fliparoo

Last day of gymnastics for Janer and Clara today. I mean, last day of gymnastics in the gym. Handstands and cartwheels will continue indefinitely in our backyard and kitchen. 

illustrious

Look who has come to visit!! 

It's Grammie (far right) and Papa (centre), obviously, as captured by Leo Kantor. (Person on the left is the salesperson at the glasses store who just sold them new glasses, again, obviously.)

last day!

Emotions vary. 

fly guy

Henry took to the (indoor) skies today at his friend's birthday party. Indoor sky-diving is a windy, exhilarating, awesome experience. 

screening

So grateful for generous friends who operate a drive in and welcome us as their guests, reserve parking for our giant van, and supply us with bags of popcorn. We had a cozy and fun night, just us and the mosquitoes and a bunch of other cars, watching The Bad Guys on the big screen. 

class of 2022, part 2

And today was Janie's graduation... kindergarten, not grade 8, but no less emotional what with the singing and music montage (thanks a lot, Kindergarten teachers). 

Jane-a-roo is off to St. Mary's next year to join her big siblings in French Immersion. She's excited to take the bus and to do big kid things. 

Happy graduation to you, Miss Jane! 

gradually

You know what's great? That kids don't grow as quickly as puppies or horses. But it still goes pretty fast. For example, today we celebrated Joe's Grade 8 Graduation, even though he just started kindergarten. At any rate, in a fun and peppy celebration, the grads were honoured, the parents were offered plenty of photo opportunities, and the siblings sat still - so a beautiful, successful evening all around. We were so proud that Joe was honoured with the award for academic excellence in French Immersion, so pleased with how he looked in his fancy pants and Pokemon socks, and so excited to hear all about the "graduates only supervised dinner with music" when he got home at 11:30 p.m. (Full report: "It was okay, I guess.")

Happy Graduation, Joe! We love you!

getting in treble

I did not realize the use of recording devices was strictly prohibited at this concert. I almost got kicked out. 

field of dreams

Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa. (Actually... it's Oakville... but that's a Field of Dreams quote that probably only my brother will get.)

cutie-patooties

Nothing to report here except these are my girls and they are cute. This picture was taken by cousin Emily as she was leaving our house. The girls really love cousin Emily. 

gushing

To mark the occasion of the day - a Father's Day hike to Sherman Falls and Tiffany Falls - we have created this brief list outlining the commonalities of David and waterfalls. Here we go. 

1. Both are majestic creations of God. 

2. They go with the flow. 

3. They never disappoint... except for that one time, when he didn't buy fruit at Costco (David) or the time the viewing platform offered a pitiful view (waterfalls). 

4. Both are, in general, tall. 

5. We're really grateful for both. 

Happy Father's Day, David. We love you and wouldn't be us without you. 

nicest guy on the team

That's what Joe's coach said about him, along with some other kind things. Coachable. Won't talk back. Listens. Plays all the positions. My mom heart burst wide open. So proud. But I would also add "cute" to the list.