Entry FeedYesterday I heard that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be practicing at High Park today at noon.
Son One threw a 20 minute fit last night when I said I wouldn't go and get him autographs. The funny thing is, he walked right by one of the Leafs heading into school this morning, and didn't even recognize him.
I took Daughter and Son Two, who is only in JK AM, to the park. Son One came as well, with a boy in his class and his really nice mom who picked them up for a surprise "lunch."
Walking toward the arena, I practically knocked in Toskala and Joseph, who were getting out of a BMW and instead of the team bus. We saw the rest of the guys get off the bus - MAN - they are HUGE!
May, Blake and Moore seemed to be big hits. My kids were thrilled to see them practice. They were amazingly fast. All smiles, jokes. Some wore sunglasses; others wore touques under their helmets.
Before the Leafs started their practice, George Bell Atoms and Novice did a shoot-out. They then got to watch the practice from the bench. Then Home Depot, who helped refurbish the rink along with the Leafs, had these funny huge blow-up hockey players take to the ice. I took some pictures, I just can't figure out how to mail them to the computer from my phone.
The kids were thrilled to see the Leafs, and the event organizers kept handing out all this swag. We came home with T-shirts, bobble heads, fake crazy hair, and those silly blow-up things they always give to fans.
Less than 5 minutes into the actual practice, the boys noticed the giant snow pile left by the Zamboni, and decided that it was more fun to climb it then to watch. Daughter found a nice mud puddle to sit in, and I felt like a bit of a stalker continuing to watch the practice on my own. Also, my arms were getting tired from holding all of the swag.
It was a great community event, and I thought it would be pretty exciting for the kids. I was glad I wore my long johns... And at least I appreciated seeing the Leafs. If only my camera had worked, I would have pictures to show you, and later them to prove that we sometimes did fun stuff.