Whew.

So.

Today was a different day.

First of all, we totally played hookie.

Well, not totally....

We were invited to go to Granny's house and watch a movie,

about the greatest race-horse that ever lived,

(Secretariat)

and so we had a very busy morning getting chores and school done.

But we did it in time,

and spent a wonderful lazy afternoon watching a movie.

About the greatest racehorse that has ever been.

I console myself with the fact that it was a true story....

set in the 70's, so that's history, right?

Then it was a rush to get to hockey.

And, got a phone call that Dad wanted to take the boys to the Culliton game.

See, we live not to far from Stratford,

home of the Stratford Cullitons,

Junior B team,

and most of the hockey players from our area that have gone to play for the NHL have played for the Cullitons first.

It's where my boys hope to be someday.

Quins got 5 years.

Anyway,

it was a last minute decision that I would go too.

One of the rare times I had supper cooking at home, to be ready when hockey was done,

and I had to speed home and shut it off so I could make it to the game! 

And thanks to Linda, who watched the girls on very short notice,

and is now sleeping in a peed bed,

thanks to my youngest curly haired daughter!

Aunts are awesome.

Anyway.

So I went too.

And I fulfilled my role as photographer of the event.

Two happy boys.

Hockey and no sisters.

See, we have a connection on the Cullitons.

This guy, standing against the boards.

He played soccer this year with Daddy,

and he's our neighbour.

Go Cullitons!

The goalie Daddy knew as well.

He worked for the family,

constructing barns.

Nate, enjoying the game.

Cullitons, up 1-0!

Second intermission,

bumping gloves with the players.

Happy boys.

You might wanna cosy up to my boys,

'cause look what their Daddy has a chance at....

notice..... 13 people!

So, between the 2nd and 3rd,

the zamboni broke down.

Of course.

'Cause my girls need to be picked up,

and we have a crazy busy day tomorrow...

So I took pictures while we waited.

A very long time.

I originally thought it was half an hour,

but it may have been more.

The very old Aldman Arena,

where the Cullitons still have their games.

Here you can see where the Zamboni hit, and where it missed.

Quin.

Having some Sprite.

He had to pee like twice during the 3rd.

Poor kid has his Momma's bladder.

"Thanks Dad for the Birthday present."

"Now gimme some of your drink!"

Almost 9.

Can't believe it.

When Nathan hit's Pewee...

a montage.

Wha??!

"Ooooh.  Nathan, you're silly."

Yes, he is.

Bring on the hockey!!!

We waited so long for the Zamboni,

I took pictures of my boots.

Yes I did,

And finally,

the Zamboni appeared!!!

Loudest the crowd cheered all night!

This is a crappy pic,

but I had to show you.

This dude was rockin' it out in the stands.

Totally guitar hero-ing it.

To  "Enter Sandman."

Metallica.

Hil-ar-ious.

This chick was across the arena,

and was dancing back as hard as she could.

Quin was taking the downtime to read,

as per usual.

See who he found?

Our Neighbour!

One of the best defense-men  that played.

 How'd the game go?

Well, this happened late in the third.....

(Cullitons two men down)

And they ended up losing 3-1.

Most of the players stomped off to the change room without stopping for the kids lined up.

And I can understand.

They lost.

That makes boys crabby.

But this guy stopped.

The Captain.

He signed stuff for the little guys.

I thought that was a class act.

 \

Only other guy who stopped was our neighbour.

He even agreed to a pic.

All in all a memorable night for my soon to be 9 yr old!

And now my fire is going,

and I am going to bed.

Goodnight.