Stuff happens

Tommy had a birthday and we couldn't celebrate right away - end of the school year meant a lot of school work for him, plus concerts and other obligations. But we wanted to mark the day somehow. This is how I decided to do it.

That same day, David had an end of year field trip to Crescent Beach. Literally the worst weather for a beach field trip, but it looked like the kids had fun. It was soooo cold though. Like, really really cold. And wet.

David's friend Aarne found a crab!

We ended up spending a lot of time wandering around. David seemed like he'd rather wander with me than sit in the cold with his friends. Which was fine with me.

Finally Tommy had time to celebrate. We had the family over for presents and cake.

Tommy asked to cut the cake. For a math/science person, I wasn't sure about his cake cutting skills...

Then Lizzie had a dance recital. We decided to take advantage of being east and visit the Abelmans. Seth is growing like a weed.

David didn't want to go to the recital so we left him with Seth.

Pretty sure he had way more fun there.

Meanwhile, in Abbotsford...

Darren getting the fire going.

Then it was Father's Day. We bought Andrew a case of rootbeer - assorted varieties.

And we went to the movies. In a weird twist, we saw two movies in one day!

Wonder Woman was amazing. I loved it.

Think we're excited for Despicable Me 3?

After dinner, it was time for Cars 3. Also good, though not the plot line I was expecting!

And it stirred a strong desire to go to the races.

David and Nate

 These two are best buds. Also the owners of a small landscaping company (ha ha, that's what I tell them anyway. And they've done some great work around my place so I'm hoping I'm planting seeds for the future here!)

It's fun to watch their friendship blossom. This is their last year together at Middle School, then David goes off to high school in 2018.  Considering them met when they were in a split K/1 class, that's just crazy.

June tenth was a busy day

These last few posts are all from my phone, so there's going to be some repetition when I upload my camera pictures (I think I'm getting close to 1500 pictures to weed through. HELP!)

Anyway, on June 10th, Ruben and Ada came to play. We started by visiting the newly refurbished playground downtown. It was great!

Then we went to Brookswood Days. We used to take our kids when they were little. They've expanded it quite a bit and it's so worth a visit!

Especially for the free cookies :)

The we went and watched some top notch floor hockey at George Preston. Let me tell you, for free entertainment, it's really, really good quality hockey.

After all that, we had a party at our house. As usual, Larry wanted to have a water fight.

I have to agree with Larry, they're a lot of fun.

We have an MVP!

Both of our homestay students are incredibly smart. One, Tommy, is on a 5 year plan to graduate with a PhD. Our other student, Larry, plays an insane amount of basketball. By which I mean he played on the Jr A and the Senior basketball teams at his school this year. He also played intramural, volunteered at the girls' games and played every lunch and after school and ran camps at the elementary school.

So it was no surprise when we got an email from the school letting us know he'd won an award and we were invited to an awards ceremony.

Having no experience with high school students, we had no idea that most parents don't attend these functions. Unless they're coaching. Oh well, Larry and his friends happily sat at our table and we were thrilled for our boy.

Larry goes into grade 11 next year, which I think means he can only play on the senior team. That's gonna be a change, except I'm positive he'll find ways to involve himself in lots of other basketball.

Congratulations Larry!

Hub Cycling

Our local District PAC advertised free bicycle safety courses being offered through HUB Cycling at our local MEC store.

Coincidentally, I had just been telling my kids about taking similar courses in England. So of course we jumped on this offer.

It's a great program, and if you ever have the opportunity to participate, I wholeheartedly recommend it!

June Stuff

This is my new lawn boy. He's fantastic!

Tommy had SATS in Abbotsford, so I contacted my bestie and arranged to meet her out there. When David found out, he insisted that he and Seth also have a date. Who knew their friendship was so strong? Not me!! But here they are...

We wandered around Mill Lake.

 And on the way home I bought shrubs while these two nuts sat in this chair.