School Field Trips

 

One of the nice things about only working 4 days per week is that I have more time to go on school trips with the kids.  This fall I went on Maya's trip to the TIFF Lightbox where they had a workshop on stop motion animation.  Very cool.   The next week Peel Region had take your kid to work day, so Aidan came to my work to learn about environmental consulting.  My colleagues were very accommodating and spent time with him, including setting up a treatability test in the parking lot.

 

 

Me and Maya at TIFF

On the school bus with her new friend Emily.  Maya took this "selfie"

They created a cartoon animation by drawing on a white board and taking photo graphs every few minutes

Another photo of Maya with Emily

Maya with girls from her class

 

 

 

Aidan in my office for "Take Your Kid to Work Day"

Participating in an impromptu treatability test outside the office



The Best of the Summer

I can't believe another summer has come and gone.  This one seemed so short! Luckily the weather was beautiful most weekends.  Perfect for chilling at the cottage.. hanging out with family and friends.  Due to the warmer winter, the water was much warmer than usual (although still chilly :)) and much choppier than usual.  This limited canoeing some.  But all in, it was a wonderful summer with friends and family. Here are some photos from our time at the cottage...

Getting ready to roast massive marshmallows with cousins Justin and Dexter

Maya barely fit this one in her mouth

Justin is trying hard

Dexter succeeded!

Taking a ride on the 1000 ft+ urban slide - unfortunately it was not slippery enough for Aidan

Lunch on the deck with cousin Katie

Hanging out at Blue Mountain with Katie

Group photo with Aidan, Maya, Katie, Sarah, and Mike.  It was nice to see Katie and Sarah after such a long time.

We were happy that Grandma and Grandpa could join us for a few days at the cottage.  Here they are at Coffin Ridge winery in the big red chair.

Grandma with Maya

Grandpa with Mike

Maya impressed us with her waitress skills

We enjoyed the visit of Tash and his family

Aidan being really good with Tash's young son. 

Playing Pokemon Go with my new walking buddy!

An amazing sky at dusk

Canoeing on the Beaver River

Aidan seemed to enjoy himself!

Taking a break on the river

 

 Visit to the Meaford farmer's market

 

Maya with cottage friends Cloe and Ella

Touring the Creemore Brewery

They had free samples!

Checking out MIFF for Mike's birthday.  Tickets were easier to come by than TIFF!

Mike and Carol on a rare date night at MIFF.  

Culture Camp Wrap Up

A few weeks ago we got back from the East Coast Catalyst Culture Camp.  It was definitely an experience!  Super fun for the kids but more than a bit "heavy" for the parents. The kids enjoyed a bunch of camp activities including arts and crafts, story -telling, a water balloon toss, and  the Amazing Race, a Lip Synch evening and a night market.  In the morning while the kids were having fun, the parents were discussing heavy topics like racism in America (amplified significantly by the current political environment), how to react to inappropriate comments aimed at our kids, the apparent higher rate of suicide among adoptees and how to find birth parents. In the afternoon, there were fun family activities like yoga, spring roll making, and chocolate making.

All in all, it was worthwhile and thought provoking.  I would have liked a bit more emphasis  on Vietnamese culture for the kids. Yoga and chocolate making, while fun, are not very Vietnamese :)The following are some snaps from the camp:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

East Coast Culture Camp Attendee List

The East Coast Culture Camp Attendee List has been circulated to attendees and we saw one TDH alumnus we recognized.  Looking forward to catching up!