Yesterday was the last day of Calgary Stampede 2018, and we can not say but thank you to The Calgary Stampede Organization @calgarystampede for preparing such a great event for Calgarians and people from around the world to enjoy, especially families like us!

In 14 years we have been living in this magical city, we had not enjoyed the Calgary Stampede like we did this year. Being parents of a three year old changes the game to a whole new level. First of all, watching the Parade from a child’s perspective: it’s a totally different  experience. Everything is so wonderful, everything is new and exciting, the horses, the music, the festivity of the environment and the cheerful people along the streets in downtown. 

​Our son enjoyed the view since early in the morning from his grandparents’ balcony located right in the core of East Village. How lucky are we? Yes, We know! Looking all the participants getting lined up, getting ready for the parade, made our morning routine a little bit difficult to follow, as our three year old did not want, for anything in the world, come to have breakfast! Ahhh the things we let pass just for the Stampede!

This series is about parenthood and brotherhood as well. We figured the little one would want to see how life was before he made his entrance!
In the meantime, Tenshy is very happy, as the morning sickness is a thing of the past. We are half way this pregnancy and the summer is in full swing. Even though we could not make it to the mountains over the weekend, we decided to visit Confederation Park, an amazing place for families.

There is so many things we would like to share with you! Please leave your comments down below and let us know what's your favourite outing, and how do you manage to continue doing it while expecting your new bundle of joy.

Until next time, and remember to stay awesome!

Ivan
visual storyteller at Family Filmmaker.

Exciting times for us as parents, as our second child is on the way.
Make sure to play the video in the link down below to discover a heartwarming love story.

Producing this little film took some preparation, as we wanted to show several stages of childhood in just three minutes. So we went to our archives, looked so many photos and videos of Nico when he was little... it was amazing. And then the editing process, where you find yourself as a parent and at the same time a filmmaker, threading everything together. Not gonna lie, tears ran down more than once. Tears of joy, that is. An amazing journey, as it is only the first couple of years, and the rest is yet to come.
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Leave your comment below and let us know ​how do you celebrate the joy of family love?

Until next time, and remember to stay awesome!

IVAN
storyteller at Family Filmmaker

I'm pretty sure you've heard the phrase "I have nothing to wear" before. Admittedly, many of us have said it; and the truth should be somewhere in the lines of "I don't have something I'd really love to wear right now" or perhaps "I don't feel like wearing this, or that today".

Ultimately, the spirit of that conversation with ourselves should ideally point to: How can I be happy with what I've got? And how can I improve or move along with the current situation.

At this point you must be wondering yeah, but, this is not a fashion blog, or a place to look for wardrobe advice. Yet, somehow, it is! We were part of an amazing transformation a couple of months ago, and we are thrilled to share all about it here.

​Without further due, we present you a film made by yours truly, showing Teresa Trottman's inside out Make Over.

Family Filmmaker partnered up with Fabulous@50 Calgary, as we sponsored the realization of the film you just watched. The whole experience lasted for half a week or so, including wardrobe, etiquette, makeup, even some coaching, and more.

We were there for a full day. I arrived to the hair salon early in the morning. It was so early that I was the first one there, and a few minutes after I met Teresa. She told me she was the winner of a make over and she was there to get her hair done.

I spent some minutes chatting with Teresa while the owner of the hair salon, Debbie, was getting ready to receive us. Just by looking at Teresa, one could tell she was excited and nervous at the same time. The kind of expression you will find in somebody that is used to give and give, but not to receiving as much. Not even 10 minutes in, we were already sharing both laughter and tears, on what was a really well deserved pampering day for her.

After we were done at the hair salon, we moved to Adriene Furrie's studio, as we didn't want to miss anything and Adrienne was going to help Teresa with make up tricks and tips. It was fun! And the gorgeous natural light made our film look stunning.

​Before we go, I'll leave you with a bonus! The day Fabulous@50 Calgary released Teresa's make over film, we were invited to the stage, among a small group of sponsors. Joanne invited Tenshy to share a little bit more of why we do what we do at Family Filmmaker.

Here is what Tenshy said...

If you are curious about Fabulous@50 please don't think twice and visit their website Fabulous@50 Calgary. Once you are there, please send our regards to Joanne Neweduk. She did an amazing job organizing the whole event, coordinating all the volunteers, and even on stage as a great Mc. Another shoutout to Debbie, owner at Vigi's Hair and Miko Photography.


And if you like our videos, don't forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel - Family Filmmaker.

Until next time, and remember to stay awesome!

Iván
Storyteller at Family Filmmaker

P.S.: I couldn't say thank you, in person, for the lovely card you gave us back then, Teresa.
​Thanks a bunch, it made our hearts warm and cozy. :-)

For the second year in a row, we visited the Easter Egg hunt party & play organized by Mommy Connections here in Calgary. We had a great time and made some new friends. I think Nico had a good time as well, as the amount of activities were readily available and all the parents seemed to be having fun like us.
My only regret is that I couldn't find Nico's craft of the day. He made a nice little egg and spent some time putting stickers on it and decorating it with paint, glitter and other materials. Perhaps I'll post the photo later, when I'm able to find it. Only perhaps :-)

How come it was snowing?
Let's just say that Spring was being shy and there was a little bit of snowing during the egg hunt #welcometocalgary, #LOL ! [ not that much snow that we couldn't get our cameras to work ... ].

We really hope you enjoy the video, and please remember: Don't wait for the memories to create themselves. Go and create those special moments NOW!
This video was made as part of a bigger collection, we are creating and preserving memories of our own son's childhood. Our goal is having a humongous collection we can enjoy with him when he grows up. 

​We would love to hear how's your experience when taking your little ones to events like these, so please make sure you drop us a line in the section comments down below.

Until next time,

Ivan
Visual storyteller at Family Filmmaker