September / October (already!)

It's October - yikes! That first month of school went by quickly even though every day felt like a long distance challenge. Getting back into real life / non-holiday shape has been difficult, but good; the kids are happy with their classes and teachers (they're in grades 7, 5 and 1), the rental house is working out for us (there's a nice back yard, the kids have their own rooms, and it's only 2 1/2 blocks from our house), and teaching has been going relatively smoothly. I didn't do any work (for school) this summer so I'm playing catch up with all of the many things required of teachers. I'm doing the same job (teaching Core French - I'm the French teacher at an English public school) at the same school, and I love it. That said, I love my weekends more! They've been full too, as fall activities are in full swing. Hendrik hurt his knee a few weeks ago, so started fall ball hockey late (today), he has a few baseball tryouts in the next couple of weeks, and he's playing club volleyball... it's starting! Alana is doing house league basketball and volleyball, and will start indoor soccer later this month. Jordan is signed up for nothing, because he's the third child. JUST kidding! He isn't signed up for anything because I missed the swimming sign-up by six hours (guilt - I forgot) and all of the lessons were full - frustrating. He's on a few wait lists and enjoyed a fall baseball clinic, though unfortunately they had to cancel two of the three sessions because of bad weather. Hopefully the weather will stay warm-ish for a few more weeks and he'll get to keep using the badminton equipment in the back yard. There's a mom and her son (from Quebec) living in the downstairs unit at the house, and Lambert (the boy) has been getting our kids out to play badminton, so that's been fun for everyone. They are very nice, and our kids have been more motivated to use some of their French and learn more. This, of course, makes their French teacher mom happy! Jordan's favourite thing to see is "Bonne nuit Lambert!" even when it's the middle of the day. ❤❤

We spent last weekend in Bowmanville to celebrate a special birthday, and it was great to get together with family from near and far. We also celebrated Alana's birthday here earlier in the month, and managed to squeeze in a birthday party at the rental house complete with a scavenger hunt (with clues), pizza, and cake (of course!). It's so nice to be back to a more normal life after a few years of COVID restrictions - hosting small gatherings, going mask-less in public, and participating in sports and indoor activities. Women's league volleyball is up and running again, so after a two-year hiatus (or more/longer?) our team is playing on Monday nights again. I was playing basketball throughout the spring and summer but it doesn't work with the kids' activities this fall so I'm switching back over to my other favourite sport. I'll get some photos posted here before I get distracted by laundry and don't post anything! 

Hendrik told me that these would be worth $1 million one day - !!!

getting along because of pillow-hats - I approve

reading Archies!

There's a bigger, taller doorway into the kitchen in the new and improved structural wall 👍 

everyone is THRILLED for the first day of school!***

hanging out at the August rental - the tree in the front yard was the best part!

birthday party fun :)

***And by the way, the first day of school did start off in a more-exciting-than-usual way; parents of good friends of ours hosted us the night before the first day since we didn't get our rental until the afternoon of the first day of school. They were the best hosts, making crepes for the kids and their grandkids - so everyone started the day with friends and a special breakfast... it was amazing!