Blustery beach day

When the kids woke up we whisked them out to the park for a brisk play in a nippy wind. Adlai loved the teeter totter - the two of them were chanting, "teeter totter, bread and water."

Leslieville

We had one day where we did not have to run around the countryside and it was nice to allow the kids to nap with Patrick as I went for a walk around Leslieville.

Great-gran

It was great to spend some time with Uncle Marcel and Grandma. By the second visit Adlai had completely warmed up and happily jumped on the cushions and did circuts around the living room. Kaya enjoyed stories with Uncle Marcel and both kids had fun exploring the pretend owls on the balcony.

Toronto

Grandma finally met her great-grandson for the first time and enjoyed watching the antics of the children as they clambored all over her apartment. She cooked my favourite meal and kindly gave the kids a puzzle and a much beloved school bus.

My friends let us stay at their house. Ferkus, aka "mean cat" growled and spat and defended her staircase, requiring me to hand Adlai and Kaya over the banister to Patrick in order to get upstairs. Bocephus the "good cat" at Simon and Leanne's eyes the aquarium fish and was quite friendly. Because the two cats look remarkably alike, poor Adlai burst into tears when he went to pet what he thought was good cat but turned out to be bad cat.

wind farm

Grandpa, Aunt Kathy and the family share a final hug before we leave for Toronto.

The giant wind turbines were exciting.

farmhouse

Adlai liked opening and closing the creaky doors and making his way up the steep staircase.

An aerial view of the farm before the weeping willow had to be cut down.

Heritage

Here are Patrick's Great-Great Grandparents

And here is information about his clans.

Loved ones

All the traveling is taking its toll - the kids are happy despite the total lack of napping and Adlai is subsisting on Cheerios. Here we are with Grandpa. Adlai has just pronounced "George" deliberately and proudly and I think his great granddad was tickled.

Patrick's great grandparents.

We miss you Grandma. Here is a photo from their 60th wedding anniversary when we were last out at the farm.

Patrick's great grandparents.

country lane

Patrick and Kaya played on the farm while Adlai and I went for a walk down the country road at dusk. The farm holds so many beautiful memories and fall is lovely on the Georgian bay.

The bridge