Halloweekend

Lili, Jia, Luk and I went to see the Five Nights at Freddies movie on Friday.  It wasn't as horrible as the reviews.  Jia loved it.  Eric, Fei and Kai came to Nanaimo with us and grocery shopped while we watched the movie.  Then we met friends for dinner out.  Jia wanted to join them after to go through a haunted barn.  Sigh.  

Then Luk wanted to go too but these two had met up with some of May's friends at the front of the line and when I found them they weren't interested in letting Luk join.  They needed groups of five. Luk would be six.  So I thought they should split up and make it work.  That idea was shot down.  I reminded them that Holly was joining too. There was at least an embarrassed look but no one was budging on making room for Luk, or Holly or being inclusive.  I'm soooooo much 'the more the merrier' that I'll admit it genuinely pisses me off when blatent exclusion is happening.  Luk was too scared to go with Holly on his own, he doesn't know her very well.  So, yup, I had to go through.  I will do anything for my kids.  So, Holly, Luk and I bravely did it together.  The people ahead of us had been in line for two hours.  So it was at least nice that we didn't have to wait long since May's three friends had done the long wait already. Luk was so brave.  He charged ahead and graciously let me hang onto his arm.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating and I actually had a few laughs going through.  I was chatting with the actors.  Which was sort of fun actually.  I have no idea if Luk will ever go in another one.

Eric had Oscar all decorated and we took him for Trick or Treating on Saturday in Chemainus. Followed by lunch at Ping's.  She's back from China!  We missed her.

Lili joined us.

Proof I was there.

Jia did her own makeup.

Can we guess who the ghost is?

Haha, yup, our short 21 year old joined in the fun.

It turned out to be a gorgeous day.  Love the feel of Chemainus for this event.  So relaxed.  Except this year we had Eric with us and he was all about going fast.  He didn't get the memo about keeping it all as low key as possible.

The museum did an event that was great.  We got to go through and solve a local story by talking to all the ghosts.  It was really well done. Kai went to Gramma's after so that he could skip out of the Jeep run later.  We figured he'd hate that event.  He had more fun with Gramma and Poppy.  Fei picked him up after work.  

Our Jeep event was a bit misleading. It was actually put out to all the car groups and open to everyone.  There were only 4 Jeeps there but about 60 vehicles from the old to the clunkers and even a mini van.  Some decorated, a lot not.  

Comparatively, we didn't do so badly.  There were maybe 8 to 10 that were definitely better decorated than ours.   Jia wants to step it up for next year ;)  The ideas are flowing.  The kids found it unnerving to have people taking pictures of Oscar while they were sitting in it.

This was my favorite.

Eric's light up ghost in the back was pretty cool.  

Proof I was there.

The actual drive part was a lot of fun.  We drove for about half an hour, doing the same route twice.  There were a lot of peolple out to watch so it was an actual parade.  We opened our windows and Jia blasted Halloween music while we all waved.  It was certainly different from anything we've ever done before.  

It's Sunday.  I'm wiped.  I've overdone life lately and it's going to be a much needed couch day.  

OMG!

Look what Eric just sent me!!!!

I'm howling laughing.

Oscar is definitely looking sexy in the fall leaves.

We have too much fun sonetimes.

Plus, Halloween decorations have started going on him ;)

Posing in the sun.

Eric and I took Luk to his neurologist appointment.  Which was uneventful and unnecessary.  However, we like her and would prefer to keep our island team.  Gramma picked up Kai from school and took him for lunch.  He was super excited about this and said it was his lucky day.  We picked Kai up from her and went to Canadian Tire to get the inverter we saw there on Saturday.  It was sold.  Arg.  I ducked a couple Jeeps. We took the boys home. Then I worked while Eric did some driveway shuffling.  He got the Falcon hooked up to Oscar so we could try towing.  

It had turned into a gorgeous sunny day.  When I heard him say taking the trailer for a drive I immediately started figuring what food we could pack in the trailer so we could drag the kids and make dinner on the road.  Eric said no.  Sigh.  He started with towing up Lakes hill.  Then some highway speed.  I asked where to next.  He asked where I wanted to go.  "Oh, can we go somewhere rocky where Oscar can put a front tire up on a rock and look all sexy with turning fall leaves and mountains behind him for pictures doing his first tow?".  Met with a blank stare. Blink, blink.  Then he laughed and said "you're funny".  Except I was serious.  Instead of that fun option we went to the tire shop to look at tires for the trailer.  They felt the ones currently on the trailer were likely adequate.  Adequate is not quite good enough for Eric.  

We brought the trailer home and dropped it off so we could top up gas and run through the car wash with Oscar.  The car wash is still exciting to me but the boys declined coming with us.  Go figure.  Tomorrow, weather permitting is Oscar decorating day for the Saturday Jeep run.

