MRI

Pirate Paks!

We were up at 7:30, 10:15 ferry, appointment at 3, the 5:45 back and home 8:45.  The day was mostly uneventful and went to plan.  The boat was pretty bumpy on the way there but we were grateful it was still running.  The drive home was dark and wet and a bit scary but we made it home safe and sound :)  

A whole day together just the two of us and these were the only pictures I took. Haha.  

It was a long day so I let Luk stay home from school today.  He apparently doesn't love Halloween either.  He hates the school parade. Tonight Jia is going trick or treating with May, Eric is taking her.  The boys and I are hiding behind a closed gate tonight.  No Halloween for us.  

Trick-Or-Treat

Headed off to Chemainus. Kai has a sniffle so he was super delighted to get to stay home.  

The event was pretty lame this year. We saw maybe 25 kids in town.  No booths, no games, none of the fun that was there last year.  

Lots of businesses closed.  Some with bowls out.  

They were happy to have some candy and munched happily on the way home.  There was also lots of talk about how weird the whole thing is in general.

Jia is still heading out on Monday night.  Today was enough for Luk.  

Nicole and Steve brought their new baby over, this is Susu.  My 3 were jealous.  Which is unusual.  Finn even growled.  I loved getting some puppy cuddles though.

6 years ago.  So stinking cute.

Sleep issues.

I've come up to bed at 10pm.  There are just so many things going on for Missy and I'm being serenaded.

Sleep remains a huge issue.  She is just too busy to sleep and then she crashes and sleeps for 12 plus hours.  

She is liking the new homeschool program.  No complaints and she goes happily enough.  Music lessons remain fun and she likes dance even if she still feels a bit out of place there. It's getting calmer with her.  

It's a huge relief to see her happy again.

Boys new beds.

It's happening!!  The bunks are out.  New beds built.  They're so pretty.  They even have glass feet.  The boys will be so surprised after school today.  Now to get creative on how to deal with all of Kai's toys.  

Beds done!  Love them.  Sorting of the toys, stuffies and books will have to happen another day.  Phew.  The room is so small again.  They flat out NEVER played in there when the bunks were in providing floor space though so it's all good.

The big news of the day is that both Fei and Lili will be off school and done with their terms in time to do the road trip with us to the Christmas cruise!!  The road trip is half the fun so we're thrilled we'll all be together for the whole trip.

Update. The boys were thrilled and wanted to dig into the toy, stuffie, book mess immediately.  Zero arguments over whose was whose.  Lots of memories. Shelves and boxes are all sorted. I praised them both for doing such great work.  They let go of LOTS with no fuss.  It took over 2 hours to sort it all and they were really good sports about it.  I'm exhausted.  Pumpkins are ready for school.  Jia is carving hers now. Eric is making dinner.  I'm going to play my game and watch tik tok.  

And Halloween Starts

Costume #1 for dance class tonight.

Kobeni Higashiyama from Chainsaw Man.

This was yesterday for school.  The little pig tails. 

So, I got a call on Monday afternoon letting me know Luk was booked for surgery the next day. Good Lord.  I started thinking out loud about feasibility.  No tap, no ferry reservation, not enough time to arrange a hotel.  Appointments to cancel. Could I realistically get myself and Luk there immediately?  I mean ya' maybe. These measures should be for emergencies though.  So, I declined as the booking girl was telling me she would look for another date.  Sheesh.  Now I sort of a little bit regret not taking the fast date and getting the casting over and done with. We're back to waiting.

Yesterday was Kai's iep meeting.  10 people.  It went better than usual.  More positives than usual. Vision issues are being attentioned. His teacher is great at looking for adaptions and seems keen to keep Kai in the class engaging in some way with his classmates. We left feeling way better than the usual despair.

Today Luk came home and told me he watched Kai play baseball at lunch with help from his friend Kaleb.  That sounds incredible.  I wish I'd been there to see it.

