Family time: August 15-22

Our party on August 15 was also the spark for some lovely time with family. Pauline and Greg came the night before the celebration, and stayed to spend a week with us in Toronto.

After he got used to the feel of the grass James just loved to move about, fast, on all fours- almost always a happy smile on his face

But he got tired too. Greg comforts James as we get ready to set off for the Willowdale CRC

Long after she would normally have been in bed and fast asleep Gracie was still alert and ready to be the life of the party

It was wonderful to have some close relatives join us; Wendy's brother Andy came from Cambridge with two daughters, Marcia and Stephanie

And Adrian's brother Hans came with Hennie, from Ottawa

Sharon took time to catch up with Hennie that evening

David was a big help that day, taking photographs; this one was on him!

We stayed close to home the first few days after the party because first Chris came down with flu, and a significant fever, even though he did not complain much. Opa took some special time with James - not hard to please as long as we had some food he could eat!

By Monday Gracie also came down with a flu, and that one was more persistent; it took about three days before she felt better. It was actually pretty warm those days while Gracie was sick in bed, but for Chris and James, a perfect time to have water fun in our backyard.

By Thursday everyone was well enough to enjoy an outing to Black Creek Pioneer Village, where there was much to enjoy, games and crafts to try out, old machinery to watch, animals, and more. Gracie loved running around; she was clearly over the flu by that time.

Both Chris and Gracie loved the animals there

James spent much of the day in the baby carriage,

and was happy for the most part

But really enjoyed getting out to crawl about too!

Thursday evening was pretty special: Greg and Pauline wanted to watch the Boston Red Sox in a game, taking Chris with them, and found it easier to get tickets for a game in Toronto than in Boston itself. Adrian and David joined them, while Wendy and Sharon had fun babysitting Gracie and James.

A special benefit of all of us being together was the opportunity for a family photo

Two sisters on Saturday morning (in front of our home), and time to say farewell. We admired Pauline's efficiency in getting all the goods and children packed into the van!