Summer
The summer had lots of science in the library programs, campfires, out door play, baseball for Hadley and an Ontario Early Years baseball/soccer program for Easton. I did a lot of physio/massage to try to fix my hips. They seem so much better. In fact next week I go from once a week to every other week. :)
We went to the Ajax playground programs at Lakeside, got a new family doctor as ours moved, went to the kids CBC day, attended birthday parties, of course there was the back and forth to the old house to get it ready for renting. (Hooray the renters seem great and moved in August 27th)!
We had a garage sale to clean out the stuff that had some value but we really didn't need. Making approx. $80.
I attended weight watchers all summer but was only successful at maintaining really. Up and down the same three pounds all summer. Oh well. Back at it.
I met up with some college friends for dinner which I haven't seen in a very long time. We went for Thai food and a dessert in the distillery district.
Hadley and Brian made their first ever bicycle ride down to the stop sign at the end of our road. They were both very excited to do this. Easton while able to ride a bike for a long time now with training wheels is finding the gravel road less fun. He rides half way to Matthew's and then would rather run.
The kids had their first ever sleep over friend. Cailum came and spend the night. It really is amazing how well our kids play together. So nice to get together more often with Melissa.
We did a garden program and a ready for school program at the OEYC. Both kids loved this. The Pickering OEYC made an exception for Hadley to attend as she has been going to OEYC for 6 years prior. It is supposed to be for 0-6 year olds but at 7 with a three year old brother they let her join in the fun anyway. It helps that I knew all the staff.
We did some electrical work on the house, Brian built a closet for himself as he needed somewhere to hang work shirts. More closet building to come.
We went to Muskoka for a few days to visit Shaye while Brian was away on business. Shaye and I took the kids to Santa's village. It was the PERFECT year. Their ages were perfect for the activities there. So glad we went and with a buy one get one free coupon we saved $80! We paid for two admissions and got two admissions free. Over three years of age it is all the same price. So at $40 per person this coupon was a huge saver!
The summer also had playdates and splash pads, and a road trip to see family. The road trip included a visit to my dad and brother, Brian's mom and grandma, my mom and Pat, and then to my sisters. Here we celebrated all of her kids birthday parties as they are all in September. Brian was away on business again so this was a fun end of summer adventure. I do wish I could see my niece and nephews more often. This time was the first time I really felt like I connected with my niece. It was awesome!
She really is a lot like my sister and I found her cute cuddly side this visit.
This summer I finally found a moment to get over to ride Hannah. The neighbours have beautiful Percheron horses and I love Hannah. She is so kind and patient. I have felt this from her from the moment I met her. She is a large horse but amazing. Synthia (a university student who helps out a lot) took me in the arena and found out how much of a beginner I was but was EXTRA patient with me as we found a rainy day to ride. I couldn't believe she took me out in the rain but she said riders and horses don't mind the weather. It is true. I loved it! I wasn't particularly good at it but I loved it.
Over the summer I got my police check done so that I would be ready to volunteer at the school. Both kids were excited for back to school shopping. On the first day we drove them to school. We found their teachers, they lined up, and were very excited about the day. Easton only showed some nerves at the very last moments but handled it really well. He got in line, and followed the teacher in. And then... I had two school aged kids.
No tears, and a long to do list kept me busy all day.
Day two... we need to work on the routine as the bus comes SUPER early. 7:10 a.m. Last year it was 7:35.
We were ready as I thought the bus was coming at 7:15 and I didn't want to be late but we were just heading out the door at 7:10 not down by the end of the lane.
So it was okay.
Easton said, mom I don't need a hug this morning I will just blow you a kiss from my bus seat. I am excited to go. :) He seems so little at three years old but so ready for this adventure. I remember him asking last year at 2 when he was allowed to ride the bus.
Both kids seem talkative so far about school. Hadley specifically noted that there are only three girls in her class so I hope that is a good thing. They all sit together in a group. Mahima from last year and a new girl that loves the movie Frozen. So it sounds good.
Easton talked of playdoh, and time on the rug, and playing outside. He said he forgot to change into his indoor shoes. His first book out of the library was a book that had 10 books in one. A Dora book that weighed almost as much as him.
While the kids didn't have homework last night, I had about an hour of reading to do.
Hadley found going to bed early last night difficult while Easton fell asleep easily.
Okay... onto the next chapter. School aged kids and our life. :)