I've been meaning to capture the moments that make motherhood so special and although there are many videos and photos which will account for the first 15 months of Tavish's life there are no journals or scrapbooks. So, this blog will document the tid-bits and tales of the moments that make a mother proud, happy and generally enthused about this ride that is motherhood. This has been created for me but I invite you to read, share and enjoy this collection of moments too.
Last week of summer and we packed in the adventures with some time at Toronto Island and a Labour Day weekend in Ottawa.
Ferry to the Island
What a view!
Snack break
Grandpa Mike time!
Building with Grandpa...
...and taking his wheels for a spin
MOMENT: Bikes, Planes, & Trains
The ferry marked the start to the finish of summer. We made a splash, rode around, and watched some planes land. For the Labour Day weekend, we made our way to Ottawa on the train to see Grandpa Mike before school started.
The whole family voyaged from Seattle to Fort Frances for our annual visit. Tom could only stay part of the time, but as has also become an annual tradition, we left feeling fulfilled with memories and family time.
Fort Frances' new Library is awesome, but...
...let's go to the cabin!
Ah, back in the boat.
It's a serious job being at the wheel
Hanging with (or on) Grandpa as much as possible
Tavish vs Bugs in the name of blueberries
Movie time with Grandma and Auntie Colleen
Water babies
Staying afloat
Drying off with Mom
Paddleboat getting it's annual workout
Someone discovered clay
Tavish and Logan, cousins bonding
Here fishy, fishy!
Reeling it (almost all the way) in!
Replacing the line - fish made off with Tavish's!
When a motor breaks, the seniors paddle you to safety!
Keva and Colleen holding hands.
Airport ride
We'll miss you until Christmas!
MOMENTS: The Cabin Crew
There are now two children for Grandpa to share the boat wheel with; more fish in need of catching on Footprint Lake; a paddleboat to peddle; some "baseball" to play; blueberries to pick (when covered head to toe with bug protection); swimming to do; and smiles to share...
While I went off to Arizona to celebrate my 20th UWP anniversary, Tom and the kids made their way to Seattle to visit with Auntie Michele, Uncle Mark, cousins Harrison & Phinnaues, and Grandpa Mike. I joined them for the family gathering a few days later...
MOMENTS: Family Gathering
We had a great time sharing family dinners, swimming in the nearby lake, hiking, visiting the Aquarium, picnicing, taking in a baseball game, and playing in general. Like any long trip, the journey home was not without travel complications (grumble) but they could not overshadow the great time that was had by all...
Kate and I grew up together in NWOntario but have spread ourselves out from our original 'home'. Her sweet family was in Orangeville for part of the summer, so we made use of the proximity to us and gathered a few times. The kids get along; the hubby's join in (or we gather without them); all while Kate and I catch up, hang out, and just continue making more memories that prove our general awesomeness…
Eli, Sophie, Tavish, Keva: Together Again!
Tractor of Trouble
Off to explore!
...after picking strawberries for about 2 minutes.
Fine Dining
MOMENT: Strawberries of Summer
We met up for some strawberry picking. The intentions were strong, but the pull to tadpoles and frogs was greater for Sophie and Tavish than the sweet strawberries. The Dad's worked up a sweat with the baskets, the bigs played in mud and the Moms chased after the littles. We all gathered back in Orangeville to recover and rollerblade discover, beat the heat and eat.
MOMENT: O Canada!
We basically turned right around and headed back up to Orangeville for another play session together full of red attire, splash pad fun, and general giddiness.
Happy Canada Day & Happy 7th Anniversary to Tom & Kath!
You know summer is finally upon us when it's market season! The kids and I go often to this weekly market, it is a favourite. There's live music, great vendors, a playground nearby, and a wading pool. No swimsuit needed (blush)
MEMORY: The Two Meanings of Bubbles
Keva was still a babe-of-few-words, but she'd recently surprised us by saying "bubbles". I was on a hunt to catch it on video and although I was successful eventually, there was a cost. The cost was wet clothes and a lot of bubbles.
Tom and his friends from university gather for an annual golf tournament. So, the kids and I tagged along to Kingston to make a weekend of it. We went glamping (glamour camping) with a pregnant Megan and Xavier.
Xav, Keev, & Tav
Someone fell down. Boo.
My Little Swimmers
Campground Exploration Mode
MOMENT: Cottage Site
We even skipped the tent and opted for a little cabin! There were a lot of local sites to explore ... mini-golf, little cars, swimming, busker festival, and more! Good times.
