Father/Son Soccer Game

Our last day in Ontario Ryan treated Ragnar to a soccer game in Toronto.  Since they both really enjoy this sport it was great that they could have this time together before our very sad good bye the next day.

You would think we would get used to it, but I think this was one of my hardest times ever. 
No, we will never get used to saying good bye to family.

Timmy Dates

The first time for both of us to be with Noah in Canada (he was 2),  we took him out for a 'Tim Bit' at Tim Hortons.  Thus began a tradition of us taking him on a date on our visits.  He reminded us this time on Skype just before we went - "You used to spoil me by taking me to Tim Horton's."

This trip also included a visit to Timmy's with Andrew and Selah too.  I guess we really have something going now!! 

Date with Noah

I wish so much I could remember Noah's exact words...

When we first went into Tim Horton's he showed us which donut he would like. While we were waiting in line, he noticed the ice cream and thought that was a better choice.

As we were sitting there enjoying this time with him, he finished his ice cream and looked at me with a grin on his face and said something like...

"Omma, when you are in a place like this, and you have already chosen one thing, are there any possibilities that when you finish it, that you can try something else too?"

Do you think he was trying to ask if he could also have the donut? And can you guess what the answer was?

Date with Andrew

 Andrew held the do-nut and kept looking at everything that was going on around him for about 10 min. before he took a bite.  

I guess it was all new for him, and he needed to take it all in.

Date with Selah

Did you notice that they all chose the same donut?

Although it wasn't planned that way, it worked out that each date was just before their birthdays.

What fun!!

  Thanks for the awesome Timmy Dates guys!!

  Can't wait 'til next time!!
(And maybe Kandace will be old enough then?!?!)

 

Alice & Wilma

When we said good bye to Alice and Wilma in the Philippines, we never dreamt that the next time we would meet them would be at Niagara Falls.  We have often come to this area without even seeing the Falls, but this time we had a special reason to make our way down there!

Two of our Filipino friends, who are working in Toronto, said they could come to the Falls on Good Friday.

That was quite a treat - spending the morning with Alice and Wilma, conversing in the Filipino language, bringing each other up to date with what has been happening, taking pictures by the Falls and enjoying lunch together.

 

 Thanks Alice and Wilma for taking the time to come to the Falls.We trust this is not the last time!!

Selah's 5th Birthday

Since we had to return to England a few days before Selah's actual 5th birthday,  her mom graciously offered to celebrate early, putting big smiles on our faces.

What a great day! It was so fun to celebrate with her, watching her open her gifts, playing pinata with her friends and siblings, seeing her get all dressed up, singing Happy Birthday to her and cheering her on whiile blowing out her candles on her lamb cupcakes - in real life - not just pictures!!

It was our first time to be with her on her 'birthday' and we are very thankful for that!!

Happy 5th Birthday Selah.

We love you Se - very, very much!!

All 3 Siblings

I was able to visit with all of my siblings this trip in Canada!  I can't remember the last time I saw all 3 of them on the same trip - maybe in the 90's.

 Peter

We enjoyed a nice catch up evening with Peter when we were in Nova Scotia.  It is always great to brag on our grandkids with each other.  He is the only one who has stayed close to home.

 Luella

Since John and Luella live near Ryan and Kara, I am blessed to see her a few times each time we are in the Niagara area. Luella's work takes up most of her day, but we squeeze in visits on her free hours. This time we enjoyed lunch out at a British Tearoom.

Carol Lynne

We thought our paths were not going to cross with her this time, but the night before we left, we were delighted that Carol Lynne and Dick were able to change some plans at the last minute. We were glad to have that time together and squeeze in more than a year's conversations into an evening.

Around the Bay

We are very happy that the timing worked out for us to be there to see Ryan cross the finish line of the 30 km. race 'Around the Bay' in Hamilton.  This is the oldest road race in North America - it has been a yearly event since 1894.

Kara helping Ryan get ready the night before.

We are so proud of Ryan and his commitment to do whatever he does well.  He was so faithful in training for this race, even on icy cold days.  

Waiting for Ryan to cross the finish line.

As we are not able to be there for most special events in their lives, we are very thankful that we could be there for this. 

A big hug for her favorite man!

 

Ryan's High School friend, Kyle Johnson, flew there from the west coast to run the race with him. It was also fun to see him again and hear of his many adventures since their graduation in 1997.

CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!

Nothing like a good massage a few hours later!!

Good Bye Nova Scotia

All good things must come to an end - and this time it was our time with friends and family in Nova Scotia.  We feel so blessed to have been able to fit so many visits in during this past month.  

It took my ears a few days to adjust to the fact that we were in Nova Scotia.  Every time they heard the word 'Halifax' or 'Nova Scotia' on the radio etc.  they would perk up and strain to listen to what was happening in Nova Scotia that would make the news?  Or did the people near me know someone from N.S.???  Within a second or two my brain would send a message to my ears, reminding them to relax - we actually were in N.S. so of course the news would often mention cities here.

I didn't always remember to get my camera out, but just thought I would post some pictures of those times my brain was somewhat in gear.  I have tons of lovely memories of our times together in my mind.  We appreciate all of your hospitality and look forward to the next time our path takes us to the East Coast.  

A day in Halifax - all contacts from 'down home'.

A day in Truro - morning coffee - lunch - afternoon coffee - supper - evening coffee

3 of my mother's sister passed away since our last time in Nova Scotia.  We sure miss them, but are thankful that we were able to visit with 2 of our uncles.  Rocky is with Uncle George and cousin Michael in New Glasgow.

 Friends from High School days

Our time there was great, and as can be expected flew by quickly.  We are thankful for the many homes we were able to visit, for the quick catch up chats and the hundreds of cups of coffee everyone so generously shared with us.  Good Bye Nova Scotia - we'll be back Lord willing!!