Spruce Meadows....

Tegan is back in the routine of school and so far enjoying being in Grade 2 with a new teacher. Fraser is nearly there although he is still finishing school at 11.45 am - 2 more weeks to go before he is in full time, but like Tegan he seems to be enjoying it - however it is strange seeing my little boy in big school.

Someone has turned the weather temperature down this week just in time for the ice to be back down in Ralston arena. Lunchtime skating is full on - with first timers eager to start learning or returners getting back on the ice with a little caution for some. I've managed 3 lunchtimes along with Fraser who still just wants to go fast. Skate school commences this week for the Devils both 1st years and 2nd years in the evenings - looking forward to it.
Sunday Andy and Sam very kindly gave myself, Tegan and Fraser a lift with them up to Spruce Meadows, Calgary. Spruce Meadows is an outdoor equestrian facility built by the Southern Family and opened in 1976. The show jumping complex is in the foothills of the Alberta Rocky Mountains just south of the city and comprises 360 acres. The current president of Spruce Meadows is Linda Southern-Heathcott, a former olympian who competed in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games for the Canadian Olympic Team. The 'masters' tournament has taken place at Spruce Meadows from Wednesday through to Sunday which is 'British Day', this is the 35th year of championship sport at Spruce Meadows. The weather was perfect both for the riders and spectors as it was cool at times but dry.
Upon our arrival we had a wonder around, Spruce Meadows is a amazing place with all the grounds in immaculate condition, flowers displays everywhere and buildings designed beautifully, along with bronze statues dotted around the grounds. During our day we got to see the Celle Stallions, Calgary Round-up Band, Calgary Stetson Show Band, Household Cavalry, Royal Horse Artillery, the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band, pony rides, Sam Steele's Scouts, Fort Calgary Wheel & Runners and lots of others. At 11am we found seats at the International Ring to watch the Parade of Nations followed by the Grand Prix Round 1 of the masters show jumping competition - the jumps are so very big. The prize money for the winners is large, the pot is up to $1,000,000 and the events are covered on Canadian tv. I managed to watch the first 15 riders then it was time for lunch after which the kids were getting restless so I left Andy and Sam and off we went for a further look around. Tegan and Fraser got to stroke many of the horses and loved seeing all the different breeds - Fraser was especially taken with a mule horse called Biscuit. We eventually met up with Andy and Sam just after 5pm had a quick
bite to eat before making the drive back to Ralston. Thanks to Andy driving I could relax and just be the gopher in the middle of 4 kids supplying them with all the snacks, wipes, drinks and rubbish collector.