Sports Days ~ Jun. 4-6th

As Nora's preschool year was winding down, it was time for a morning at the park for which the weather cooperated. :) Scott and I stood at the sidelines, watching the general confusion for the teachers in trying to make 5 relay lines of 4 years old, and then expecting them to return to the same line. (Nora worked her way through three different lines...)

 Nora is trying to figure out who this girl is, as she randomly joined the activites while
 playing at the park. We gave the same looks, but in wondering where her parent was!

 No, I did not plan to dress alike...

 A triumphant moment when she figured
 out what was supposed to be happening!

 Carrying an egg was exciting...

 ...and at least it was hard-boiled!

Free play was more Nora's style, and she had no trouble embracing the water.

An extremely talented parent offered face painting to the delight of everyone.

 Nora was the only child who chose an Octopus.

Attending Lewis' last Sports Day was not nearly as exciting for Nora and her mood reflected such when we showed up after preschool. She had asked her teacher to do specific face painting motifs during  class, which were not quite as well-placed as last time, and not exactly indicative of a sunny mood with a rainbow present. Perhaps we just needed time for "the  rain to pass..." ;)

 Nora's classic dirty look...

 Perseverance and more snacks helped.

Lewis led his own team of children from each grade, which was fun to observe.

 Nora mellowed over lunch break as she met the other kids.

Scott had a good time taking some photos to share with the school. Lewis contemplates the route for the forest relay.

 This was our first year of having a sports day in one location
for the students, as the new primary school is now finished and
located behind the older middle school. No shade but a lot of space.

Say farewell Lewis, your days are limited on the playground. :(

Birthday Weekend ~ May 24-25th

As happens every year, or for at least the last 13, we have enjoyed Grandpa and Lewis' birthdays a day apart, and always enjoy celebrating them together. (These pictures will be familiar to those who read my other blog about my Dad.) This year we gathered in the cafeteria at Royal Columbian hospital to mark the occasion.

 Happy 73rd Birthday, Dad!

Kellie and I alternated taking the group picture, so here are both. (Thomas and Scott weren't present.)

 Nora loves special occasions, and Grandpa even more.

 Lewis always makes very creative cards...

 Catching up with the cousins, Kieren and Kailey.

Meanwhile, Scott and Thomas were at Camp Stillwood at Instructors' Camp, where they had a great weekend of learning and getting to know other students and instructors.

 Thomas enjoys attending such events.

 Master Karpiuk gives feedback during a testing.

Lewis turned 13 the next day, and had some encouragement in Nora with opening his gifts.

 A gift on behalf of Grandpa...

 Who knew musical cards were so thrilling?!

 Our typical pose... Charles rebelled by facing the wrong way. :)

 Charles & Margarita, who officially knows we're all crazy.

 Kailey is growing up too... turning 13 in Dec.

 Always looking good!

 Lewis only tolerates photos on his birthday it would appear.

 Spending time with Auntie Kellie.

 Always thankful to get together.

 We all were missing Dad....

 Lewis has already completed one gift...
 Da Vinci's Flying Machine

It's hard to believe we have 3 teenagers now, and (technically) one young adult. If Nora weren't here, I'd definitely be grieving that my "baby" boy is growing up. But something tells me, he'll always be that in my heart and as sweet as ever. ;) And, I'm getting used to this stage...  although I will be utterly exhausted in a decade. ;)

Mellow Days of May ~ May 16 -30th

Track and Field day is becoming more bearable again, as Nora can be bribed to stay longer with the available candy, pizza and ice cream treats available. Sadly though, it is big brother Lewis' last year to participate so we won't have any older siblings to cheer on anymore. (And you can bet the boys won't be watching Nora!)

It was one of those odd days of dressing... not quite warm, not quite cold. And definitely not matching! I have much less input about that nowadays. :)

This was every boy's favourite event. (Because who really wants to sprint!)

Afterwards Lewis had his friends over to celebrate his upcoming birthday. It's so much easier at this age to just organize pizza, a movie and a sleepover. Plus, Scott's the one who has to take them out!

Reminders of Spring all around us~

 Peter Rabbit nibbles in the backyard.

 Enjoying the late-blooming Rhododendrons.

A bee enjoys them even more!

The boys couldn't remember the last time I rode a bike, and we were all happy that I got a new bike for Mother's Day. We did our usual shortcut through the sawmill yard. It took some time to get reaccustomed to being on 2 wheels, but was a great feeling. (Except for that helmet...)

Nora and I check out her dollhouse ~ I sometimes need to remind myself to mellow out and just play.

Nora has a birthday playdate as Megumi's son turns one. (Although big sister got to blow out the candles!)