Cottage Construction

As soon as I figure out how to install Flickr on this site I will post lots of progress pix. Here are a few snaps of the transformation of Lot 6:
Back corner
April 13

July 1

Aug 16



Here's how the front looks as of Aug 16:


And some interior shots from the main floor:
Looking out what will be the big windows in the living room (grey building - our spa shed - will be relocated to the site of the highest bidder)
And yes, we will have to thin a few of the trees to get a better view of the lake.


Look, look, look, lookin' out my back door:


View from back den to front:


Thanks everyone for sharing in our excitement!

Happy Birthday Fayzie!

Gwendolyn Faye - you are a treasure!










You are such a beautiful person.
Lots of love to a wonderful Mom, Mother-in-law and Gramma!

Afternoon at Auntie Pat's

It felt like everyone was heading to Hamilton today...the QEW traffic is busy at all hours of the day now.
But it's worth the drive, especially today, 'cause we got to see all the Hammond gals and their families. (And Aunt Joyce and Uncle Larry!)



It's such a thrill to see the younger ones get along just like they left off - it's been at least a year since Carson has seen Lisette and Nicole. My fondest memories of the cottage trailer are of the times the Alvarez kids stayed with us. We will never forget the fierce argument between Leah and Jake about the reality of good and bad bears. It's been several years since these two have seen each other - and within a minute, they were thick as thieves, checking out Jake's DS:


We took lots of pictures because we never know when we will be together again.



We discussed sending Carson down to Bolivia for a visit next month, but when she found out that it's winter down there right now, Carson asked that we wait until the weather was warmer. I hope that we get that chance!

New grandma Kim tried to get into this picture too, but got booted out:


Thanks Aunt Pat. What a great afternoon. What a great family (aren't we?)!

Cottage Fun

We spent the last few weekends up north, but will be home for the next few until Rob is good to travel. The weather was a mix of cool and damp to hot and sunny. The kids managed to have lots of fun. Thanks to Gramma and Omi (and Opa) for all their patience and good spirits.

The water was warm and the kids were in it or on it as much as possible:






The grandmother's were always close by to supervise:


And of course, Tasha's morning would not be complete without a visit to the trampoline:


Lots of kids, lots of fun.

Prom and Grad

Prom and Grad. Short simple words that are anything but that when it comes to execution.
Prom is the year-end celebration for Grade 12 grads - and their dates. Carson has been attending prom since Grade 9. This year - her prom - was going to be the best.
The dresses were discussed and purchased months ago. The girls created a site - on Facebook? - where they posted pix of their dresses. No embarrassing situations where 2 of them wore the same thing.

Carson's dress was purchased in Buffalo during March Break. That was dress 2. The first one, costing twice as much - was deemed too casual.

Shoe shopping started in Mississauga, then to Burlington and eventually we found success in Hamilton. Gramma and Grampa were the lucky recipients of a fashion show (and fries) as we checked in to their place on our way home.

Carson - after much encouragement - decided to do her own hair. Too many experiences of her paying big $ at a hairdressers to come home and redo it herself (in a fury of tears no less). Omi helped out and the result was stunning.




The day before, Auntie Michelle treated Carson to a manicure and pedicure. That was the day Carson had to buy and prepare the food for my baseball post-game party. That was also the day that the grads found out that the post-prom party had been cancelled. I didn't quite understand the angst but apparently it was a big deal.

Prom was on Wednesday. The parents were invited to a student's home to ooh and aah over our beautiful children. Rob managed to get away from work early to take pix (and marvel at the beautifully landscaped backyard - there were some pix of the fencing, decking and outdoor living room amongst the prom kids).



At the graduation ceremony, the principal cheerfully remarked on our extremely well-behaved group of students at the prom. Uh oh. Even I know that means it was pretty boring.
And when we finally saw Carson at grad - not having seen her since pre-prom the day before, she expressed "disappointment" (not her words) at the boring event.

SIGH.

As for Grad, all I could think about was that it felt like just yesterday when we were watching her graduate from Grade 8.

SIGH.

Oh well, at least we got some nice pictures.

Congrats Carson for coming through some of the most challenging years you will ever face with exuberance, resolve, dignity and grace. We have no doubt that you will find success in everything you do.

Here's a Story...of a Lovely Wedding

Everyone agreed that it was a perfect day! Congrats to Dwayne and Janice for throwing a fabulous party and squeezing in time to get married.

Everyone waiting for Dwayne to arrive




A heartwarming ceremony


followed immediately by champagne:

Friendly paparazzi:

There were almost 200 family and friends in attendance - at least 50 of them were kids. There were goats and cows, bubbles and babies, horses and cowboys, food and fun.








Janice and her sisters:

Dwayne and his siblings (seems my brothers had to clean my face for the picture)

Dining al fresco


Dancing on the deck



The evening ended with a fireworks show from the cornfield. And the agreement that we would return every year to celebrate love, friendship and family.