and loved it! The kids performed a little parade around the gym so all the parents could get a good look at them. All of the costumes were so good!

Casper as Elmo and cousin Callum as Kermit

Casper was a bit confused on what we were doing out in the dark in the parking lot going from car to car. I think next year he'll get it better. My back was pretty sore from bending over walking him around and directing him where to go, but it was well worth it. I know he had a lot of fun.

On Sunday we went over to Dan's parents' house to show them a couple costumes we had for Casper, since they wouldn't see him on Halloween day. They just melted when they saw him all dressed up. We, of course, put him in his Elmo costume, and then my sister gave us a costume last year of a robot. Both costumes barely fit him and they were both 12 months. Sometime I wish Casper wasn't so big!

Halloween day it snowed in the morning. But luckily it melted during the day! I took Casper out to Market Mall to do some trick-or-treating while Dan was at work and he loved the fact that these nice people were giving him candy! By the end of it, he was done. He needed a nap and to get this costume off. Later that night Dan and I carved our pumpkins and Dan put out some orange lights. I think our place was the best looking house in all of our complex! We tried to dress Casper up again, but he was kind of fussy. We ended up just hanging out at the house and giving away candy. We only got about 15-20 kids. The last two girls we got came at 9:00pm! I think that's way too late for anyone to be trick-or-treating. Casper was well passed out in his bed already.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!

Thanksgiving 2011

Our first turkey dinner was with the Glenn's on Sunday night. The food was amazing! We had turkey AND ham. We celebrated with Dan's parents, Spence and Laurie and their three boys and also Will and Heather and their three girls! Will and Heather live in Lethbridge and don't normally make it to gatherings like this, so it was so great to have them there with us.

As mentioned before, we had our Olsen Thanksgiving dinner on Monday after Casper's birthday party. First we took some beautiful family pictures outside and then came back into the church to feast! We had so much food, but it was all so delicious! Since our family is getting so big, it was nice to have the church building to ourselves and not cramped up in someone's house. It was especially nice for the kids to run around! We were so lucky to have everyone in our family there, well, everyone except for Kimberly because she is on her mission. Speaking of which, she just got transferred to Newfoundland! Here is a little preview of the photos that we took before dinner. I edited my favorite ones.

Glenn Family

Amanda

Arlen

Bourne Family

Dykes Family

Mason Family

Olsen Family (minus Kimberly)

Our Family (minus Kimberly)

Kimberly in Newfoundland!

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful and big family. I love my family, I love Dan's family, and I love our family. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving weekend!

Casper's Birthday Party

Casper had such a fun time at his birthday party! We had it on Thanksgiving Monday October 10th at the Panorama church building. It was nice because my family stayed after and we got pictures done and then had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner! It was perfect!

 Me and my one-year-old eating some pizza.

 One of the two Elmo cakes that I made the day before.

 We LOVE Elmo!

 The whole family with the cakes.

 Singing Happy Birthday.

 Mesmerized by the sparkler.

 First Taste...

  

 He really likes it...

 

 Delicious!

 

 

All done!

 Having fun in one of the bouncy houses.

 

Most of everyone who celebrated with us. Thank you all for being there for Casper!

Thank you for all the great gifts too! Casper loves them all!

Birthday Boy

My baby is ONE! I don't know how it happened, but it's true. This year just flew by and now my Casper is one. year. old. I spent some time reminiscing about the events of last year, and it really feels like it was just yesterday that we were holding him for the first time! I went back through my blog and read the birth story and I could picture it all in my head still. Then again, it feels like we've always had Casper in our lives. It's hard to picture us when we didn't have him yet. Such a strange thought.

Casper's actual birthday was on Saturday October 1st. Dan had a wedding to DJ that day so we didn't plan a party. We lazed around and loved our big boy. We gave him a few small gifts, Elmo and two new books, then we went to the dollar store and got him an Elmo birthday balloon! He LOVED it!

Sunday we went to Dan's parents' house and invited Spence and Laurie's family over for a small celebration. We brought over some yummy Marble Slab ice cream cake and gave Casper a mini birthday cupcake. It was so fun to see him react with it. He didn't know what to do with it so he just held it in his hand. I had to break it apart and give him a few bites so he knew that it was for him to eat, and not just a little toy. He got the hang of it pretty quick, he gobbled it right down and loved every bit! He was even picking up the crumbs that were on the table and quickly putting them in his mouth. It was adorable! He got some nice gifts from the family and he had such a fun time playing with his cousins. The look on his face was priceless when he was watching the boys play. Casper wanted to jump right into the action!

We are also planning a birthday party for Casper on Thanksgiving Monday, October 10th. This will include my family, Dan's family, cousins, and friends. It's going to be at the Panorama LDS Chapel, and I hope it's going to run smoothly. Casper loves Elmo so I'm planning to make him an Elmo cake. I'm hoping it turns out, and I'm sure I will have a picture of it later.