Overall, the 1st tow went ok. Eric wasn't totally impressed and is already thinking of ways to improve both the van and the Jeep to get it all set up to his liking. 

Our 5th wheel buyers have gone silent.  

Lili and I got tickets for Friday night to take Jia and Luk to see 5 Nights at Freddy's.  I'm scared.  They're excited.  

Power

Lots of talk about power at our place.  The trailer has nothing set up.  The moho has full power.  We were planning to wait until the new year before we set up a new system.

While searching for a holiday in November for two of us we were narrowing in on a trip to Cancun.  I spent hours and hours picking a resort.  Then Eric offered up a bucket list road trip as an option.  Which was super exciting to me and something I've wanted to do since we got married.  And although we aren't sure yet where or what we'll actually do on our time away it was clear we don't need to fly to Cancun.  Although we do think it might make a great family trip for another year.  There are direct flights from Victoria if anyone is looking.  There are some nice package deals available.  

Eric offered driving Oscar with the trailer to Virginia City to camp at the rv site overlooking the graveyard.  I have always wanted to camp there!  I'm not sure November is the perfect time though.  I also fear that might be a lofty big trip for our first trip out.  

Also, we need to get the power sorted first.  So no flights being booked but I ordered two 600W solar panels with a controller.  It's a start.  Now we're looking for an inverter but researching like crazy because we're hoping for the ability to run the ac.  

Now tonight the weather is storming and the power is flickering and I'm feeling unsettled about not having our moho all set up.  It's still here and has the power but no bedding.  So I'm suggesting to Eric we need a generator too.  One that will work for the trailer or the house.  I already miss the moho.  

The bigger concern than power for the fridge and devices is the hot tub!  Haha.  Kidding.  Not kidding.  I've loved sitting out there in the rain but tonight was a bit much through the wind storm.  Sort of scary really.

The boys iep meetings were today.  Lots of talk about transitions to high school.  Gawk.  It was also mentioned we could hold Kai back a year.  Which at first was pretty exciting.  I love the idea of Luk getting to go without Kai.  With more debate and thought we're likely to keep Kai with his peers.  He won't care but if mainstreaming with his peers is the goal in general we should just stick with that. Drop off and pick up at the same place would be easier if they're in the same building.  

Not much new in the meetings. It's always surprising the work Kai is doing.  He is definitely not showing us his abilities here at home.  

I slept on the couch a couple hours this evening now I'm up in bed wide awake.  We're taking Luk to see his neurologist in Sydney tomorrow, first in person visit since 2019.  I suggested to Eric we take the van lest there be slow traffic and too much clutch time.  Haha.  Right now it's freaking snowing!  In October.  So, we should probably take Oscar.  This is just nuts.  But the wooly caterpillars prediction is for a moderate winter.  Sigh.  

My first ducking.

That was fun.  I told Eric that the Jeep club says that they always park by other Jeeps if they can.  I got out and walked over to this Jeep to leave a tiny duck.  Jia wasn't so sure about this.  Haha.  Then I had a good laugh because, Eric had gone back to the car so he could move ours to park beside it.  

Hillarious.  When we were leaving I noticed another Jeep a few rows away so Eric drove us over so I could duck it.  There was a lady sitting in it so I leaped out and handed her the tiny duck.  She beamed.  The smile is what it's all about.  This could definitely become habit forming.  Next goal, to get Jia to place a duck.  

Oy

The half hour drive took 2 hours!!!  Omg. My clutch leg was definitely feeling the burn.  I did voice my concern before I left about bumper to bumper in a tight stick.  The Universe then promptly gave me the exact fear in an exaggerated way.  Sigh.  It took 70 minutes to do 2 kms a couple feet at a time.  

I told Eric that Oscar was fine but I wasn't sure about me ;)  Kai napped the whole way.

I'm glad I packed lunch, we got in the hospital and settled in a family room to eat and then got called in early.  

No real new information to deal with.  The appointment was shorter than expected and way less interesting than I thought it would be.

I did make a rookie mistake.  I packed Kai a lunch and extra snacks.  Then put it in his control.  I saw it as choices for times that were free for snacking.  Dumb.  He saw it as a free for all, it must all be eaten immediately.  So it got super crazy at parts of the day all centered around food.  Because this was my mistake, I will be letting him eat them all, but still in an attempt to spread them out so he isn't vomiting.  Sigh.

He pretty much danced out the door yelling YAY when he was told we could go.  Then he took off running down the halls the wrong way.  The Dr. was panicking, I wasn't, Kai is almost always going the wrong way but he also keeps his eye on me, plus I had his lunch kit with all the snacks.

We were released earlier than planned.  The drive back to the ferry was only 20 minutes and we were put in line for a 3 to Victoria.  I had a reservation for a 5:45 to Duke Point but this gets us home by 6:30 instead of 9.  

