After a one week delay due to the return of winter, Anissa's soccer league finally kicked off last night. Although she was excited, I think Mehdi was the most pumped. The last time Anissa played soccer she was 3 and didn't really get into it, but he had high hopes for this time around. Well, last night wasn't a disappointment for anyone - after warm-ups and choosing their team name, the Sharks had their first match. There was some brief confusion over which goal to shoot at, but soon the game got going and was such a blast to watch. Anissa didn't lack any enthusiasm on the pitch, running fast after the ball wherever it went (including out of bounds and into another game's field), and several times ran back into the game when she was supposed to be sitting out. Final score: Sharks 1, Opposition 0. It was so much fun I had no problem picturing myself as a soccer mom. Good thing, because I have a feeling I may not have much choice!

Growing up in northern Alberta where the weather is relatively stable (cold, and always cold), I had always heard about the crazy nature of Calgary weather. I knew about chinooks, the warm winter winds that blow in and melt the snow in hours, but had never experienced one. I always thought it was a bit of an exaggeration, but after a winter here I'm a believer!



The weather here is truly nuts and impossible to predict. I regularly dress the girls in clothes for certain weather and few hours later, out at the park or mall or wherever, end up scrambling for warmer or cooler versions of their outfits so they don't suffer from the sudden heat/cold. (The secret is layers and plenty of extras - hats, sweaters, coats - in the car.) This past week really took the cake: we had spring weather the first few days, spent some time at the park, then were hit with a massive snowstorm mid-week. Then, summer arrived this weekend and it reached 24. We played in the snow, barbecued and had ice cream after a day at the zoo all within a few days. It's certainly never boring.


As you can see from these shots, the sunny days seem to be the girls' favorite.