Laff Olympics 2012

As the summer of 2012 comes to end the Lafontaine family, which seems to have more educators then the average family, is able to come together and have this year's version of the Laff Olympics.

The exact history behind the Laff Olympics is uncertain.  Some would argue that the natural competitiveness of the Lafontaine family led them to such an event.  However, if you want a non-factual yet interesting story as to how it started please ask mon oncle Rich pictured above.

The first event of the competition is BOCCE!!  We play this sport out of respect for our Italian friends, who are found throughout the Niagara Region, and because it is a favourite of memere's but also because everyone can play.

Mia demonstrates her form and the intensity which is brought by all to the Olympics.

With so many family members it is difficult for everyone to play at the same time.  So Rosanne and Justine are relaxing in the pool and awaiting their turn to participate.

We were also very blessed during this weekend to have Amy and her boyfriend Jeff join us from Whistler, BC.  The Laff Olympics is not just about competition it is also a time for family to come together.

The second event was a combination event - basketball free throw and swimming.  Again, because the Lafontaine family is extremely talented each team had no problem participating at a high level in this event.  In this event the winning team won by less than one second.  Due to the extremely technical equipment used for timing there were no concerns over the integrity of the race.

Mon oncle J.P. takes a break with this grandson Cameron to wave to the camera.  Truly a glorious day was had by all.

After this event the family took time to have our annual steak and lobster feast.  Matteya and Mikayla are enjoying their lobsters.

Mon oncle Paul is one of the many of cooks that prepared this feast for the family!

Day 2 of the competition saw all the teams participate in the world famous Obstacle Course - which is complete with written, and often with wrongly interpreted, instructions.

Whether its working together on "skiis" as pictured above or collected two different coloured eggs, the teams gave it their all...

To end the day our traditional Golf Match occurred with each team having to put three golf balls into the Knisley pond.  Although this event is usually very tense and full of excitement it was not this year as the competition had already been decided.  Yet, ma tante Anna can be seen playing to the crowd as she "calls her shot".

The Laff Olympics was also a time to celebrate as:

Rosanne and Kevin celebrated their 16th Anniversay...

Michelle and Justin celebrated their engagement (as they will be married next summer)....

Amy celebrated her 28 birthday, (we think)

Justin leaving for the University of Ottawa...to join Alex...

In the end, one team won and three lost.  Let us applaud the champions and await next year's competition...maybe at Michelle's wedding...maybe not.

W5 Makes its Debut in Port Colborne

Not sure if this will be the cover of their first album...but you never know.

Among the many talents that Justine, Kyara, Matteya, Ariel and Mia have is their love to sing, play instruments and to entertain people.  For a number of years that girls have played music instruments, sang around the house and enjoyed music. 

Mia on lead vocals

Ariel on the drums.

As a proud parent I would love to say that Rosanne and I were the inspiration and source of this talent.  However, since neither of us play an instrument and can barely sing we have to chalk up their talents to a higher power and thank God for this gift that they have.

Matteya on guitar

Over the past year the girls have been taking music lessons at the Music Depot here in Port Colborne.  During that time the girls have worked hard, learned alot and wanted to showcase their talent's at the Music Depot's Open House on Sunday, August 12th.

Kyara on the drums

So they got together and create a band - W5 - and in their debut they played three songs:

Mia on the tambourine.

Kyara on the keyboards

Good Time (Owl City and Carly Jae Respen)
More than a Band (Lemonade Mouth)
Love Story (Taylor Swift)

The group playing for the crowd.

So after many weeks of practice and critiques from music teachers and their parents (and a few temper tantrums from Mia) they played - and did a fantastic job.

Justine playing on the piano.

In the audience was mom and dad, me mere, Grandma and Grandpa Wendling, their cousins Mikalya and Madison and many others from Port Colborne.  Everyone was extremely proud of the girls and the great job that they did.

As well, we have two solo artists in the family:

Justine who played Alone Again (Alicia Reid) and Just a Kiss (Lady Antabellum) acoustically, with Melissa Tavano, her teacher.

Matteya who played Veronica (Elvis Costello) and Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol) acoustically, with Jack and teacher from the school.

Both girls did a great job and although we do not have any contract offers yet, they did a fantastic job!!

Water, Rope Climbing at Kahilari in Sandusky, OHIO

Although the Wendling family has had a busy summer - 4 family members playing travel soccer - 1 playing house league soccer - building a house - music lessons; yet we still found time to travel.  

So away to Ohio with their cousins Mikalya and Madison (and mon oncle Rich and ma tante Anna) to have some fun at Water Park and Adventure Resort - Kalahari.

After a four hour drive that took the family through Erie, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, Ohio; the family arrived in Sandusky, Ohio for two days of water fun, a ropes course and a zip line.

A few highlights of trip included:

"Surf Board/Wake Board"ing - when you get to have an opportunity to do an activity like this you never know how you will do.  During our stay we watched a number of people do this activity.  Some were really good at it....some were not so good...some people were naturals...and some probably need to have a few lessons.

In our group everyone seemed to have the athletic ability and natural feel for this.  However, mon oncle Rich was amazing.  He did not leave his board and was able to do lots of tricks.  Although he did not stand fully up on the board to truly surf - he tells us that next time he will do that along with an assorted number of tricks.  (No truth to the rumour that Richard is translated from the Hawaiian meaning "King of the Surf".)

A number of us were able to do some amazing things on the board and in the pool:

- Mia having great control

- Ariel enjoying the opportunity and yet doing a few tricks

- Matteya had a rough start but finished strong - it looks so easy but this surf board stuff can be tough

- Kyara showing her usual style and artistic flair

- Justine using her athletic ability and quick learning to do a variety of tricks

- Mikayla picking up the slack from her dad - she truly has a bright future if this becomes an Olympic sport

- Rosanne - after losing her board (as instructed to) impressed all with her body surfing.

We never knew that deep down she wants to be an "Aussie" - maybe - maybe not

However, our activities were not limited to the pool.  On the Zip line we had many brave folks zooming around the resort on the very high and very fast course.

As well, the climbing wall was a challenge for all, except for Kyara who conquered it with little sweat, however, mon oncle Rich really needs to stay on his side of the course.  No truth to the rumour that the climbing wall will be a part of the LafOlympics.

The high ropes course was also a lot of fun for our groups, pictured being 50 - 75 ft off the ground doing various "balance" challenges.  

It was a lot of fun and a chance for everyone to rest, relax and  have some fun.

We are not sure what will be our next adventure as a family, but stay tuned.  Maybe we will go the beach as Kyara is suggesting.  Stay tuned ;)