Oh, and we heard from the 5th Wheel buyers.  They can't go to the bank because the kids they're buying the 5th wheel for have covid, the parents tested negative but they can't do the deal just in case.  Sigh.  They were with us Saturday.  Stupid covid.  Mask are back at Children's but no screening at entrances. So, are they a third set of flakes?  It's a wait and see.  

The ferries worked out for us today.  No issues.  You know I'm looking for them and prepping my letter. But alas, all good and smooth sailing.  Doesn't he look like a regular preteen with the charging issues?  He has played a lot of Candy Crush today.

Vision Clinic Day

We're off to Children's for the day. I couldn't talk another family member into coming with us so it's just me and Kai.  Imagine the fam not wanting to get up at 6, drive in torrential rain in the dark, ferry food, a two and a half hour appointment then dinner on the ferry back and another drive in the dark.  Plus a two hour gap after ferry before appt and another two hour gap after appointment before the ferry.  So not enough time to really do anything or go anywhere.  What's not appealing about all of that?!  Haha.  

I got to watch killer whales jumping while eating breakfast so it's been a good start to the day.

My first road trip in Oscar.  So far so good. 

I ordered vinyl decals of Oscar's name custom made.  They arrived yesterday.  They're perfect. So fun.  Can't wait to see them on.

So much fun for $3

Actually $3 for each from the thrift store. I think we're adorable.  We don't REALLY need a costume this year but we'll likely wear them to the Jeep event.  If the weather cooperates than I'll wear one when I drag the kids trick or treating.  We bought the beaver for me and the hot dog for Eric.  His was too small, mine was too big so we swapped ;)  I do have an unnatural affection for hot dogs.  Haha.

So, it was a morning.  I broke another tooth so got an emergency appointment this morning.  Then to the pediatricians office with the pink TAP form for tomorrow.  Then the exciting thing....Eric heard a rumor that a pharmacy in town had Ozempic in so he had my prescription moved yesterday and we were able to pick it up this morning.  Yay Eric.  I did a half dose on Thursday and my guts aren't feeling quite right.  So this Thursday I can do a regular dose again.  The rumors indicate the shortage should correct by the end of October.  

Then we went to the thrift store. Bought sausage rolls at the bakery for Kai and I to take tomorrow since our appointment falls through lunch. Filled the Jeep gas tank for tomorrow. We had Wings for lunch but eating proved too difficult with my frozen mouth so Jia got lunch brought home.  Then we went to the car lot that Lili's old car came from and they bought it back, or made a deal to buy it back anyways.  Not a done deal until it's a done deal with a cheque in hand. Then we accepted another offer on the 5th wheel.  3rd offer. Hopefully this one pans out and the buyers aren't flakes.  

I think Kai and I are all set for tomorrow.  

Burgers

Tonights drama brought to you by home cooked turkey burgers.  Kai can't remember how to pick up a burger and eat it.  I'm in the living room listening to Eric, Jia and Luk try to explain with extremely frustrated voices.  Haha.  I personally would have been inclined to just walk away and let him figure it out caveman style.  

It was his first day back to his play group.  Where he didn't play or socialize but just watched tv.  Sigh.  

Facebook Memories

Ohh, sob.  This was soooo long ago.  Such a great trip.  We're all growing up too fast.  

Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie.

Lili took Mom and I yesterday to see the movie. It's 3 hours long and is literally her concert filmed in L.A.  i wasn't sure this was something I really wanted to see.  However, it was great!  We loved every minute of it.  She is beautiful, the stage, costumes and effects were amazing.  Plus...no screaming fans!  I'm positive the movie experience let's you see way more, much clearer than from any where in a stadium.  Well worth a watch if you get a chance to go.  At the end two young girls came and traded friendship bracelets with Lili.  So sweet.  

Sigh

My fault.  I didn't stay on top of the details.  It's so much easier to take Kai to Children's for the day than Luk so I relaxed.  Last minute seeking the tap form proved difficult and I'm stuck at the walk in line up this morning.  Got here an hour and a half early and am 3rd in line.  Sucky way to start a Saturday for sure.  Eric is bringing Kai to meet me at 10, when they open.

We have someone coming to see the 5th wheel today.  Eric has the motorhome exhaust project finished to his satisfaction so it can be sold now.  He's working on emptying it today.  It's so sad.  Sooooo many memories.  Then Lili is coming home to take me and Gramma to see the Taylor Swift Eras Tour movie.  So that's fun.  

