Bonjour! Greetings from Montreal

Alistair and I are having a wonderful holiday in Montreal. Thanks to our wonderful network looking out for Drew (and Benny) we can enjoy stress free time. I hope fellow bloggers report in while we are away and share any "Drew Sightings" and time spent together. I know Drew is in Abbotsford this weekend training with his curling team in preparation for the Special O
National Winter Games in February, thanks Trudi and Norman for getting him packed up and transported! I guess Dan and Micayla are now in London enjoying a well deserved holiday with Dans parents. I bet everyone enjoyed having the network meeting at The London Chef! I hope you are all enjoying your summer activities. Weather in Quebec has been mixed but mostly very good although much hotter than we are used to. Alistair just finished making a load of english muffins for Fiona and last night cooked a super dinner for us all, so even on holiday he loves to cook.
Be sure to check in on Bobs blog and read his very entertaining pieces about
his new son Ian and Junis escapades in Clement Ferrant
Auvoir for now
P.S.I hope you are getting Sunday night phone calls from Drew

INDEPENDENCE PARTY

Last weekend we celebrated Drew's 14th year of living independently with a wonderful day of activity and great food!

We met at Undersea Gardens and enjoyed an interesting show about local marine life with a live diver. Although Drew was the main attraction of the day, the octopus was the star of this show! Undersea Gardens was a great choice for our Network and was enjoyed by our whole group.

Next we went to Santiago's Mexican restaurant for a lovely afternoon of food and laughter.

Thank you to everyone for making an effort to be there. Was great to all be together with Drew - Gerry, Cathy & Larry, Sarah, Colin, Taylor, Kate and her new glasses and Kaiah (who may be the happiest baby ever!). Was so special to have Dan's mom, Dee, who is visiting from London, join us for this celebration. Missed you Trudi, Norman and Paula - and of course Patricia and Alistair!

I can not think of a better reason to celebrate than Drew's many years of successfully living independently, and am already looking forward to next years festivities!

GOLD MEDAL TEAM!

Not the best photo of Drew but heh this is for the record!

DREW GOES FOR GOLD! AND GETS IT!

Exciting News! from B.C. Special Olympics Winter Games February 11th & 12th
Drew's curling team wins GOLD! winning every single game!
When we met Drew at the ferry last night we didn't yet know the results but the moment I saw Drew coming up the escalator at arrivals and saw a medal around his neck I knew something good had happened but couldn't see the colour of the medal until he came through the doors, flew at me for a gigantic hug and proudly showed me his gorgeous GOLD! medal!
All the athletes had a wonderful two days of competition and social events.  Drew was particularly chuffed to stay at a Ramonda Hotel across the street from the super sports complex in Coquitlam.  He told me had "a very hard time leaving"!  They have an amazing coach who had them playing in a mainstream league for practice all season and it seems to have paid off!

The next big news is that now they have won the gold medal at the provincials they get to go on to the National Special Olympics Winter games next year to be held in Alberta.  The coach is very excited and is looking forward to getting them ready for this all important competition.
I'm hoping B.C. Special Olympics posts photos soon so we can see an image of the gold medal presentation.
In the meantime I found a great shot of Drew ready to throw the shot put on the Victoria Special O sight I thought everyone would like to see.
Drew is looking forward to showing everyone his medal!
Cheers
Patricia, the proud Mama

Yay! Thanks for re-adding me! Now I can contribute!

More bloggers needed!

Heh Grapevine friends you are reinvited to join Drew's blog
He would love to see more posts about his activities with you!  I am going to do my best to visit and post more often, it is fun! pictures are great too! Also you can visit Bob's blog and keep up with his adventures in France.
Drew is off to Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games on Thursday Feb 17th for curling.  There is some stiff competition from the mainland and other parts of the province.  If they do well his team could move on to the Nationals! Keep posted for results!
Patricia

Another great weekend for Drew: Salmon Kings, prehistoric sea monsters,ride in a red cadillac

Reporting for Drew on his fun weekend.  Saturday night he attended a Salmon Kings vs Los Vegas game at Save On Centre with Best Buddies.  Drew's buddy Paula couldn't make it but he enjoys being part of the group.  When I picked him up he was bubbling over with enthusiasm and I think he enjoyed the two zambone ice clearing breaks as much as the game!  Drew and I can't believe that is a year or more ago that he and Bob Yuncken went to a hockey game with BB's.  We all miss Bob!!  Drew is eager to attend more games so if anyone is interested let us know.
Sunday morning he went to a special prescreening of a IMAX film about prehistoric sea monsters.  I don't know if I would enjoy watching those fearsome looking creatures in IMAX size! but no problem for Drew.
Sunday afternoon he had a great joy ride with Gerri in her brother's red cadillac!  They drove out to the aiport but by passed it to go to the Spitfire? restaurant.  A restaurant Drew tells me that everyone must go to.
I'v never been but apparently you can see the airport tarmac from inside and watch the planes taking off and landing, heaven for Drew!  Maybe a future site for a network gathering?  I hope Gerri will join the blog and give us her version!
I am so happy he has such a full social life! and the best of friends!
I'll ask Drew what he wants me to report on next.
Cheers
Patricia

Back to Blogging

I appreciate Micayla's posts.  I have neglected the blog for quite awhile mainly due to password problems but now that is straigtened out.  It is fun and Drew really enjoys checking out the posts with me.  We'd love to hear from you all! What you've been up to with Drew and in your own lives or anything you think is noteworthy.  Keep the "Drew sightings" in mind.  I'm resending invitations to join and log on and Micayla is going to "talk" you through the steps.  Cheers

ROBBIE BURNS NIGHT NETWORK MEETING

Last week we had a wonderful festive Network Meeting/Robbie Burns party. Thank you so much to Patricia and Alistair for making the evening so wonderful for us. As usual Patricia and Alistair prepared some delicious treats (my favourite were the oat cakes!), and selected some lovely wines and scotch for the evening.

We had a great time planning Drew's 14th Independence celebration over our nibbles and drinks.

Thanks for the special night and Happy Robbie Burns Day!