Kai seemed happy to tell us about the baseball, including lots of his new tik, tounge clucking. Fun.  It's been happening for a few days.  Time to stomp this one out before the habit is super hard to break.  Tiks are a funny thing.  Most of them seem harmless to start but as they settle in they definitely can get super annoying.  The scary part about stopping a tik is that you just don't know what's coming next. Often we find ourselves missing an old tik when a new one is worse.  The clucking started at the end of sentences  but has morphed into mid sentence and that is pretty weird.  People are going to notice.  

Lili just called.  She's just met with an advisor.  Looking at her graduation trajectory. She declared her major. BBA in Finance. Graduation Dec 2024.  She's found a friend group and joined a school group for networking. She's finally getting some of the university experience she was hoping for.

Cheese has been closed up and is in the garage. I miss the daily updates. I did order a v12 acuator yesterday to lift the roof up. That's pretty exciting.  I'm just too short to do it on my own. 

I think that's the bulk of today's news. 

Bucket List!

Sir Elton didn't disappoint.  It was a great show. I'm so glad we came.

We had fun.  Such good people watching.

Dinner at the Morrisey.  Food was good the atmosphere was fabulous.  After the concert we walked back, about 40 mins.  10 minutes wasted trying to get an uber. The pubs around our hotel have LONG line ups.  Especially the Morrissey.  Looks like a movie scene.

We're settled in our room.  Which is above the Morrissey.  We enjoyed it at dinner time.  The love is lost now.  Haha.  It's sooooo loud.  We're too old to enjoy this now ;)  

Canceled Ferry

Ferries suck.

I got an email at 10pm to tell us our early morning ferry is canceled.

I went on my phone to book a later boat.  Limited selections.  Only 2 that would get us there in time for the concert.  The mobile site wouldn't let me book.  I ran up to my computer and one of the boats was already full.  I got a new reservation.  We won't get to play in Vancouver but if the ferry doesn't cancel we should make it to see Elton.  So many people's plans ruined.  

Ya'll know how much I hate stupid ferries.  Hating them more and more.  

We're supposedly to drop Jia at 7am for a sleepover with May. That new plan isn't sorted yet.  

Pro D day.1

Jia is loving her electric guitar.  She says the lessons aren't about learning but having fun.

I won't let Esmei on my desk when I'm working. She gets creative.  She thinks this is hidden.

Trying to get my attention.  Haha. 

Cheese got flooring.  Love it!  Also a new roof gasket.  The sink is plumbed. Co2 detector working. Solar panel up and working.  The fancy battery is in. It's all hooked together.  A couple little things to fix or figure out.  The gas is close, he needs a cap to finish.  He thinks we can camp next weekend but it's Halloween then Lili and I are away to Disneyland.  Gets us into mid November. It's hard to fathom we'll get camping weather in November.  Fingers crossed.  We're so close. I can't believe Eric has built a tiny rv from scratch.  

Pro D day was mostly a lazy day.  We did get laundry sorted and put away.  It's been weeks.  So it was nice to finally get it done.  Eric and I packed for Elton.  We leave at first light tomorrow.  Lili is home to watch the kids. We did breakfast for dinner.  Yum.

Boxes

Caught her headed up.  No clue what she's making tonight.  

A decal for Cheese arrived today.  

School

Man-o-man is it hard to get this one to settle down and get the school work done. She's too busy and math is boring and the work is mostly busy work. Today she's in my room while I'm at my desk.  Sheesh.  

So many distractions.  

We got visitors on Sunday!  Cute ones.

Hillarious how she's sitting up.  

Jia and I went to Nanaimo on Saturday.  Mostly I wanted new Disney shirts.  Jia just loves the mall.  We dropped a myriad of things for the Big Girls.  Jia took the opportunity to show off the new outfit she created from cutting up a pair of jeans. She doesn't normally show skin.  She doesn't normally wear girl clothes.  This was WAY outside of her comfort zone.  I had to beg a little for her to agree to me posting this picture.  My gorgeous child.  

