Visit to Beautiful Elora!

Our family enjoyed a gorgeous summer day at Elora Quarry Conservation Area and Elora Gorge Conservation Area.

The swimming hole of arctic-green water was reminiscent of places in Texas and Alberta we had visited on our big trip. Of course, being a swimming hole, it doesn't have the arctic temps of the waters in Alberta.

The boys enjoyed swimming there, finding an extra large carp and lots of turtles, climbing some rocks and sampling a tasty picnic.

Actually, upon arrival, Josh found a wee eye liner case- if you know Josh, you know he has eagle eyes and can find anything!- inside it was marajuana! He was there 5 minutes... 5 minutes...and that is what he finds! We handed it over to the park ranger. The kids also found a sock, a chair, a fishing lure...and I'm sure something else that I just can't remember. :) Quite exciting.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Gorge...at an entry point we hadn't previously been to before. We were excited to find out that we would be able to see a hole in a wall... we have seen holes in walls before...they are neat...especially when you can walk through them! We observed some mock rescue teams from above and were amazed by the seemingly natural placement of 'rock-stairs' in just the right spots as we climbed around.

This area including Elora and Fergus have so much to offer in terms of beauty and history, but also quaint spots to shop in the future. It just feels like a wonderful location to live in or visit if you are so lucky! Very inviting places! I'm sure we will be going back!

Burst O'Blossoms!

The real quest is to find the seed at the bottom of your heart and bring forth the beautiful flower.
~Shigenori Kameoka

A Double Rainbow!

What a treat at the end of a fab long weekend! The biggest rainbow I've ever seen!

Return to Guelph Lake Trail: Letting go of Control

I forgot to add these photos from our second visit to the Guelph Lake trail off of Victoria Rd.

I am amazed at what can be done and seen within a one hour walk by the water on an overcast chilly day!

The boys were called to climb of course and shoes were ditched quite readily. They walk and play a little too close to the rushing water for my liking. Yet, their lack of fear, sense of adventure and capabilities do not surprise me anymore and instead INSPIRE me. I admire their ability to take risks and do things I would never even think to do!

Sometimes, it is still a work in progress for me to let go and trust-especially when facing potential risk to life and limb! ( I do have my boundaries) But, I recognize now, more than ever, how important it is for them to try things and to test themselves...to interact with their environment in ways that interest them.

If I try to control every inch of what they want to do, their motivation and joy is extinguished and I insert a dose of fear related to whatever it is I am trying to stop.

This extends to other areas of their lives too, of course. The use of knives, hatchets, tools, fire-building, camping outside when it is 0 degrees Celcius and anything really, that they want to attempt.

So, go ahead throw off your shoes and climb! Chop wood for the fire or your fort! Whittle that stick! Create the fire for us to warm ourselves at! Light the match for the candles! Take things apart and put them back together! Get your camping gear out even if I think it's crazy cold! :)

Go for it!

Boys, if you need me I'm here... and if I can't help, I will find someone who can. I trust in your ability to know what your capable of and that you will learn what you need to when you need to!

"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."
~Friedrich Nietzsche

Leash Intro.

The sun was shining brightly and it was an unusually warm day in February, so off we went to Hilton Falls...we thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce Oliver to walking on a leash.

Of course, he's a puppy, so he was rather wired especially at the beginning. By time we were done, he was asleep in my arms. What a trooper though. He walked a lot and through big mushy piles of snow too!

The boys enjoyed their typical adventuring with sticks and missions on the trail... we lost Matt's glasses...ugh... but they were thankfully found by a helpful jogger!

You never know what lies before you when you venture out! Good or bad, that's life! We love it!

Still chanting 'bring on spring!'

Stay warm and savour the sunshine!

Winter Solstice 2010

One one hand, I don't like being backed-up in recording the events of our lives on this blog-on the other hand, it makes me happy that we have so many wonderful things happening in our lives that I can't keep up with the posts! :)

At Christmas, Jeff gave me an updated hardcopy of our blog from when we returned to Ontario after our trip up until the beginning of our Canoe-Build! Reading through it, reminded me that I'm so happy that I've taken the time to document many highlights of what we are up to... and you know what, I enjoyed reading through it... I'm liking the 'stories' of our life. I'm so glad the boys and our family have the opportunities we do and I'm very grateful also... I don't take this life for granted for one minute.

All this being the reason, that despite the fact I'm late posting these moments, I still think it's important to do....to remember... it makes me smile.

On winter solstice this year, we went to Crawford Lake in the afternoon...now, we have seen beautiful Crawford Lake during 3 of the 4 seasons! The sun was shining and the lake was frozen over! There was a cool ice patch in the middle of the trail which the boys had a blast sliding on! We left seeds for the birds and carefully walked around the boardwalk. I was so happy to have this time alone with the boys although we did think of years gone by when we had shared this type of walk with Aidan, Anna and Juli to celebrate solstice.

Later that night we lit the candles and plugged in the tree to enjoy a festive meal with our good friends Lisa, Will, Katie, Maddy and Ali. I feel like I've already written about this-and perhaps I have. But, it was just a wonderful day-one that we won't soon forget.