G'n'R Out West

We just got back from 2 fun filled weeks in Ontario.  The first week was just the kids and I and then Greg joined us for the second week.   We did all right without Greg, but he was certainly missed and we were all very excited when he did finally join us.

For the most part we just spent time with family.  It was sad to miss out on seeing some friends, but family time is precious when you live so far away.  Both my sister and my brother are living in Ottawa at the moment.  It was amazing to spend 2 whole weeks there and feel so involved in the details of their lives.  My brother even bought a house while we were there, so we had the opportunity to do a drive by to check it out.  It will be fun to go back to Ottawa after he has moved in and spend a few nights with him.  His cats will be tormented by Adelle all day AND all night…it shouldn’t take too long before he regrets inviting us to stay with him!!!!

My sister and her family are currently living with my dad in the co-op where we grew up.  We spent lots of time there and it was so beautiful to watch our kids play where we used to play.  Some things are different, but some things just never change. 

Adelle has never been more filthy then when she was hanging out in the co-op.  Just as it should be.  She was SO HAPPY all week just playing outside with her cousins.  She and Chi-Chi can get into it every now and again, and again, and again…but that’s just part of growing up.

My dad has one neighbour that we don’t like.  Well, to be honest, the kids like him…but most of us adults do not.   Adelle just couldn’t get close enough, and the snake was really not afraid of us.  I was just glad she didn’t fall off the front stoop and land on the snake…I don’t think it would have been pleased.

One afternoon we met up at the splash park.  In typical Adelle fashion it took just moments for her to be soaking wet and filthy.   Shortly after ensuring she was completely soaked from head to toe Adelle chose to sit down in the sand…and then proceeded to eat it.  Sigh.  Sometimes we are so alike, and sometimes we are so different. 

Simon really enjoyed all the kids.  He spent a lot of time just laughing and laughing and laughing.  We are also fairly certain he told his first joke on this trip.  He was hamming it up with the kids, chewing on my dad’s hand.  After a few seconds he’s stop, wait for the laughs to die down then start back up. I tried to catch it on video…but of course having the camera around ruined the moment.  At any rate he was a big hit with all the cousins and he just ADORED them.

At the end of our trip we headed off to Kingston for John and Angela’s wedding at Angela’s family farm.  We also were lucky enough to spend some time with our friends Kevin and Alison at Kevin’s parents home just outside of Kingston.  It was just lovely.  Aaron and Adelle could not have gotten along any better.   For the most part it was a great visit with them.  However, I am not sure if Aaron is my friend anymore.  In an attempt to prevent my daughter for falling in the creek I managed to take down myself, Simon (who was in the sling) and poor innocent Aaron.  It was sad sad times!  We all got nicely wet and my poor little boy got a few scratches on his head.  I don’t think Aaron was hurt, but I was so traumatized by the incident myself that I’m not sure Kevin and Alison would have had the heart to tell me if he had been.

Adelle had a total blast at all the wedding and at all the wedding related activities.  John and Angela did all sorts of great things at their wedding to make the kids feel included.  Adelle met a number of new friends and it was just wonderful to see her having fun with kids outside and on the farm….ah…more dirt!

Adelle didn’t quite make it through the entire vacation unscathed.  In an unfortunate shovelling accident Greg managed to hit her in the nose.  At first it didn’t look so bad, but on second though we took her in to the doctor, they took some xrays (found nothing) and then glued her cut up.  So far it looks great, but i think there is a chance she might have a little scar.  Greg felt terrible, of course, but after my creek incident I think I’m the one that really feels like the worst parent in this house!