Summer 2021

It’s been awhile since there’s been a minute where energy and time to write have come at the same time, but only because it’s been a busy summer! Funny how after months of lock down again, as soon as things start opening up and day camps became available for Isaac, we took our family to the cottage for a two week holiday!… It was unexpectedly good though, without the added stress of work, we were able to enjoy the family time…after a couple days of adjustment.

The kids were happy to swim, fish, climb and dig. There was much fossil hunting, and many worm/minnow catching sessions. Isaac became an expert on catching snakes too. Opa brought the Hobie Cat which was a hit with the kids, and Isaac loved hanging off the trapeze! We had lots of great company, and it was nice to be able to take people for rides on the boat. With a couple rainy days at the end of our stay, we did a few excursions to hike the look out near Westport and once to go mini putting. Isaac managed to accomplish his main goal for the holiday, catching and eating his own fish! And he loved it! Fish is on the menu more and more these days. What 5 year old says he wants fish for dinner??

Isaac had a blast at daycamps this summer, and especially loved the trail bike riding camp that inspired a love of biking on the trails in Stoney swamp. He’s becoming quite the risk taker with a love of BMX biking, skateboarding and doing tricks on his scooter. Of course Cadence and Asher are following closely behind! We spent most evenings going for bike rides. Asher really got the hang of his coaster bike balance, while Cadence insists on riding her pedal bike.

Jon and Lindy were luckily able to get out sailing again this year, if even for a shorter season. Jon has a new boat with a couple buddies, but unfortunately the covid restrictions prevented any travel to regattas. Lindy did get a much needed night with friends as a mini twenty four hour escape from the daily routine between renters at the cottage.

Cadence and Asher started potty training which has gone smoother than could be expected with twins, however still seemed like an effort. We are excited to be so close to completely diaper free!

Our usual summer neighbour-get-togethers got a bit more exciting this year since our neighbours got a pool! The kids have all become great swimmers and love the water. Isaac even started doing flips off the diving board! Unfortunately, one neighbour family moved away from the neighbourhood this summer – though we plan to keep in touch. We threw a street party to say goodbye, which was a big hit with an ice cream truck and face painter.

After a busy summer, we were happy to have school start up again, and lucky it was back in the classroom! It is hard to know if covid is to blame or if it is just a typical 5 year old phase, but Isaac has developed some social anxiety. Although he happily got on the school bus again, Isaac sometimes has trouble going into groups of people including friends and family. The unpredictability of his fear has made it tricky to react properly in the moment.

September brought another goodbye, as our neighbour friend who had been struggling with cancer finally lost the fight. We will miss Afshan’s smile and constant cheerfulness, even in the difficult times. Yet another example of how we need to be thankful for everything we have everyday.