Happy 15th Birthday E!

E is 15 today! Happy Birthday to him. He is such a great kid, I know that everyone probably says that about their child, but he really is, and other people tell us that too.  He is just so easy going, happy to do whatever needs to be done, and gets along with everyone.  As I was looking back over the year to pick up some photos of him to share here, I was reminded of how he quietly succeeds at different things. He had a great first year of high school, finding new friends and maintaining connections to his old friends, doing pretty well at his classes (can always do better in my opinion!), completed his Bronze Cross course, won Most Improved of his ski team, developed a pretty good golf swing, volunteered at the food bank a few times, helped out with the junior golf camps, helped Q's baseball team with pre-game practices and keeping the little siblings entertained, and worked on his guitar. I can ask him to empty the dishwasher, grab something from the store on his way home, help Quinn with something, or put his laundry in, and he does it without complaining.

We are so proud of how responsible he is (most of the time, there is the occasional lost airbud, iykyk), how much fun he has with his little brother, how smart and clever he is, and how he makes good decisions. In a world where there seems to be overwhelming pressure to have it all figured out right now, this kid is going to be alright. 

Weekend Recap

It was a throwback Friday for me as we attended a school parent fundraiser at the local Legion and played Bingo. You know you’re from a small town when neither of these things are new to you. And yes, I drank Keith's beer from a bottle :)

We did not win anything but had a good time.

We decided to go to Canada’s Wonderland on Saturday. We never got there all summer and this was our first real opportunity to go. The temperature was chilly to start out the day, but we dressed properly and it was a sunny day and not too bad.

The boys started off the day with Yukon Striker but I opted out of that one!! I don’t mind most of the other rides but not the ones that are super high and go straight down. I did go on the newest coaster, Alpen Fury. What helped there is that I didn’t really know what it was like, as we were getting strapped in, I said “does this go upside down?” Uh, yeah it does, 9 times, plus it is super fast (like Tron at Disney). It was very thrilling.

A few of the rides were closed for various reasons or late opening, and Alpen Fury was one of those, we were keeping our eye on it and when we saw them getting ready to open it up, we ran over and only had to wait for a little while. Behind us the line was filling up and was reaching a 2 hour wait. I don’t think I would have liked to wait that long, but it is definitely a popular one.

It was fun that Q was tall enough for everything and the boys could ride together even if Mom and Dad didn’t feel like it! This is another one that is too high for us!

The park is set up for Halloween, they have a Halloween Haunt at night, and the decorations were really well done. 

I was happy to get home for a rest after that day. We made some random things for dinner, and then watched the Leafs game and the baseball playoffs. 

I didn't get up to too much on Sunday but I did go out for a walk in the late afternoon. I love the fall colours and had to take a few photos. I am always grateful for how close we are to this beautiful natural spot.

We watched a few shows and tried to get to bed at a decent time. 

Sharing Our Lives - Hostess Gifts

 

I missed last week’s link up with the Sharing Our Lives crew -  Adrienne, Dara, Jen, and Joanne.  

This month’s topic is Hostess Gifts. I try to gift things that I also like to receive:

Wine. This is usually well received, but you should know if your hostess likes wine and if they do, if they prefer white or red. I find most people give red wine, which I will drink, but I do prefer white so when I get that, it’s even more special. You should also buy a nice bottle of wine, nothing crazy expensive, but better than basic. It’s a gift that you hope someone will appreciate, not the time to save money. 

Food. I always ask if I can bring something when I go to someone’s house, but if the answer is no, then I don’t bring something that they feel obligated to serve anyway, I know what it is like to try to fit something unexpected into a carefully planned spread. Instead I may bring a nice bottle of olive oil, salad dressing, cookies, chocolate, or spiced nuts. It’s something they can enjoy later on when the guests have left.

Flowers or plant. A nice bouquet of flowers or a seasonal plant like a mum for fall, poinsettia for Christmas. 

Some other ideas - candle, napkins, or a small dish or vase, or something more personal if you know them well.

It’s never great to show up empty handed but it only needs to be a small gesture of appreciation for the invitation. 

Friday Favourites

I am travelling back from Vancouver today after being away for work. It is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada so I will be glad for the extra day off on Monday!

My travels take me to the Northern Interior of British Columbia. I could not get over that all the leafed trees were turning the same shade of yellow. It was so pretty and fascinating. I guess it is because there are only a couple of different types of trees so there isn't much variation when the leaves turn in the fall.

Don't worry, I took these two photos when I was stopped on the highway at some construction.

This is the view from my accommodations on Tuesday morning. I was actually up and at breakfast way before this, but enjoyed the rising sun when I got back.

On my way back through Prince George I got to meet up with Dave's sister for dinner!

I spent Thursday in Vancouver and got out for a quick early walk before my work day started. The early morning harbour views were pretty great.

I met a colleague at Nightengale for lunch and then I grabbed a quick coffee at the Fairmont Pacific Rim before my meeting.

I was fortunate to have some other moms send me some photos of Q from the week. He ran in the cross country race on Thursday.

And he made apple crisp at one of his friend's house earlier in the week. So fun!

I like travelling for work because I don't do it that often, but I am also glad to be getting home today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Linking up with Andrea.

Weekend Recap

Not sure we could have fit more into the weekend, it was jammed packed!

To start with, Q made the Grade 5/6 football team and they had a fun tournament on Friday.  Dave had the day off so he was able to go up with the team in the morning.  I got to go up after lunch to see a couple of the games. It was a beautiful day.

I got in a run after we got home, perfect temperature for a run. Dave was golfing with some friends. I had thought about taking the boys out for dinner but decided to stay in. I offered to make them pizza, French fries, and Kraft Dinner, and they wanted all three. I had a "girl dinner" of meat, cheese, crackers, and olives :)

On Saturday I started getting ready for the party we were having the next day. I cleaned the basement and got some things put away.

Then I headed to the golf course for Ladies' Closing Day. It had an Oktoberfest theme.

It was a great day to be out golfing, but I didn't actually golf that well. Still a nice day. I quickly ate my dinner but left before the awards because we had tickets to the Leafs game!

It's Carlton!!

The Leafs lost in the end but it was still a great game and nice to be out. 

I went to church on Sunday (and yes, Dave was golfing again!) and then we cleaned up the backyard and house for our party. We hosted the Rep 9s baseball team for the end of season party. It was fun to see everyone. 

We put the F1 race on after everyone left but it was hard for me to stay awake.