Spring – Fresh Starts, New Experiences

Spring is always a time for fresh starts and new experiences. Around here it has signaled the beginning of hikes, a new session of swimming lessons, and renewed interest in eating outdoors.

Our first hike of the year was at Maple Keys Sugar Bush. It was a bright and beautiful day.

Swimming lessons started again – this time at the Wingham recreation centre. We went to public swimming in advance so Connor would be familiar with the pool and the facility. Only one bump in the road – when we were getting dressed after swimming, we discovered that someone had mistakenly taken one of Connor’s socks. Thankfully it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for swimming lessons.

Connor fit right in with all the other skinny little boys!

He did a fantastic job of listening and trying everything the instructors asked him to do.

I was very impressed with the way they did the lesson. Lots of instructors for a small group of children.

I think Connor loved moving around in the water without a life jacket. When the time came to put one on he was still a happy camper.

Connor and I have enjoyed our first outdoor meal of the season at the table on the deck. Grandma and Grandpa chickened out and ate inside. Obviously we don’t enforce the ‘no helmet at the table’ rule!

We’re looking forward to more outdoor meals and some warmer weather for more spring adventures.

Early Season Bike Ride

Most of us wouldn’t even consider getting our bikes out so early in the season, but I know of one little trooper who couldn’t wait to break some new trails. There was just one problem. His helmet was in Grandma & Grandpa’s trailer in Florida. I finally decided that in the absence of a helmet, the only thing he would be allowed to ride outside would be his tricycle. Surely that was a safe option.

I hadn’t considered that he’d be breaking trails on the tops of snowbanks. Oh well, live and learn!

The Newest Personal Giene

The other day Connor and I were having a little chat in the bathroom. We were discussing the golden bathroom rule – always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet. Right now he’s of the mind that if he doesn’t touch the toilet, he doesn’t have to wash his hands. Not so I said! We have to wash our hands just as we have to brush our teeth and have showers – to get the germs off and to be clean. I told him it was all part of something called hygiene. That’s when he turned to me and very seriously proclaimed that he didn’t want to do hygiene, he wanted to do lowgiene.

Been There, Done That

We have officially been to Florida and back. Many apologies – I’m not so great at this regular personal blogging thing. Life just seems to get in the way. If you’re still interested, here are some of the highlights from our trip.  Don’t forget to move your mouse over the pictures for descriptions.

An Evening Out

Last year in February (2007), Connor and I went to the Pancake Supper at the Anglican church here in town. We went with two of his friends from school (daycare) and their mom, Heidi. Coincidentally, they are the family who bought mom and dad’s house in Atwood. That’s small town life for you. We had a lot of fun and all three of the kids have talked about our pancake supper ever since. When Pancake Supper time rolled around this year, Heidi and I knew we had to take them again. There was terrific excitement – everyone who attends the daycare and everyone who works there was well informed of what our evening plans were. The kids were bouncing up and down by the time we entered the church. After attending to bathroom breaks and major hand washing we collected our plates and food and sat down to eat. While we were eating a columnist from the local paper came by and asked me if Connor could have his picture taken. No problem – after a couple of shots we went back to eating the fabulous pancakes and sausages. Connor followed up with a piece of chocolate cake for desert. That’s a lot of food for a little tummy. The kids did a great job of sitting still to eat, but were just as bouncy leaving the church as they were entering it. As we were leaving Heidi and I joked that now they’d have something to talk about for the next year.