Bust that dust

Sophie has a strong desire for handheld vacuum. Good thing we kept ours (circa 2005) 

 

Trying to keep a tradition alive/aflame

 

We planned to have our traditional first fire of this warm autumn once Sophie was home from uni but something is broken... So we switched to candles, supper in a dish, and "crisps" from Mum's recent trip to the land of strange flavours. This year's temptation - a cheese toastie and Heinz Baked beans! 

They really were that taste!

Genes

Our kids have hyper-extendable toes - both of them.😕 

Auntie R is in the house! (and so is Sophie who is back from uni for reading week)

 

Grab them when you can

Quick hugs as Mum zooms through Montreal early-September

 

Summer treats

All the treats one gets because it's your last weeks at home...

Special ice creams

New sheets for your dorm room

Fancy doughnuts

Last trip to the farmers' market

and of course, we had to have a sticky bun

and cool local drinks

And a final meal at Banjara's

You've got this, Sophie

Settling into her dorm room and new life as a university student in Montreal! We love you, Sophie!!

 

Readying for McGill

Happy to find her Mum's McGill diploma before setting out to get her own

Earning some cash for university with some gardening work

Wedge in hat & Desigual top 2.0

 

Celebrate good times, c'mon!!

 Sophie & some of her fan / fun club

@ her Champagne Toast

These youngsters got her through COVID & more. And are off

 on great adventures

And where will our dearheart go?!!

UFA Commencement 2024

Graduation ceremony / commencement

 

Gramps & Nana made a special trip

Everyone was on hand for a special late brunch

And then tea and memories on Fern

Our graduate - here's to 4 years!!

Our UFA graduate & recipient of community of learners and leadership awards

 

From first day of school to last

 14 years and here she is - on the cusp of university! It's been wonderful to see her grow & learn, make friends (decide some people aren't for her), take up challenges (lay others down), volunteer, try out sports, compete, collaborate, cooperate, strive, and learn when & how to rest. 

A big thank you to all the teachers and support staff at The Grove, Delta & Ursula Franklin - and of course, Mme Natalie in le petit village.

And yes, it's time to retire that skirt!

Grace & grit

 It's been a delight to see Sophie progress in her form over the years, while retaining her love of dance.

As parents, we have put in countless hours volunteering for the Nutcracker and other shows; waiting in the car park for rehearsals that overrun; guiding her home alone by bus; exploring the various ballet stores of the GTA; watching year-end recitals (recalling how cramped and sweaty those June afternoons were in the old studio); and so much more. 

Thank you, Ms Bouman and all the instructors who brought her from year 1 to year 9 - through modern dance, movement and classical ballet (and "dance from home" pandemic style!)

The two dance school leavers with their farewell balloons

A hug from the indomitable Pia Bouman

Hugs from the teachers 

Oh what a night, what a lilac delight!

Heading out to Prom 2024!

Ready with Rigsel and her new strappy shoes

The group convened at Henry's

Always time for a snap with Lena

That's our girl - ready to dance on the party bus in her beautiful, backless dress!

The summary was: she danced; fun was had; she did indeed see the sun rise over lake Ontario: and everyone made it home safely!

But the backstory had some great details - like the Grade 12 rugby players were in the final tournament the day before and of prom! But they were fairly confident they wouldn't get through the first round, so skipped the Monday night hotel and dashed home to prep. That - for Sophie - meant getting her lilac nails done ASAP!

It was the season of finals for the athletes and Sophie's boyfriend, Rigsel, was also in the year-end tournament (for soccer). At one point, he was scheduled to play the morning after prom! Fortunately, that wasn't required.

Sophie had put in countless volunteer hours on the seating (a thankless task if there ever was one), name cards, decorating and more. Hopefully, more photos will emerge of the Palais Royale with the UFA Class of 2024!

Shapes & textures

YMI performances are fast approaching and the rehearsals seem endless (and run overtime).

 

Magnolia tea

Another year of deliciousness

Two kids who indulge their mum

and have some fun

A warm spring and a work trip meant that we were watching the rainy forecast closely but the sky cleared and we were able to sit out and enjoy the blossoms!