a good run

Joe's team couldn't make it happen today and their season came to an end. But I've said it before and I will say it 8-million times more... it was just so good to see those guys out there playing again. This is what our boys love and its gives them so much life. Joe is an awesome pitcher - he's keen and aware and determined - and I'm so, so proud of him for working so hard and learning so much. 

And this video (sorry for the crazy mom cheering/laughing/crying)... Joe struggled at bat for the first part of the season. There were many disappointments followed by many pep talks. And then one day, this happened. That was a good, good day. 

The boys will keep up with their practice and play as much as they can over the winter months but - hurry up, Spring - the next season can't come soon enough. 

birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Henry! Today is the day and, even though it's a school day (blah) and that will take up most of your time, we're still so glad to be celebrating you. Birthday doughnuts, Taco Tuesday, playtime with the family, and a baseball cake, all at your request... happy to share with you the things that you love. Yippee!! It's your birthday!!

Henry eve

We're ready for you, Henry. Birthday day tomorrow, and we're pumped for your year being 11. 

Year 10 was pretty great. You finally got back to the ball diamond, after everything being cancelled last year. And, oh boy, I love watching you play baseball. I love seeing you love something so much. I love seeing who you are and who you are becoming - not just as a player but as a person. Yes, you are developing and displaying some awesome skills but you are also learning how to cheer on your team, play on in a difficult situation, and move on when a call doesn't go your way, and it shows in your character. 

When I'm at the game, I want my eyes to be on you to soak in all of who you are. So my camera comes with me, but sits at my side as I watch and cheer (and sometimes hide when I'm particularly nervous for you). The downside of this is that I don't have a photo that truly captures your essence - the way you have fun with and support your teammates, the intensity you carry on the pitcher's mound, the joy you exude when a play goes right or you strike out the batter, the giggly giddiness at the thrill of sliding into home plate. Those pictures of you are just in my head, just for the moment, just for my memory but, boy, they are grand.

You and baseball go together. The game is stitched into you, just like the red threads of a baseball. You know the stats, the facts, the stories, and it makes up about 90 per cent of the things you talk about. I'm doing my best to listen and to understand and to revel in that glow in your eye because it is so purely, happily, absolutely you. And I love you very much. 

bearded ladies

After going to at least two baseball games per week for the past three months... the girls have learned to find their own entertainment.  

people we like a lot!

We also go to see some special people on our drive back to Saskatoon to catch the plane!

Cindy and this smile cookie...

And the Molyneuxs!! That was a fun and happy surprise on Cary's birthday, when I completely interrupted their work day and disrupted their entire afternoon (they were very gracious about it, because they are nice like that... and also because we haven't seen each other in four years). 

adventuring

Well, since no one needs us at home anymore... Leo and I decided to go on a holiday. Leaving David and Company with charts and schedules of meals and chores and who-needs-to-be-where-and-when, my tiny travel buddy and I went back to Shaunavon to hang out with and entertain Papa while he recovers from knee surgery. Leo was a great helper to Papa, supporting him in his exercises and entertaining him with very loud renditions of the alphabet. We had the added bonuses of seeing Walker and riding on the combine and extra cuddles and stories with Grammie. Leo missed his brothers and sisters, and would stop me many times a day to ask for a hug and a "whittle chat about Daddy and the boys and the girls," but a video call home, and maybe also the realization that he didn't have to share any toys with siblings, quickly solved any problems.

Leo was a good and patient traveller, even when his Mommy wasn't (I've forgotten how to travel by plane, and when to update my id, and to empty water bottles before going through security). And when we landed back in Toronto at midnight and I was lugging a heavy, tired boy and multiple bags through the airport, Leo lifted his head off my shoulder to tell me, "Well that was a nice adventure." 

It really was. 

what's left

And that leaves this guy kicking around the house, wondering what to do until the brothers and sisters get home. 

jane's turn!!

And now it's Jane's first day of kindergarten! She is ready and willing, and walked in to school with confidence and purpose (whilst leaving her mom standing outside softly whimpering to herself...). At pick-up time, she declared the day, "not as fun as I thought it was going to be," but we agreed that not all days are super amazing and it's nice to have a mediocre one thrown in there once in a while to keep us rested, and she's willing to try it again tomorrow. 

Yay, Janie! We are cheering for you! (Crying, yes, but mostly cheering.)

first day

Here we come, school. Grades 8, 6, 4, and 2. And if you think they look happy to start, please know that's only because I said the word "poo" to make them smile. 

last day

Last day before school starts means slurpees for all (... in our family... it's not like we're buying slurpees for everyone in the world... we can't do that... we're not kachillionaires). 

 

as long as we possibly can...

That's how long we're going to make summer last. 

Our last hurrah was a visit with our Moynifriends at the Pinery Provincial Park for adventures on water and on land. We are ever grateful for the fun and canoes they bring into our lives.