Update:  big sigh.  Was 3rd in line, got to the window and was told easy, she could do that for us but would we mind waiting for her to check the line in.  Sure.  No problem.  45 minutes for her to check in the line!!!!  Then I leap up at my turn and she says who is the referring Dr.  I said it's specialty services there isn't a Dr so any Dr will do.  She says she can't stamp it with their Dr unless Kai sees one and the day is full.  But I was 3rd in line....too bad.  You can come back tomorrow.  Are you freaking kidding me.  I said can I leave the form here for someone to look at, no.  I said our pediatrician fills them out for specialty services all the time.  She tells me to go see them.  Yes, as I mentioned before they are out of the pink tap forms.  Blank stare.  I asked if I could have the blank pink form to take to the pediatrician next week.  Yes.  Finally.  I'm half way there.  I think.  A mere 3 hours.

Oh, and the moment we get to the window she asks if Kai has a family Dr and I say no, he has a pediatrician and he yells at her "AND I HAVE POOP IN MY BUTT".  Because the receptionist, waiting room and long line behind us all needed to know that.  Oh, and while in the hallway line up that is frightfully quiet my stomach is making all the noises and gurgles because I dared to eat half a peanut butter and banana sandwich because diabetic and not eating is no longer an option.  Then Eric dropped Kai who was salty because he realized it was a line up and he forgot his phone.  So he sat in a sulk breathing super loud.  He needs his nose cleaned out but picking his nose for him in the line wasn't a great option so we all listened to his breathing.  Just a wee glimpse into my world, just one little moment.  

Oh and Children's called back they're sorry, they can see a form was supposed to be sent but it wasn't so they can offer one for our return trip home.  Half nice.  However if we show up in the morning to the ferry without a tap form we move immediately to stand by and risk not making it over for an appointment we've waited five years for.  

Oh, and Kai didn't have a poop problem, he just has words that illicit attention.  I think.  

Crofton Witch Float

They circled every now and then and cackled.  It was fabulous.  They sounded so good and totally like witches from a Scooby Doo episode.

Great company and we had some nice chats with the other spectators.  Best of all, the rain held off, slight drizzle.  It was a great night.

Poppy had a great time and met some pups.

Looking for a document.

Arrggg.  

Our house insurance went up $400, again.  We went through this last year.  Not everyone wants to insure a 1910 house.  It would cost way more to duplicate than a newer building.  The wood panel versus drywall comes up a lot.  Anyway.  If we can show the release of the mortgage from Home Trust it will reduce it by $350.  Where do you suppose I would have put such a letter?!  From about four years ago, I think.  

I mean...I was just thrilled to not have a mortgage payment anymore.  I don't think the letter played out as important to me but I'm positive I would have kept it and I do remember getting it.

It's not in the banking file, or house file, or insurance file, or misc file or receipts file.  Last place to look is the safe I suppose.  I can't imagine why I'd have put it there.

There must be another way/place to prove that you own your property out right.  Land titles?  

Update, yes, it was in the safe with the land title document that I obviously deemed important.  

So, this was a public notice post for everyone to check the insurance discounts offered on your house insurance policies.  

Next dilemma to deal with.  Kai has an appointment on Wednesday at Children's.  The online ferry system won't let my credit card number go in.  So I can't get a reservation. And I'm realizing we don't have a tap form.  Our pediatrician is out of pink forms.  So, now making calls to see if an emailed one will work or if I need to line up at the crack of daylight for a walk in doctor.  What a day.  Sheesh.  

Never mind all the regular things going on.  

Mom's Birthday

Natchos and apple crisp :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

Oscar's Halloween Decorations

When my insanity moves over to Eric ;)

No theme, just a little of everything from Dollartree.  Lots of zap ties and 8 strings of battery pumpkin and bat lights.  Looking ahead and guessing we'll need xmas stuff too.  Oscar will need his own box in the garage just for his supplies.  

Eric took over with sifting through the stuff for things that would attach and withstand wet weather.  There was even mumbling about decorating early to drive around with the week before Halloween.  Haha.  I can't picture doing that but the boys liked the idea.

My co-worker this morning was sleeping with her paws wrapped around her face.  So cute.  She changed position the second I got close with the camera.  Of course.

Eric has been fussing about the rattle at the back of Oscar.  Insisting I order new hinges.  He sent me this picture with the cap off so I could match the hinge for ordering.  I responded with 'looks like it just needs new bolts'. $7 later the new bolts did the trick.  He is delighted the sound is gone :)  He is enjoying working on the Jeep.  Everything is so accessible.  

It was Jia's Gotcha yesterday.  She picked ribs and fries.  It was a quiet night at home. No pictures and she didn't want to hear her story.

Eric found a twin in the states.  He thought it might be fun to have matching Jeeps.  Good Lord.  

Thanksgiving fun.

I made them try on the xmas jammies.  Jia's are too small.  Luk and Fei say they'll never wear them.  Lili and Kai are using them as their Halloween costumes.  A bust as xmas jammies.  Maybe we'll repeat an old set ;)

No feast pictures.  It was gorgeous.  Eric out did himself.