Given that I didn't have my camera out of my hands much this weekend, I was surprised to see how few of our activities were recorded! Funny how our perspective can be wrong by the time the memory card is uploaded to the computer. I must be more mindful of the photos I take of OUR lives, rather than those of group activities.
At any rate, a bit of what it's like around here on the weekend:
It often feels like we are all together as a family, a lot. The reality is we are together but in fits and starts, not often all four of my kids all together at one time. Friday night I was determined and we all went to see Claire in her tournament in Mississauga. We enjoyed Cole's +1 who joined us at Jack Astor's for dinner then the game. It was a GREAT game and so glad all of my kids watched their sister - and her team - play so well!
It really is random what you can see at the back of a ball diamond. I often pass by this structure when getting off the 403 (highway) and to be so close, I took a ton of photos :)
Lots of action to capture on the field. I took over 400 photos of the three games on Friday and Saturday. I got some really great action shots!
No time is more optimistic than a group of players before a game. The energy is always so positive and upbeat. Love watching everyone relate to each other.
Claire uploaded all of the photos to Facebook. While at River Oaks, for the Provincial Championship for the age level above, she was showing the photos to her teammates who came by to cheer on the "Big League" team.
A new Starbucks opened by our house. I am not a fan of most of their products, but on a hot day I do enjoy the Mocha Frappacino - hold the whip!
The older kids needed their bikes repaired and we took them in. Not only did they get serviced, but I came home with a new bike. My balance is a bit off, but I'm looking forward to riding as an option to walking - and certainly better than driving!
What was not captured:
Watching the Wimbledon finals. Amazing! We were rooting for the Scot Murray, though, with a soft spot for Federer. A fabulous final. (We also watched a bit of the ladies' finals, Serena rocks!)
The boys went with their Titans team to London, ON for a football game. Cole as a coach and Caden as a player. The game was a challenge - losing 34-0. Caden was rarely on the bench as he played both ways (offence and defence) all game long.
Cole went off to a friend's house to play Dungeons & Dragons. I love that he tries a bunch of new things with is friends. One of those things is riding his bike to places. Saturday night I had to pick him up as the tire blew on his bike. :(
Nostalgia was relived with visits to Dairy Queen: after the big win on Friday night and then after the two losses on Saturday.
Not missing a beat, Claire is back with Conor, her math tutor, on Sunday afternoons.
My boys at the ball diamond helping the umpires. Caden was in charge of collecting foul balls and Cole was in charge of watering and caring for field umpires. With the exception of Cole taking a bathroom break, while Caden was off getting a foul ball, all went well.
The weather has been crazy hot. This has created a few freakish thunderstorms, but nothing really effected any sports. Right after I washed the car on Saturday morning, the heavens opened. Of course!
Lessons learned:
Too many to mention! I am so enjoying myself while getting to know my kids, their interests, their friends, all of it. I find people and the dynamics of relationships fascinating. I am really putting myself "out there" and embracing my vulnerability - and that of others. It has been so rewarding and, at times, utterly heart-breaking. I wouldn't change a minute of it.