Lili suggested matching shirts so of course I was on it immediately.  I found these at Urban Planet.  She approved.  They're different.  Normally we're all about Mickey and Minnie one day and Star Wars the next.  But we only have one day.  For California Adventure it's all about Marvel.  Which I don't do so Stitch for me.  Lili will definitely be all about Marvel.

Eric has Cheese plumbed for the sink.  Yay. I get to test it later.  Right now he's run to town for another gas fitting.  Getting close to the furnace and stove being hooked up.  The whole solar, power, trailer lights, vehicle hook up is underway. He's run into a couple complications that he's pondering.  He complains a bit but we all know he's in his glory figuring this stuff all out.  Of course all this stuff is the expensive part of the build.  I completely underestimated how much the total would be.  It doesn't even look like fun stuff, wires and tubes and little bits.  

Calm to Chaos in a split second.

Calm day all around.  Then Eric picked up the boys.

Back story, Kai has been attempting to toss things into the garbage from a distance.  He's been told NO.  As recent as last night.  He missed the can by 5' with a dirty kleenex.

Also back story, on the way home from school Luk asked Eric what his favorite swear word is.  E said the F word.

So, the boys have very few chores in general but it is their job to deal with backpacks, lunch kits and agendas.  

They came through the door is a whirlwind of activity and Kai yelling.  We heard a whole lot of "omg Kai!! NO, STOP" then Luk yelled "Dad! Clean up on aisle 2".  

Their lunch was chicken, rice and green beans.  Kai didn't eat the rice and beans and attempted tossing it across the kitchen to the can.  He missed by a LOT.  Eric called Isabel.  Our clean up crew.  Then Luk opened his kit over top of Isabel and dropped yogurt all over her.  Because he had opened his yogurt, ate none of it and put it back in the kit.  Oy. At 11, he couldn't anticipate what would happen.  So he's been doing serious lunch kit cleaning.  I think later we should give it a real soak.  It's going to stink.  

After the whole room clean up Kai wanted to know what was for snack.  Uh.  That was a big no from Eric.  Should have eaten your lunches boys.  

Then Eric came in and said he should have said his favorite swear was Jesus Christ.  Haha.  Not half an hour later Jia came tattling that Luk said Jesus Christ to her.  No one gets away with anything here.  

So, Luk's showing first signs of puberty.  The deep voice is just nuts for me. Apparently he'd like to use some swear words to go along with his pre-teen attitude.  Everyone says girls are the worst but so far Luk has way more attitude than the girls ever did.  

Eric is outside working on Cheese.  Or escaping us.  We have no plans for dinner.  Might be a cereal kind of night.

Alexa

Alexa sends me emails that tell me the new or fun things she can do.  Today she had a Halloween song.  So I asked her to sing her new Halloween song. I didn't care for it, not a fan of rap, so I asked her to stop.  Then promptly felt bad because I might have hurt her feelings.  Hahaha.  

Nothing new with the kids.  That's a good thing.

Luk wants the hot lunches at school this year.  So I just muddled through online and ordered for the whole year for both boys.

Eric got the water pump for Cheese working. The plan is in place for the solar system.  I ordered a huge half umbrella to use as an awning over the door.  It has solar lights in it.  It's light enough for me to manage.  Eric is trying to find a way for me to attach it to the trailer. It will help to have a covered/dry/lit potty area.  We're a bit apprehensive about the idea of Kai going outside.  I'm contemplating the temporary dog run around the space so he can't wander.  Other option is to sleep with one eye open.  Haha.  Maybe a bell on the door.  Or we demand he wake us so we can go with him.  Or ALL of those options. Cheese has an awning but I'm no where near able to reach it and it has angle tie downs that will be difficult for Kai to maneuver around and if honest perhaps me too.  

Wheelchair disappointment.

The next size chair just arrived and it's too big.  He has to seriously slouch and scoot forward for his feet to hit the rest.  It he sits properly his feet don't reach.  The arm reach is ok with the arms flipped back. Luk says it "goes" better. It is however a lovely chair.  Off to the basement it goes. I'm sure it will fit him soon.  Doesn't everyone have spare wheelchairs?!  

