August
In August I took advantage of having the kids home for the summer and no place to be. We decided on a simple outings. The first was to go to glow in the dark mini golfing. Both kids enjoy mini golf and it is close enough to home that it was a simple pleasurable outing. We tried out the VR at the Grid, which the kids found so fun that we went back for a second day. There were simple walks by the lake and just time outside in the backyard. I was able to organize a trip to the Toronto Blue Jays with my dad and brother and our entire family. I think all had a great time, with SO MUCH popcorn! Soon it was time to think about back to school shopping and of course, my birthday. This year the Verkley summer picnic was at Maria's on my birthday, so I didn't have to plan anything, and Lisa and Jeff even came home, and my dad joined in the fun.
Brian's cousin Patrick is getting married later this year, so he and Meg had a stag and doe and for the first time, we let the kids stay home overnight by themselves together. I was nervous, they were confident. We decided that for this first event where they were home alone overnight, no cooking would happen. So I made them a nice batch of pasta salad to enjoy for dinner, and they just had to come up with breakfast and then lunch could be simple sandwiches. They did great! Brian and I took advantage of points he had saved from a work trip and we stayed overnight at the Marriott. Before back to school Easton did a three day intro to grade 9 event where he went to the school for three half days where they could introduce him to classes, the school and what to expect in the coming year. Then it was off to Shaye’s for our annual Muskoka fix where we enjoyed some more mini golf, Webers for lunch and of course some beach time. On the way home we stopped in at a sunflower farm to enjoy the beauty! With just a few days before back to school Easton got together with Lucas for some rock climbing, and trampoline fun. We finished off the month with a campfire! I can’t believe both kids will be in high school!