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.
Tavish had his first hockey practice with his new team. Yes, you read that right, hockey. In August. It's extra out of context amid pandemic life and baseball season not really being normal...
Tavish: "what?! I have hockey?! (pause) but I still want to play baseball!"
MOMENT: Smelly
Tavish came home from this first practice looking perfectly sweaty (as one would after working so hard). I mentioned showering. Tavish: "what? no! I'm fine. I'll just do it tomorrow!". We chat about how he's getting to an age where it needs to become automatic to shower right when he gets home. Tavish heard us and after we agreed that this would be the last time for 'waiting until tomorrow', he sighed as he headed upstairs, stomping on each step saying a word at a time... "why. is. 11. so. smelly?!". 🤣
We rented a lovely cottage for a week up near Sharbot Lake. It was small, sweet, and perfect for our family to kick back and relax. It was also situated close enough to Ottawa to make day visits enticing for our extended family.
MOMENT: Family Time
There were 3 different day visits from Tom's family to our wee cottage rental! First visit was Auntie Michele and Grandpa (and Scout). Second visit saw the return of Grandpa with Harrison and Finn. The final visit on our final day brought Auntie Michele, Harrison, and Finn (and Scout)back. It was lovely to see them, outside of course, during this strange pandemic summer. Our family of four had a great time. Solitude served us well ... good food, lots of time on, in, or next to the water, some chill time, and lots of games. It was wonderful and we hope to replicate it again in summers going forward.
Fishing at cottage with live bait. HUGE worms. Tom cut one for a fishing rod because they were so big, fish would just take a bit off the end and make off with dinner and managing to avoid our hook altogether. After Tom cut one, Keva exclaimed ... "aw, poor guy! He's bleeding." (pause) "good thing I'm not a worm right now..."
Our first evening at the cottage, we sit down to our dinner together on the deck. Keva sighs and says "I just love a happy ending". We agreed but did pause to ask what she meant. Keva clarified, "you know when we are all together and everyone feels happy? Yeah, that's a happy ending and I like it". ❤️
A few short days after returning home from our epic campervan expedition, we had done just enough laundry and had just enough energy to pack up again, but this time, with significantly less space to spare - so we headed off on a 4 night canoe camping trip to Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park!
We are Off ... in One Canoe!
We all Fit!
Tent Life
Keva's Leap
Tavish's Leap
Swimming is our Way of Life
Enjoying an Extra Bite of Sweetness to the Experience
Ontario Scenery Never Disappoints
Fabulous Four
MOMENT: Paddling Pleasure
What. A. Trip. We had an excellent. Just the 4 of us and our canoe. The bugs did not impose on our happiness hardly at all. We didn't need masks and we were just free to lake swim, rock jump, canoe paddle, hammock read, tent sleep, and wood chop. It was absolutely idyllic.
When covid strikes ... rent a campervan and make the most of it! And the most of it we made indeed!
All Starts with the Map
The Mighty Campervan Crew
It's Only Fair to Take Turns at the Wheel
Our Outdoor Movie "Theatre"
Splash!
An Important Stop Along the Way
Happy to be Home for a Visit
Superior Sunsets
Nestling in for the Night
Family Views
Happy Campers
Che Cheemaun
Grotto
Keeping it Classy with a Night at Walmart
MOMENT: Memory Making on Wheels
After almost 4 glorious Grandma-in-Toronto filled months, she has decided to head home to Fort Frances. With airlines reducing their covid safety protocols, Grandma's ticket was credited and we rented a campervan for safe transport and the perk of an unexpected adventure. It's important to always find a silver lining among these covid times... so, we found some silver with Tom having to work 'from home' enabled him to come with us (and work). So, we journeyed quickly to Fort Frances, stayed for a few short days, then adventured a bit on the way back along the north shore of Lake Superior, Manitoulin Island, Bruce Penninsula, and Wasaga Beach. Many memories and good times had by all.
