Cousin Care

This summer, Tavish and Alanna really found themselves a bond. They play - Auntie Colleen and I can enjoy chatting! A win all around, really.

Beaching

Shoe Fitting

MOMENT: Superhero and Cinderella

Playing together at the beach was fun, but the dress up play later in the evening really ramped up their cousinship. They were construction workers who repaired all sorts of things around the house and Tavish, I mean "Robin" helped to get the fancy dress up shoes on Alanna's feet. There is no deeper bond than that!

Recycling Help

Taking the recycling back from the curb - it's a weekly chore that offers few obvious perks. Well, unless you've got a little helper to keep you company...

MOMENT: Ride Along

Making Cents of Second City

July 10, 2014

After having a few days in a row of sunshine and lolly pops, frolicking in a field of flowers with the kids, Tom and I decided to head out on a date night. Tom didn't make it home from work, so I was to meet him at Second City for the 8:00 show. I had arranged for the sitter to be over for 7:30, it'd be tight, but I'd dash out on my bike and just make it...

MOMENT: Makes Cents

The sitter is over, my bike is out, all systems are a go. No. They aren't. Tavish decides to share with me at 7:31 that he doesn't like our babysitter (not that he interacts with her, he's already tucked in when she arrives). It was a saga. It went on. And on. And on. Time was beyond tight. So, in one attempt at explaining a reason why I wanted to go, I'd said something about money. Having spent the money... etc. Things were heightened at this time what with both of us emphatically trying to express our point to the other, so Tavish responded with a simple solution to a complicated problem:

Tavish: "Mom, if you want more money, take the money you have and buy something at the store and they'll give MORE money back to you!!!"

I melted inside and softened my perspective on this loving five year old who wanted everything to be okay ... and for the sitter to go home. He really tried to solve my problem for me and I love him for it. I really, really, really wish that his solution would work!

I did get there, I was a little late ... and the delay was completely worth it ... in hindsight... :)

Basement Make Over

The basement when we moved in was "partially-finished". The floors were roughly poured concrete that showed the remnants of brown paint that hadn't yet been chipped away. The ceiling was exposed to the myriad of pipes, wires, heating vents, and cobwebs overhead. The place was poorly lit and the exterior wall made of rock. Sure, the space was technically usable, it was far from homey...

Before

Ceiling shot

Ceiling heating vents

MOMENT: Lights, Carpet, Action!

Welcome to a homier basement!

It's remarkable how a little combined work goes a long way. Grandpa Mike installed florescent lights (they made it into the above 'before' shots). Grandpa Mel covered the ceiling with wainscotting, we put down carpet, and swapped out the spare bed for a pull-out couch. Voila! Living space for everyone with thanks to everyone who pitched in. Before these changes, it didn't dawn on any of us to really make much use of that space. I have no digital record of anything happening down there other than some laundry and the odd evening movie. My how times have changed, Tavish plays down there when his friends come over, more movies are being watched, people sleep over comfortably, and sometimes, there are random gatherings in that space rather than upstairs...

Short(er) Hair

July 2, 2014

It was time. I needed a hair cut. My hair was super long and I'd started to (ack!) spot some greys. So, off I went to have my  hair hacked off.

MOMENT: Hack Job

I brought with me, my lovely assistant, Tavish. He cut a few of the braids off himself so we could send them off to have a wig made for a child in need. I paid for this hair hack ... but it ranked up there with one of the worst cuts ever. So I paid for another haircut later in the summer. Most expensive hair donation ever, but the cause is still a good one!

Bye bye!

Short (ish) hairdo!

School's Out for Summer!

Tavish's first year of public school is over. After a bit of unexpected movement in the fall, Tavish settled into a wonderful class that ended with two wonderful teachers.

Tavish: first day of JK

Tavish: last day of JK

MOMENT: Showing and Growing Thanks

Tavish excitedly chose plants for each teacher, painted the container for the chosen plants, and made heartfelt cards to share his appreciation for his two wonderful teachers: Ms. Tran and Ms. Woods. Thank you both for a wonderful and memorable year!

Tavish and Ms Tran

Tavish's two terrific teachers 

Inside of Ms. Tran's card

Inside of Ms. Woods' card

Front of the cards Tavish made

MOMENT: The After Party

We attended the after-school party at a local park. Tavish played with some school friends then played soccer, his favourite after-school activity throughout the year. Keva joined in the festivities with her little red follower. This day marked the beginning of our summer together and foreshadowed a great summer of play and fun....

"Because it's summer and the memories are just waiting to happen."

- unknown

Prince Edward County

We had a wonderful weekend getaway meeting with our friends Jessie, Paul and Finlay in Prince Edward County. They invited our family to join in an annual trip they take with friends. We spent most of our daytime off exploring as a family (other children were weekending with their respective Grandparents). The rest of the group was mountain biking and wine tasting, hence the lack of friend faces!

MOMENT: Rocking it on Bikes

Playing around

Beach Baby

Catching some zzzzz

We brought three bikes and two chariots. Tavish biked a lot, but some spots weren't meant for children to be cycling (roadside), so Tavish enjoyed reminiscing (and napping) in the Chariot from time to time. We didn't return rested from this adventurous weekend, but we returned home invigorated!