Stair Master

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Keva is a stair master now. This video was taken when she embarked on her first solo journey up, up, up the stairs...

MOMENT: I Think I Can

Everyone surprised themselves on this mid-July evening when Keva conquered her first flight of stairs. She wasn't too sure she could go the whole way, but she did! We weren't sure we would (patiently) let her take the time to do the whole flight solo, but we did! Taking just over 8 minutes to complete, Keva now has a whole new view of the world...

Algonquin Park

"Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe."

- Henry David Thoreau

Our fearless family of four finally made it out on a canoe trip that involved portages. Two in fact. Each way. It was memorable and wonderful ... and yes, we'll consider doing it again sometime...

MOMENT: A Trip To Treasure

The Captain of our crew

'Sweetride' loaded with precious cargo

Daddy, the 'Sweetride' carrier...

Mommy, the baby (and gear) carrier...

...and Tavish who leads the way!

We meet up with our camping companions

Keva and Finlay holding hands

Keva loving the camping life

Tavish especially loving the campfire life

The portaging families that knew they could!

Algonquin Park provided the perfect half way point to meet up and adventure with Jessie, Paul and Finlay. We enjoyed our two night canoe trip together, rain and all. I know that we are already keen to book again for next year. Memories like these won't make themselves, you've got to get out there and make the moments count!

Tub Twins

Tub time usually involves both kids at the same time. However, one evening Tavish went out on an errand with Daddy so Keva had the tub to herself and Mommy had a free hand to take some shots. In looking back, I see that we also took a few photos of Tavish in the tub at about the same age. Tub twins below, Tavish at 13 1/2 and Keva at 14 months...

Tavish having a splash...

...at 14 months in the bath!

Keva keen at 13 1/2 months to get in...

...for a spacious and solo swim

Soccer Season

We signed Tavish up for the "Skills Development" soccer program for the summer. At the beginning, the frequent GO train service during his class stole the show (and his attention for about a minute every time a train went by). Eventually though, it became more of a norm for him and he kept his eye on the ball...

Our soccer son

Two of his three biggest fans

MOMENT: He Shoots, He Scores!

Listening...

...and learning

Putting it into practice...

...and staying hydrated

There was one coach that was so much fun that Tavish didn't even flinch at the trains: Coach Andy. He kept the kids moving and the adults chuckling ... honestly, 4 and 5 year olds running around when many are clueless is so very entertaining. Tavish learned a lot and became quite skilled with his shots on net!

Snuggle Up

After reading stories one night in early July, Tavish asked, as he often does with me, "want to have a snuggle?". I could never decline such a delicious offer. We always have the greatest chats and sweetest snuggles together in those moments. So, tonight when I nestled down onto his bed and into his outstretched arms Tavish says: "Let's stay here forever". Mommy melts.

MOMENT: But What If...?

"Mommy would love it if we could stay here like this forever". (smile, snuggle) "What would we do if we got hungry?", I asked. "I'd go make us a snack".... thus began one of the most delightful conversations we've ever shared. Here are some sweet snippets...

Mommy: What happens when we run out of food?
Tavish: I'll go to the grocery store to get more food for us.
Mommy: What about if we get lonely?
Tavish: I'll play with you, Mommy.
Mommy: Thirsty?
Tavish: I'd go get you a glass of water.
Mommy: What if we want to exercize?
Tavish: I will bring us lots of things to do and exercize with...
Mommy: What if we wanted to play?
Tavish: We would go outside and run around and do all sorts of things, then come back...

This kids got it all figured out...

Mommy: It sounds like you would take really good care of me.
Tavish: And Daddy and Keva too. All of us. Together.

Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up. That was a snuggle that was hard to leave, although there was a lot of giggling as the conversation became even sillier and my pre-schooler grew sleepier.,.

Swimming Lessons

This summer, Tavish took his first swimming lesson since he was 6 months old. It was at our local outdoor swimming pool and involved a 30 minute lesson every week day for 2 weeks. The pool was lovely, although the water temperature was ... well, frigid. Tavish braved it as long as his purple lips and shivers allowed him on the first day. He was the last kid left in the pool before he too admitted frozen defeat. He stuck with it though, every day the water seemed a little warmer and every day he swam a little bit better...

Tavish in Preschool Swim 3 - Otter

 MOMENT: To Swim or Not to Swim. There is No Question

Stopping to smell the sunflower on our
warm up run home from his lesson

Level 3? Check!

He's naturally comfortable in the water and probably has strong genetics for swimming too (brag, brag), but it was time for a formal lesson from someone other than Mommy. It worked, his first time in swimming lessons and he completed the level and is moving onto the highest level for his age!

The Urban Pond

"Every child is born a naturalist. His eyes are, by nature, open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, and the mystery of life."

- R. Search

It wasn't until I was in my 20s, that I discovered that there were amazing things to explore in the area where land and water meet. I was in awe of the living things I found and have enjoyed watching that excitement emerge with the young students I've worked with over the years along the edge of various ponds. I knew it was time to introduce Tavish to this whole new world of exploration...

MOMENT: Pond Life

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful"
- E. E. Cummings

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
- Frank Lloyd Wright

"Wisdom begins in wonder."
Socrates

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
- William Shakespeare

Tavish rode his pedal bike while Keva and I hustled along behind to meet at the pond with some friends/colleagues. Tavish was eager and engaged the entire time. We found a dragon fly nymph, pond snails, and all of the stages along the life cycle of a frog (eggs, tadpole, metamorph, frog). He was in awe. When it was suggested that the other child was ready to go to the nearby splash pad, confused ,Tavish replied with a polite "why?". Another pond explorer is officially in the family.