SANDY LAKE

We headed up to Sandy Lake to spend a few days with Grams, Claw, ANT Jally and Maddie.  Those few days were so fantastically fun they extended and extended and extended once more into a 10 day stretch on Sandy Lake.  Dave and I managed a quick one night jaunt to Kingston to celebrate Nathan and Kyla's wedding, while the boys stayed with mum and Tom for the night.  The love and independence they exerted at the cottage was a new level this year and we realize that cottaging with them is just getting more and more fun and a bit easier each year.  Highlights of the time up North were kayaking, peddle boating, rowing Grampa's boat "Advance", catching fish and minnows, a surprise early birthday celebration for Quinn, chasing chipmunks (no successful catches), reading daily, snuggles, playing in the water, boating across the lake for an afternoon at the beach, playing BananaGrams, riding bikes, paddling down the lake for lunch and spending time with people we love.  Many thanks for putting up with us for 10 days we are most grateful to you. xoxo

SURPRISE PARTY For QBall

Extra cool candles!

Money to open his own bank account from Jal

AND... a very cool giraffe made out of recycled flip flops brought back from Kenya

Thanks so much ANT Jally!

It almost looks like the giraffe is trying to read the card too...

AH Mazing!  The custom made Converse Quinn designed for himself.  So many people to thank in getting these here.  Thanks Uncle Bill for ordering them and bringing them to Canada with you.  Thanks Grams and Claw for giving them to Q for his birthday.  Best gift ever!

Loving his new shoes and new giraffe

Perfecting his casting.  Nice form Kieran!

Another dragonfly saved!

His catches!  He boated back in to show us.  So proud!

Feeling strong after a dock workout!

My Happy Boy!

This boy WANTS A puppy!  Thanks Maddie for playing with him.

DOCKTails on the floating raft to soak up the end of day rays, heavenly!

My boys!

Independence and Happiness

Hanging together on a floating raft a few cottages away.  Loving life!

Fast and rude dude riding the road

The annual BAMA shot!

Fishing together.

LIFE IS GOOD!

Many thanks to Grams and Claw for letting us stay and stay and stay and stay up at your special spot.  We love the time we spend with you there.  Although there is a lovely element to coming home, we are definitely missing being there with you.  xo

This pic was shot on Jal's iPhone.  The boys had rescued a dragonfly that had fallen into the lake.  They hopped in, grabbed it out and put it on the bottom of Quinn's flip flop to dry out in the sun.  They lay there and watched it for several minutes hoping the wings would dry and he would fly off.  There was some concern as to whether or not he had a ripped wing.  Minutes later as he flew, the boys cheered and clapped in celebration of him being ok.  So long Mr. Dragon Fly!

HARD WORK & DETERMINATION

Kieran had the privilege of working with our friend Vicki from March break until the end of the school year.  Vicki worked on increasing and solidifying Kieran's confidence and skills when it comes to reading and writing.  The playful nature with which Vicki approached working with Kieran was astounding.  He looked forward to going to her house on Monday's and Wednesday's after school and his desire, willingness, self-confidence and abilities sky rocketed.  Thank you Vicki for sharing your natural teaching talents with Kieran and in turn with our whole family.  The relationship you have cultivated with this little boy have made a lasting impression on him.  We are incredibly grateful to you.

* In today's mail was a manila envelope addressed to Kieran.  He immediately knew it was from Vicki.  He ripped it open to find a trophy with a note on it.  He quickly and easily read it aloud to us and was thrilled to have received it.  V - Thank you for being so thoughtful.

RING vs. RING

Quinn and I were working on a Hidden Picture hunt last night when we had a hilarious encounter.  One of the words written at the top of the page was "ring".  In the picture, I saw what I thought might be a "life-ring" and wondered if we were hunting for a "life-ring" or a "ring" one might wear on their hand.  I asked Quinn the question, holding up my pinkie finger on my right hand which I wear a half eternity band ring that Dave gave me the moment Kieran was born.  I said, do you think we are searching for a "ring" holding up my pinkie finger to which Quinn gasped, "Oh Mummy!  You just SWORE at me!"  I had a little giggle and held up the same finger, explaining that I was not swearing!  He went on to assure me that I was in fact swearing in Chinese!!!  Well then, you learn something every day.