rapids test

Well that summer went rapidly. So this is our pre-school pilgrimage and a last hurrah of summer. We planned a trip to Lewiston to Our Lady of Shrine for Mass, to light a few candles, say some prayers, and tour the statues. Its a good place to say thanks for a good summer and pray for a good school year. 

And on the way, we decided to end the summer with a splash through the rapids of Niagara. We boarded a boat - opting for the one that had a glass roof - and took to the waters for some spins and dips and slides. It was a pretty fast and awesome ride and, one day, we're going to go for the boat WITHOUT the roof to take a good shower. 

Of course we wish we had more days of summer - it went too fast - but it has been good to us. We are so glad. 

take me out

I didn't take Annie to a ball game with Henry last night to watch his friend play. I told her I would make it up to her by taking her to a Blue Jays game instead. She raised her eyebrows. 

Today I took Joe to his high school orientation. On the drive home I asked what his plans were for the rest of the day. Not much, he said. Maybe we should just go to the Blue Jays game, I said. He looked at me funny. 

And then I asked Henry what we should have for supper. Hot dogs, he said. We don't have any hot dogs but you know who does? Rogers Centre. We should just go there. Henry agreed. 

And so we did. (David and I bought the tickets a week ago and I've been dropping hints ever since. But I guess I say a lot of ridiculous things all the time so no one ever believes me.)

and that's the ball game folks

Summer is fun with its free days and sunny weather. But of all the activities we can do, this one is my favourite. I love watching my boys play ball. 

Joe and Henry each had a pretty good season. Henry's team lost out in the semi-finals, and Joe's team took home the silver after their final game. It meant ending the season on a loss for both guys but life lessons abound. They'll be fine and counting down the days to next spring so they can start all over again. 

furiends furever

No kitten - the girls and Leo and I have been cat-sitting our neighbours two cats while they are on vacation. I, litter-ally, do the stinky work while the girls play and cuddle with their new best furiends. It's been a pawsome time and I've only had to answer/avoid the question "can we get a cat?" 8-thousand times. 

birthday crafternoon

Miss Annie had a fun day today with her friends and some crafts, in celebration of her 10th birthday. Giggling was a major theme of the afternoon and was the soundtrack to their projects, playing, and eating. They are such sweet friends and we're so grateful for them for our sweet Annie. 

becca + devin

Far out into the country, right before you fall off the flat earth, lies Claydon, Saskatchewan (population: post office and community hall). And in that big, wide space mapped out by pasture land and grid roads, we celebrated the big, wide potential of Becca and Devin and Walker and Cash, the family that they are and the family they are becoming. 

This day has been long awaited for, dreamed up during Covid and postponed until we could all be together. And so here we are, together in the dirt and the love, under the giant sky and the beautiful sunset, dreaming up the future that lies ahead on those gravel roads for the new Casat family. 

Congratulations, Becca and Devin. We are so happy to see how happy you are, how you each have found your buddy, your partner, your best friend, and how you work together to raise your sweet boys. You are a good team and we are cheering for you as you walk in this marriage. Hurray for all of this! Hurray and much, much love.