When it rains, it pours!

A few months back, I realized that the Women's World Cup, like the real, official, highest level of women's soccer you can see, was coming to Canada. And not just Canada, but one of the several cities hosting games was Edmonton, just a short 3 hour drive from us. And Team Canada was playing their first two games there, in Edmonton. I have to go!

But... it's a 3 hour drive there. And back. The games were double-headers, starting at 4 PM and lasting until 9 PM. That seemed way too long to do with the kids who wouldn't want to sit still during the game anyway. 

So, a new plan was born.

Kyler's sisters, Kari and Krissy, drove up bringing two of our nieces and nephews with them, to serve as playmates for our kiddos. And Kyler and I, we left. We drove up to Edmonton, caught a train to the games, watched the games, spent the night in a hotel, and then went to West Edmonton Mall (quite possibly Kyler's favorite place in the world) by ourselves. For the first time since Calista was born.

It was amazing.

I would say everything went to plan, and that's why it was amazing, but not quite everything did...

 We made it to the stadium in plenty of time. It was hot and sunny and beautiful.

 We saw Netherlands v China (sadly China won, but oh well!)

 We got ready to cheer on Canada versus New Zealand...

 And then it started to rain. And then it started to pour.

But the game will go on! ...unless there is lightning. Then the game will get delayed and we will be told to leave the stands and go under the covers... which we don't mind because at this point we will be soaked to the bone and starting to get cold.

But never fear! The blue skies return and so do we to our seats. The game will continue!
In spite of, or because of?, the rain, Kyler and I had a blast. As you can see, we bought scarves, one for Canada, and one for the World Cup as a whole, with the flags of all the countries that qualified on it.
And, then, of course the next day we spent soaking wet again, but this time with more appropriate clothing.

It was so nice to spend a little bit of time, just me and him. It reminded me a little bit of our honeymoon, how carefree we were.
So, a huge thank you to the amazing aunties who care for our little ones. We knew they would have fun with them and their cousins, and so we felt free to not worry about them. Thank you, Kari and Krissy! We needed a mini vacation!