Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Grade 8 Graduation....

This post is a little late coming but it seemed like the last week of school for the kids was just jam packed with activities and the usual excitement that leads up to summer vacation. The highlight of the week was Claire's graduation. It's been a few years (like 9) since we had a Grade 8 grad in our midst and our school pulls out all the stops to celebrate their student population...dinner at the country club is pretty swanky for a room full of 13 year olds. :)

This event was made extra special as Claire was class valedictorian. She, along with her male counterpart, delivered a heart felt address to their classmates. They did an amazing job and were so well spoken. It was definately a proud mommy and daddy moment.

Claire was also the recipent of many awards. The highest achievement being the Principals Award for Leadership which is awarded to the overall student achiever in a particular year. She also walked away with the English Award, History Award, Academic Achievement Award, and student Honor Roll.It was nice to see all her hard work and dedication over the last few years rewarded. Her teachers had such sweet things to say about Claire and she will truly be missed in the school community. We are so proud of you Claire-Bear!  You deserve all the success you have had and can't wait to see what you accomplish in High School.

A beautiful daughter on her special evening

In 2 more years we will be here for Evan's grad!

A proud Mom and Dad moment

All my kiddies in one spot makes me happy

All that hard work paid off

Way to Go Claire!

Friday, May 19, 2017

A Busy Month....

It's funny how we can go for weeks with nothing scheduled on the calendar.  Unlike many families this is something I intentionally try to create and support. My kids are not in endless extracurricular activities and are limited to just 1 additional interest at a time outside of school learning. It allows time to just be with each other without the distraction of too many other commitments getting in the way. Some of the best moments are the quiet moments, when you have time to listen to your kids, really hear what they want to talk about without having to rush them.

Well, this is not one of those months! And it does not seem like next month is looking any better. But, the busyness is all good stuff. Stuff that we are so excited to be a part of.....and of course, it's all about the kiddies. I wanted to take a moment and document these accomplishments as the years have flown by and don't seem to be slowing down at all. To think, that I started this blog when Evan and Claire were little and Alec was still in public school. Now we have added Miss Avery to the mix and our lives are overflowing and full in the best way possible.

Claire is graduating Grade 8 next month and we have been a flurry of activity finding the perfect dress (which we did!), planning possible hair styles, makeup, mani/pedi.....oh, and the shoes! Definitely Claire's favourite part!  Before we get to next month though we had some exciting news last week. Claire was chosen to receive an award at the District School Board office last evening. The event was to honour teacher, students and volunteers who exemplify character traits such as leadership, inclusiveness etc.  Adam and I are so proud that she was nominated by the principal to represent her school at such an event.

While Claire was busy being honoured for her outstanding character Evan was on his way back from Lake Simcoe where he spent the majority of the week attending the Ontario Education Leadership Camp. He, along with 4 or 5 other children were chosen by the teachers to attend the 4 day camp where they participated in leadership activities, made new friends.....and missed their mommies (just a little bit). Evan had an amazing time and came home with many stories to tell and new friends too! We are so proud of him for being selected for this special opportunity. Way to go Evan!  To top it off, Evan just found out that his art design for the yearbook made "runner-up" and will be displayed on the back of this years 2016-2017 Yearbook. Awesome!

Not to be outdone, Alec, who just completed 2 years of the Police Foundations Program was just accepted to bridge into the University Program and continue with his education for another 2 years. He is also maybe just a little excited about his new car....well, maybe a lot excited!

Avery has also had a wonderful year in Kindergarten. Her teachers adore her and she has learned so much. Still our spunky, social and outgoing child but also full of kindness, fun and willingness to learn just about anything you throw at her.

A tea party with friends is always the best!


New wheels for my big guy!

Leadership Camp looks good on you!



It was not all seriousness....always time for a fun pose or two!

A beautiful evening....and a beautiful daughter
We are so proud of you Claire-Bear





















Thursday, February 23, 2017

When you realize that your 4 year old has never fed a duck.....




 ...you grab the 2 middle kids, some slightly expired hot dog buns and head to Fairy Lake in search of some feathery friends, a little walk and some fresh air.