The First Day of School

The girls first day of school was today. Durham's gradual entry program meant that the girls had one day of school this week. They were nervous but excited. I got special permission to come in late today, as there were no students in the building - York Region's entry plan was different. This was so very special to me. I haven't had a first day of school since Kate was in Kindergarten!

Kate - Grade 6 - Mrs. Dawidek (Mme. Fudali - French)

Alice - Grade 4 Mrs. Pritchard (Mme. Rochleau - French)

Fiona - Grade 2 Mme Hawley

Masks

No masks

We went on a shopping trip to Old Navy and each girl is wearing a new outfit. Having a back to school outfit seems to be a tradition now! We're hopeful that face to face school will be safe and that the girls will thrive being back. 

Back to School Blessings

We each received a back to school blessing from Ken tonight. I love back to school blessings. They are such a sweet way to begin a new year, remembering our Father in Heaven and His love and guidance that is always available to us.

Alice
- Be a Light - be an example
- Health and strength
- Carefulness from diseases and other influences
- Excel in school
- Get along with teachers and peers

Fiona
- be happy
- Lift those around you
- Stay safe, know how to stay safe
- Look to your sisters for help
- Learn English and French effectively

Kate
- Your family is behind you
- Your family loves you
- You are precious
- Recognize your true potential as a daughter of God
- Be smart and fearless
- Overcome your anxiety and fears
- Get along with your classmates and teachers
- You'll find friendship and comradery 

Wendy
- Grateful for your job
- Discerning who you can help
- Safety as you travel
- Energy, focus
- Be a light to your family

Cottage Week 2020

I was so excited when Emily suggested a cottage week together. I was also super excited when she had a connection to a cottage that was pretty cheap on a beautiful lake with a little sandy beach near Huntsville. We were all super excited for cottage week!

Monday August 10 - the arrival

The very unique looking cottage.

Tuesday August 11 - water fun, sand fun

Wednesday August 12 - kites, Boston Pizza, bonfire

Thursday August 13 - water craft, Kawartha Dairy, Zoom meeting - Marvin Perkin

Sonia's Anti-Racism Group - The guest speaker Marvin Perkins was amazing. He spoke about the Book of Mormon, about race, about Blacks and the Priesthood. It was so good.

A tear.

Friday August 14 - Muskoka Pioneer Village, GF Poutine

Saturday August 15 - Goodbye

**Today is Thursday, July 31, 2025. I can't remember when I actually discovered that I'd never posted about our first cottage week ever. Looking back at these pics the kids look so little. But it's thinking about that this all happened in the thick of the Covid19 pandemic. This cottage week - even with the weird cottage and mouse poop in a few too many places, this week was an escape from the chaos in the world around us. I'm so grateful for the genesis of this tradition and all that has come from it. 

Oh and I just remembered about a few more pictures that I'd taken. Not sure which day was what, but highly possible that these are all from the Friday.