On another note, Casper is starting to walk! I haven't been able to catch it on camera yet, but it's so exciting and sad. I love watching him learn new things and succeed in his learning curves, but it's so sad to see my baby grow up. It's so true when people tell you it all goes by way too fast! But I'm proud of him regardless. Right now he still knows that it's faster to crawl, but he's starting to really get the hang of walking.

Today I took him to get his shots, and he was so brave! He cried at first, but got over it really fast. And he's back to his normal self already... so far. We also got his measurements: 31 inches long, and 25lbs. Yes, he's a tall boy! All the more grown up!

Long Weekend

This long weekend we didn't have anything planned. It was all done last minute, which is what we normally do. We really wanted to go camping this summer, but it never worked out. We didn't go last year either. But apparently it's supposed to be a warm fall, so maybe there's still time? Since we couldn't plan a last minute camping trip on the long weekend, we decided to go to Banff instead. We went there on Saturday after lunch. We first went on a little hike and we brought Casper's new car with us, because we know that he loves it and can stay in it for a long time.

Yup, he's driving with his foot while eating his sock.

Then we went to a food court and got some quick dinner before we walked up and down main street. It doesn't seem like we did much, but we really enjoyed ourselves! We did plan on going to the hot-springs afterwards, but we could tell that Casper was getting pretty tired. Maybe next time.

On Sunday we went to church (where all the primary kids were crazy!) and it was our first week of having 9:00am church instead of 11:00am. It was difficult to get up, because Casper has been letting me sleep in a lot lately, but I have to admit, Casper is much more well behaved when church is earlier! After church we all got a 2 hour nap! Then we headed just outside of Calgary to have a BBQ supper with Dan's family. It was such a nice location, and we could tell that not many people new about it, so it wasn't busy at all! It was fun to be with and visit with Dan's family.

On Monday we didn't do too much. We slept in, lazed around the house, then we went to Cross Iron Mills. We thought it might be super busy, but I've seen worse. I really enjoyed having Dan around more often. It was nice to have us all at home as a family with nothing to do but spend time with each other.

Asking For It

I know it's hard to believe when we talk about Izzie and the things that she does because it's just not normal. I finally got some of her weirdness on camera! Casper loves the cats, but it's hard to tell if the feeling is mutual...

Keegan

I am so proud of my oldest nephew Keegan. He made the decision to get baptized last Wednesday! He then turned 12 years old on Friday (I can't believe it! I remember the day he was born!). He was confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and was also given the Aronic Priesthood. It was great because most of my family was there to show their love and support. What a special occasion this is for Keegan and his family! I hope you remember this time of your life forever Keegan! You will be forever blessed for the right choices you make.

All of the boy cousins on the Olsen side of the family. I think this picture was taken in May 2011.

Married 4 Years

This past Wednesday Dan and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary! It feels like we've known each other our whole lives, but it really doesn't seem like we've already been married for 4 years. However, when you sit down and look at each year, we sure have gone through a lot! Both good and bad. And that's why I love being married to Dan. We've always got each other's back if anything ever happens, both good and bad. We have a wonderful son together that we both love unconditionally. Sometimes I wonder why we are so lucky to have Casper in our lives. He's such a great baby! I just love our family, and I'm blessed to be sharing it all with the man that I love!

On Wednesday Dan of course went to work, and I stayed home with Casper. Then I decided that I should get all dolled up, because I never get to get really dressed up anymore, and I used to love doing it. So all day I was doing a bit here and there, and Casper was really cooperating too because for some reason he decided he wanted to sleep for most of the day! Works for me! So just before 4:30pm I dropped Casper off at my sister's house and I met Dan at his work. Then we took the train to a restaurant called Saltlik. The food was SO good! Dan got a delicious steak, I got a yummy chicken penne and we shared an order of their awesome skinny fries. Too bad we were too stuffed to get dessert.

After dinner I didn't know what Dan had planned, so we got back to the car and Dan drove. He took me to Bowness Park to go boating there! However, as we were walking up the ramp to get a boat, they were closing the gate! I guess they were short staff that night and he had to work at a different spot. So we thought we should try the mini golf there, but again, it closed early too. So we took a short walk around the park instead. On our way home, we stopped and got milk shakes, and then got stuck in traffic. I guess there's construction on 16th Ave. It wasn't too bad because it just gave Dan and I more time to spend together. We finally got to my sister's house at about 9:00pm. Casper started crying right when he saw me. I know he had fun there, but I missed him too!

Here is some proof that Casper had a good time:

First Zoo Trip

Today was Casper's first time going to the Calgary Zoo! I know it seems a bit late, but we've tried to plan a zoo trip at least 5 times and every time we plan for it, it pours! So I thought we might just have to go as a "spur-of-the-moment". Well, today I got a call from my nephew and they were already at the Zoo! My other sister was coming along as well, so I thought this would be a perfect time to go!

