Magrath Days 2009

The past weekend we travelled back to Magrath, Ab to attend Greg's hometown annual celebrations, Magrath Days. The last time we had been was in 2005 when Layla was only 1 year old. The day started with a parade. Layla figured out very quickly that when she waved and made eye contact she always got thrown candy.

The result was the most candy I have ever seen. By the end she was only picking up the candy she deemed worthy and left the rest on the street.
Shortly after the parade, the children's races began. Layla was so excited to run her first race. When they said go she froze until a nudge from Greg and she was off. The look of focus and determination on her face was priceless but because I was so into watching her I didn't get a good picture. My girlie was the fastest one there and although there were no official winners I declare Layla wins 1st place!

At the last minute Layla asked Greg to join in the adult races. He slipped off his flip flops and lined up with the rest of them. He also got a late start off the line but blew by everyone to cross the finish first! Layla was so excited that he won and still talks about it. Greg used to participate in the Magrath Day races as a kid so it was pretty cool that he got to do them again 20-some years later with his kids.

After the races we headed over to the petting zoo. Layla enjoyed all the animals but said she liked the little pot bellied pig the best. Later that afternoon while the kids were resting Greg and I brought Chester to Magrath Days and he lied down by the petting zoo and got his share of the petting going around. I think he was bigger than any of the animals they had there anyway.

Layla caught sight of the Magrath pool which was on the grounds where Magrath Days was being held. She convinced Greg and I to join her for a swim while Grandma Bourne monitored Baron on the pool deck. Layla had fun going off the diving board with her Dad.

On our walk with Chester around the festivities Greg spotted some basketball being played in the High School gym. Although he didn't know any of the 6 guys playing, they knew him and invited him to join. We went home and grabbed his gear but by the time we got back they were in their car's leaving. He convinced them to play one more. So they played 3 games on one end of the gym while I entertained myself on the other hoop. He was so excited to play in a gym again, it had been years since he had played anyone other than myself.

We ended the day with fireworks. Layla was exhausted by then...I think we all were. It was lots of fun, Layla is already asking us if we can go back to the next "Magrath party".