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 ;)

Update - building our new house

Sorry, it has been a while since we updated the world on our "Canadian Adventure".  I promise that I will do some posting in the coming weeks.

However, we have created a new blog to chronicle the building of our new house in Port Colborne.  Yes indeed finally after many stops and starts, joy and frustrations, we are building and you can watch the house being built at:  http://wendlinghome.blogspot.ca/

See you later!!

March Break - 2012

After 3 years of sun vacations, trips to Austria and Japan during New Year and Spring Breaks it was time for a more traditional "Canadian Experience" for March Break.

Traditionally during the March Break everyone in the Wendling family is off - that is no school, no sports, no activities, no nothing.  So what do the Wendling's do?  In the past they may go to Disney in Orlando, a Water slide theme park in Erie or Sandusky, or just catching their breath at home - doing house work or completing odd jobs around the house.


This year, the Wendling's are doing a little bit of everything.

First, Rosanne and the girls started their vacation on the Thursday before the traditional so they went to Great Wolf Lodge and spent a day on Water Slides and having fun while dad spent the day at work.

Great Wolf Lodge is quite big and has many different slides and activities for kids.  The better news is that Great Wolf Lodge, not the original by any means, is located in Niagara Falls, CANADA.

The second day was very special as it was Kyara's 13th birthday - two teenagers in the house - well we will see where this goes.  :)

The following Monday the Wendling family ventured to the "Sugar Shack" or in the bush where they make Maple Syrup.  In our part of Canada this is a popular attraction for families and for schools as making Maple Syrup is truly Canadian and somewhat historical experience as the practice goes back to the time of the Native Americans.

To begin their day the Wendling's had a breakfast of pancakes and sausage complete with Maple Syrup.  


Then is was into the woods where they were able to see how Maple Syrup is collected and processed.  Since it was a beautiful day it really was a nice walk in the woods for everyone.

During the week we also had a chance to "re-celebrate" Ariel's birthday...well not really...we just took some pictures with a cake...but we did think of her.

Well that's all for now.  The next few weeks will be busy as we have 3 provincial basketball championships and 1 provincial volleyball championship.  See you soon.