One of the best things to do when you're in Shaunavon for a weekend is to put on your toque, grab your favourite snacks, and spend the day watching cousins play sports. So that's what I did, too.
We are remembering Auntie Rosella today, so grateful for her life and how she lived it and all the things she taught us. I was very honoured to give the eulogy at her funeral, and glad that Andrea and I could be in Shaunavon to be with family and to say our good byes.
We love you, Auntie Rosella.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's finally Leo's birthday. Happy Birthday, Leo! Unfortunately, it was not an international holiday so school and work carried on as normal but we squeezed in some happy celebrations before and after. For example, on the walk home from school, Leo informed me he couldn't wait for his balloon pop game when all the kids got home (wherein balloons are strung up across the room, and we take turns popping them to reveal the piece of paper inside, on which is written a fun activity for everyone to do). Um... right. Yes of course that is what is awaiting you at home Leo... let me just rush home ahead of you quickly and get that set up.... Fortunately, his big sisters were eager participants and he declared it the best balloon pop he's ever had. And we ate doughnuts and pancakes and cake and anything else you can think of made with flour and eggs and all was awesome.
Now he's counting down the days to his family party. And drawing up diagrams for how he would like the house decorated for that.
Happy Birthday, Leo! Five! Let's go!
Not just Halloween, but birthday eve for this soon-to-be-five fellow.
Oh Leo. You are a funny wonder. Lots of things going around in that head of yours. Some big ideas. Some fibs. Some big words. Some complicated plans. Some honest opinions. Some songs. Some specific menu selections. Some problems. Some solutions. Some thoughts about snacks. Just a real smorgasbord of things.
You love hard. You hug hard. You think hard. You kick hard in your sleep.
You are an amazing drawer, filling up all the tiny spaces on the page with equally tiny yet super detailed pictures. You're getting the hang of the alphabet and will surprise us with your sight words. You're getting pretty good at basketball, or so you tell us, and maybe one day you will want to learn how to ride a bike. Maybe. You consider yourself a qualified reporter and like to talk into pretend microphones on CBCB News.
But most of all, you're a good buddy to all the seniors that you meet. Everyone knows your name and you've got a big wave for all of our neighbours passing by. Your best friend is the 80+ gentleman who lives across the street, and you like to have a chat now and then, tossing bits of wisdom back and forth as you stand on the end of the driveway. You are definitely a neighbourhood favourite.
What will you do when you're five? Run for a political office? Implement a neighbourhood watch? Report on all the local goings-on? We can't wait to find out. We love you Leo John Paul. Happy Birthday Eve!
We're thankful for Grammie and Papa being here with this past week. We're doing fall things like sauntering, picking apples, and eating turkey. And while the kids are at school, I've been spoiled by the company of my mom and dad and a lot of lunches out. It's nice to just sit and be with them and to try to convince them that lakeside retirement suits them.