Luk and I insist the yellow one is too small.  Eric brought it in to do adjustments.  We're already maxed.  No adjustment room left.  It's definitely too small but will have to do for a bit longer.  Yes, we do realize we could have a custom chair built but they're seriously expensive and at his age just not necessary quite yet.  It makes more sense for when he's adult size and needs to maneuver himself when he's on his own or needing to get it in and out of his car.  

Thrifting

Eric and I took cookies to Mom today for her actual Birthday.  Then we took some time to poke around my favorite thrift store.  We found fun stuff to wear when we go see Elton John in 10 days!!

We bought Cat in the Hat gear for the cruise breakfast.  Kai is still a big fan of the cat and was SUPER excited about these things.  Luk wasn't so thrilled with his big tie but he's a good sport and he really likes the breakfast part ;)

A costume for Lili, our Christmas geek.

A costume for Fei.  The girls are super busy these days.  They don't have a ton of time for planning costumes.

Jia had her 1st electric guitar lesson today.  She was nervous but totally loved it and wants two lessons a week already.  Tonight is her hip hop minus Mya.  It's much nicer going tonight without anxiety.

I had originally thought the solo pop up trailer would be pink and purple and I found elephant bedding I was in love with.  It has quickly became more of a family unit and we're setting it up for 5.  So blue owls for accent it is ;)  Still super cute.  We got a few little kitchen things for Cheese at the thrift store too.  

Jia and I got the official word from the travel company that our China trip has been canceled re: covid protocol concerns in China.  Full refund.  Of course the visa card I paid with is canceled so we're muddling through this again.  

Last night I booked mine and Lili's hotel room at Disney.  Kings Inn again.  You'd think the thrill of going would lessen with trips but nope. I get excited every time.  Lili is on a food mission.  She's planning to eat all the favorites.  Haha.  Pretty much impossible.  

Children's just called with an mri date for Luk.  Oct 30, a Sunday at 3.  I can get there and back in one day!!  I briefly considered going Sat and doing a night away with the family.  However, none of us wants to be in Vancouver.  I booked ferries there and back and arranged for a tap form.  So efficient today.

As I was going to the front deck to eat my dinner in the sun I saw Jia's bully Mya walking up the driveway.  She came to apologize.  Brave girl.  She was so nervous.  Eric questioned her 1st "why are you here?".  I skulked keeping my eye on them.  Jia did go out to talk with her.  It was painfully awkward.  We're all left not sure how we feel.  How much redemption do we give?  I mean 3 years of racial comments don't go away.  For now let's all just pray today is the end.  

Jia's Gotcha

She wanted dumplings. The tradition is they get to pick dinner.  She normally picks DQ.  We've spent too much time in the kitchen this weekend.  We all enjoyed our dumpling feast at snack time. It will be toast or cereal if anyone is hungry at dinner time.  Happy Gotcha Jia!  

Thanksgiving and Mom's 75th Birthday

No tradition here. Baked Spaghetti, salad, garlic toast and cinnamon buns.  It was a long day of food prep but totally worth it. I'm so grateful for a full table.

Mom's Birthday is actually Tuesday but the girls were able to be here today. Lili did a test online after dinner and Fei worked on an assignment. They're busy.  

Lili and Jade went to a concert on Friday night in Vancouver. Jade's parents kindly got them there.

We had their pups and May while they were away.  Joey spent most of his time hanging with Kai.  Kai couldn't have been more thrilled. Now there are thoughts of a service dog for Kai running through my mind again.

Jia and May had a party.  They were still going strong at 2:30. I got up at 3am and ate frozen yogurt with them. They finally settled after that.  I stayed with them until they were asleep. So many giggles.  Just what Jia needed after her stressful week.

Finn's baby seal impression.

The Big Cheese has lights.

We went out in the dark to check it out.

Haha.  We had some laughs.  It's quite cozy in there.  I'm ready to camp now!  Next he's hooking up gas and water.