Chudleigh's Apple Farm

I was so excited for today to come! Emily, Shawn and I made plans to meet up in Milton (pretty much halfway between London and Ajax) to play and hang out. The weather was perfect - a little sunnier than I thought perhaps, Ken and I got sunburned. I'm not sure how the kids didn't, they had a little sun, but not nearly as much as Ken and I?!

The kids played in the hay, they played on the slides, in the sand, at the petting farm, everyone had a pony ride, and we had a great time. Shawn and Cooper had to leave early to head back to London for a family event so they didn't get to come apple picking, but I'm so glad that Shawn was able to come for the time she did. (And it's a good thing you can just buy apples on the way out!)

Hanging out with my friends and watching our kids play always makes me so happy. Yesterday was so lovely. And of course, eating apples in the orchard... perfection!

A ROM Trip

I like the idea of traditions, but trying to keep them up can be very difficult. We had this tradition of a yearly trip to the ROM on Labour Day weekend. Now that we live closer and have a ROM membership we go more often and going on Labour Day weekend doesn't have to happen, and can't always happen, but the tradition of it... I don't like ignoring it! And a week late, that isn't too bad?!

The girls and the subway/LRT - it's still such a novelty, they get such a kick out of it! We brought rocks with us and left them all over the place. Oh and funny thing, we didn't check the weather before we left. It was cold when we got downtown and so we made a stop at Roots on Bloor St. and got the girls their first roots sweatshirts. It's funny how much Roots clothing I've purchased for my sister's kids over the years, but never for my own!

Ken really wanted to see the classic horror movie poster display. It is a special exhibit - it's the private collection of Kirk Hammett who is the lead guitarist of Metallica. It was an interesting collection, presented in an interesting way. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

After that Fiona and I went to the kids area, and Kate, Ken and Alice checked out some other areas before joining us. We were a little disappointed that the kids area wasn't entirely open. There had been some flooding and there were huge bumps in the floor and one whole area was closed off. I'm not sure when we'll be at the ROM next, but I hope that they're able to make repairs!

We walked back over to the subway and I texted Andrew and he said, sure, come on over to the Keg, it isn't very busy right now. So after a snack, we went to the Keg over on York Street. 

On the way home the girls made up food names for each of the subway stations on the Bloor/Danforth line. It was funny. Sherbourne = sherbet, Chester = cheddar, Pape = pie. I can't remember them all, but Ken and the girls are so cute!

First Day of School

Missing the first day of school when they were younger - ugh! Now that they're getting older, it isn't too bad, and there are so many things that I do get to share with them because I'm a teacher.

Ken is the man, and he took these pics for me!

Kate, grade 5, Mr. Salvati homeroom (math), Mrs. Pritchard (English), Mme Pantin (French)

Alice, grade 3, Mme. Clarke

Fiona, grade 1, Mme DiClemente

The girls all had a great first day. They're excited about their teachers, and the kids in their classes. Tuesday is a no after care day, and I was worried about getting out of my school on time, so the girls walked home, and that was pretty epic too! I hope it's a great year!

Back to School Blessings

And just like that the summer's over and it's back to school. Ken gave all of the girls blessings tonight. I'm not ready mentally - it will be okay though, but I don't feel ready. I'm not sure I ever do. I hope that we have a great year.

Honestly, re-reading the notes, it's going to be a great year - some ups and downs I'm sure, but everything is going to be great. I'm so grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father that knows me, and knows what I need.

Alice
-health and energy
-strength to do the right thing
-be an example and strength to classmates
-have a bright outlook, find the good in others
-have patience with your sisters
-look out for those around you

Fiona
-adapt quickly to class
-make friends
-have fun learning French - pick it up easily
-use sisters for help
-bless you with safety and health
-be a light to those around you
-be an example, show them who you are

Kate
-find the bright outlook in everything you come across
-find joy in challenges
-be kind to those around you
-know how to deal with people that hurt you
-be kind and understanding to your teachers - they're people too
-be an example

Wendy
-bless you with an abundance of energy to take care of work and family
-get up early - that it won't feel like a burden to get up early
-discernment to figure out what those around you need
-trust that your children are in good hands
-know when your family needs you more than work
-find joy in your work
-health