A Hike at the Royal Botanical Gardens

Yesterday the Harsevoort clan gathered to celebrate my Dad's birthday, and also my nephew's which is today. Happy Birthday Zachary!!

We had planned to go bowling, but it was such a beautiful day, we thought it would be a shame to spend it indoors and instead we met at the RBG in Burlington for a hike.

The birds are so tame there they will eat right out of your hand! This was a big thrill for my girls, especially Deanna!

Deanna the birdfeeder!

Notice Grandpa holding her arm steady...she was thrilled that she got a bird to land on her!

Tim was pretty good at attracting the chicks. Chickadees, that is...

Here is Tyson, my youngest nephew (so far!)

Dad looking for birds.

Jonah - just love those curls!

Cool Callum!

Tim and Jeremy climbing a fallen tree.

The little ones...

Poor Natalie came down with the flu the night before, so she stayed home with Art. She didn't even care, which is an indication of how lousy she was feeling. Today she cannot even keep liquids down.

It was a great hike, followed by a yummy pizza supper and good fellowship at Mom and Dad's. For all those times as a child that I wished I was an only child, I am certainly glad now that I was not. It's so great to get together with our whole big noisy group.....

....5 months til camping!!!!

March Break Fun

We had really no plans for the March Break, other than just enjoying some relaxing time, free of alarm clocks and schedules....

It turned out to be a busy week, but not TOO busy. Very enjoyable! The weather was beautiful, which always helps.

Monday was a veg day at home. We rented a couple of new Wii games, so that kept kids busy.

Tuesday was so gorgeous we headed to Springbank Park to feed the geese and enjoy some time outdoors. We picked up Tim's friend Jared (for a sleepover) on the way. The boys both brought their rollerblades and really enjoyed blading through the park.

Wednesday was supposed to be colder and rainy, so a group of us made plans to meet for bowling at a local alley. As it happens, it didn't rain, but that's okay, the kids had a hoot bowling. We had 5 girls on one lane aged 7 and under, they didn't even finish one game (in the hour we had the lanes booked.) Some of the older boys got almost 2 games in. I don't know who had more fun though.

Thursday was busy with eyedoctor appointments, picking kids up from various sleepovers, laundry catchup, etc.

Thursday night was games night at our new school for the young peoples and adults. A very fun evening of volleyball in the gym and card/board games in the hallway. I think this will become a monthly event.

During this week of sleepovers and fun with friends, we were also reminded of the frailty and brevity of earthly life. My sister-in-laws mother passed away suddenly at a young age after suffering a brain aneurysm. While this was totally unexpected and shocking, it serves as a reminder to us all that we could be called Home to our Lord at any time. As the minister reminded us also at the funeral, we must always be ready.

We grieve with Kim and John, but also rejoice with them that she is in a far better place, where we will meet again someday.

And now, back to school and back to routine. Which is also good.

New Beginnings - at home and school!

Friday night, we headed back to school for the New Beginnings Grand Opening Evening at CCS. It was a great evening! So much work went into making the school look beautiful, from daffodils to balloons to bulletin boards....

So much work also went into the program for the evening, the students sang wonderfully, and the slide show sure brought back memories!The gym was full to capacity, and there were still people standing in the hallway! We estimate that at least 275 people came to help us celebrate our new building. It was wonderful to see so many people there showing their support, and taking an interest in our school. Many former students, and of course present members, but also some (hopefully) new members.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the new sign out front, which clearly proclaims who we are. It's a beautiful sign! My pictures aren't great, but you get the idea....

The student body. Don't they look great?

The cake:

Tim chatting to Uncle Piet in the hallway:

Allison showing Uncles Piet and Stu her classroom:

There were so many things I didn't get pictures of. Such as the huge tree in the gym made entirely of construction paper hands (the students did a lot of tracing and cutting last week...) The amazing bulletin boards by the front door..... the crowds of people..... it was such a great evening! What a wonderful blessing for our society!

On another note, if you read my previous post, you know that Art's car was a write-off after getting flooded....

Well, the insurance offered him a very generous settlement, so this is his new ride:

A 2008 Impala. Black. Pretty cool. And so far, I've driven it more than he has..... (lol!)

I'm sure that will change VERY quickly!

Enjoy your March Break! Looks like it's going to be a beautiful week!