Back to School

We've had a great summer. It didn't go by too quickly, and I really felt that I was able to spend a lot of time with my boys. We didn't travel too far, but made the most of our backyard and visited the local beaches. We made day trips to the cottage, and the boys spent many hours fishing in Loughborough Lake.

Back to school affects the boys and I in September. Grant was so excited to go into grade 1. He was almost vibrating on Labour Day Monday with excitement! We packed up his backpack several days in advance, and he helped me make his lunch the night before school. On Monday afternoon, Grant wrote a list of things that he needed to do in order to get ready for grade 1. It read:

1. Say "I love you mom".
2. Play ninja.
3. Practice kung-fu.
4. Say "Is everything ready for grade one mom?"

Grant was up early and ready to go. Grandma walked him to school, since I teach at a school with an earlier start time than Grant's school. I had a great day with my new class, but I couldn't wait to pick him up at 3:35pm. I didn't see him coming, but was suddenly hit from behind with an enormous bear hug around my waist. His little hand quickly slipped into mine, and he chatted the whole walk home. Just as we were approaching the house Daddy and Maxer arrived home. Max had an important day as well. He moved up to the "Cool Crocodudes" classroom at his daycare today. With a huge hug from Max and a lot of cuddles, it's been a great day! I can't believe that Grant is in grade one, and look out Kindergarten, Maxer hits the books next year!

Big Sandy Bay

Every summer (hopefully a couple of times), we pack a picnic lunch, ride the Wolfe Island Ferry across Lake Ontario, drive into the island, and head to Big Sandy Bay. The boys love the ferry ride. As soon as the car is in park, their seat belts are off and they're exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the ferry. They love to climb up on the steps at the front of the ferry and feel the splash of the waves in their faces as the ferry rolls over the waves. The drive to the entrance of Big Sandy Bay is short, but it's a well hidden beach. To get to the actual beach you have to walk about 1km (15 minutes) through winding forest paths. It definitely makes arriving worth all of the effort! We have gotten smarter about the whole trip, and now it's all about bringing a wagon for our stuff, and usually the kids on the trek back. Anyways, the kids love it, so it is worth the effort of going. The beach is so quiet, clean, and private. The water is beautiful shades of blue and aqua, and you can walk forever before it seems to drop off to deeper water. On the particular day in which we went, it was quite windy. The boys spent most of the day wave jumping, riding, and splashing. It was a great day. It's these type of days that I love remembering in September when I am back in the classroom teaching.

Oh Canada!

We are pretty lucky to live in such a great country. When I was in university Canada Day was all about making your way to Ottawa to enjoy the festivities on parliament hill, and then dancing away the night at some local pub. My Canada Day festivities have changed over the past few years, and now (at Grant's request) we have a family bbq at our place. This year was great! Grandma & Grandpa, Mèmere & Poppa, Uncle Tim & Auntie Kat and Uncle Luke all came out for lots of food, swimming and some silly shenanigans (mainly involving the boys and the bounce castle). July 1st was another "Happy Canada Day!"






Here is a little video of the Dowker Boys having some Canada Day fun!




A photo of Uncle Tim, courtesy of the Maxer, pretty good (but I'm a little biased).



Some photos from our Canada Days in 2006 - 2010.





Grant at six months old.

Sidewalk Chalk Art

As I approached my driveway after a very long Monday staff meeting I loved what I saw. My boys were totally immersed in their world of sidewalk art. They looked so little laying on their belly drawing away, they didn't even notice me when I got out of the car. I love it when they are creative, it outweighs the crazy mess of chalk that was all over every piece of their clothing. I was amazed with Max's concentration. He would draw something and then shout "Look at this!", it was pretty cute. We drew until the chalk ran out, the boys were disappointed. After dinner I was talked into going out to buy some more. Grant and I found "Crazy Chalk", I wonder what they'll do with that!

I just love my little man...

His extreme cuteness allows him to get away with alot...even from the beginning.

Melt my heart...

I am a sucker for my boys. There is nothing better than their hugs and kisses!

`Love Day`

It`s amazing how much my little men change in a year. I`m beginning to notice it less with Grant, but Max seems to change everyday. The boys`grandma and grandpa travel to Florida for the month of February each year. It`s too far away for us to visit, and they miss them so much. Last year we took a special valentine photo to send them while they were away. The boys were up to it again this year (I know that I won`t get away with this for too many years). To me Max looked like a baby last year, and he is all little boy this year. Here are the `Love Day` photos from last year and this year.



Grant & Max, Valentines Day 2010 and 2011.