I haven't been to the Calgary Zoo for years, so a lot has changed. Including paying for parking?! When did that happen? And the entrance is completely different! I bought myself a Zoo Pass so now I can take Casper as many times as we want! We didn't get through a whole lot of the Zoo because we had quite a bit of kids with us, but Dan and I are hoping to take Casper again this Saturday. So if it rains that day, you'll know why.

We met my sisters at the hippos and the giraffes, then we saw some gorillas, zebras, pigs, lions, kangaroos, and lots more. I took a few pictures of the ones that I got a somewhat good shot with.

Then of course as the day was coming to an end, it started to rain. Oh well I guess, that's what we get for living in Calgary.

Glenn Family Vacation 2011

This vacation will be hard to beat. This year we went to Lake Country, BC right on the Okanagan Lake! We had to get two houses to fit everyone and they were about 10 minutes apart. We weren't too excited about that, but it turned out to work well. The weather was absolutely amazing the whole trip! Temperatures ranged from 30-32*C and not a drop of rain. Even at night it was still hot out.

We arrived on Sunday at about 7:00pm. Most people arrived on the Saturday, so everyone was pretty settled in already. I just have to say that Casper was the most amazing traveling baby! He slept most of the way there and back, we had a couple minor breakouts, but nothing like what we were expecting. I freaking love my son! And Dan drove the whole way there and back and during our week. Thanks babe for doing that, even though you were pretty tired of it at times.

Monday we went into Kelowna and swam in the lake a bit and played at the splash park. Since it was the holiday Monday, there were some festivities set up there too. Casper also turned 10 months old this day! Crazy, I know.

Tuesday we rented a boat! It came with a two-seater tube and some water skis. We boated all. day. long. This was probably the funnest day we had! Dan and I went on the tube a couple times and had the time of our lives! Then we brought out the water skis and I tried it out too, but I couldn't quite make it up. I was trying with just one ski though, so I probably should have tried with two first. I just thought since I have wake boarded before, that it might be easier for me. I guess not. The kids and the rest of the family had a really good time too. It was so fun see other people on the tube behind the boat! The first time we went out on the boat we even brought Casper along with us. I think he enjoyed it, but I'm not sure if he really understood what was going on. But he sure looked cute in his little life jacket! At the end of the day, Dan and I both discovered that we got sunburnt. And it was pretty bad. It was a good thing we brought along our aloe! So first thing we did when we got home was stick it in the fridge.

Wednesday we all went to Atlantis Waterpark! We only lasted a couple hours there. It got pretty busy really fast. And the slides just weren't worth the long wait. I guess I'm used to going to West Edmonton Mall and Sylvan Lake waterslides. Now those are fun! The rest of the day was more of a relaxing day. It was nice, especially after having a long day of boating!

Thursday we were going to rent the boat again, but the family all decided not to. It cost about $200 to fill the boat up with gas at the end of the day because gas prices on the lake was $1.70! I know, that's insane! So instead, the family hung out at the beach close to our house. Everyone had a really good time! Even when we broke for supper, we all decided to come back and play in the water some more! It was so fun to see the adults even jumping in the water, some doing flips! It was a side of them that we don't often see, and I'm sure their kids enjoyed seeing them that way too. Also that day just before dinner, Dan and I went para-sailing!! If you have never done this, I highly recommend it! We were 300ft in the air being pulled by a boat. It was so nice just gliding in the air. Then on our way back into the boat, they dipped us in the water! It was so refreshing! We then headed to the other cabin for dinner, after we all took some family pictures.

Friday was our last full day. Pam & Chris and Jackie & David and their kids headed home that morning, so it was just a few families left. We didn't have anything specific planned so they all came back to the beach by our house and swam all day. While they were doing that, we left Casper with Grandma and Dan and I rented a Seadoo! I had never been on one before and Dan was on one in junior high and he told me it's a blast, so we thought we might as well while we are here. I didn't know what I was missing out on. It was such a blast! We took turns driving and what a thrill it was! I'm so glad that we were able to experience so much on this trip that we never had before.

Saturday came way too fast. Everyone packed up and headed back to home. But before we left, we picked up some good ol' BC fruit - peaches, cherries, and blackberries! So delicious! You can totally taste the difference when they are freshly picked. Then we stopped at waterfall to see what it was all about. It cost us just over $10 for each of us to get in! They sure try to make money off of everything they can out there. But it was nice to take a break and see the sights. It was pretty weird pulling up into Calgary again. I just couldn't believe that our vacation was already over. And now we have to wait a whole year to go again! Oh yeah, everyone decided that we should definitely go back to the Okanagan, so that's where we're going next year! I'm so excited!