I am finally better from my cold that struck me down for over 3 weeks. It really was one of the absolute worst colds I’d ever had. I’m sure if I’d given myself the rest that I should have, my recovery would have gone quicker but still it was a doozy making everything I did seem like a struggle.
My cold came at a terrible time, as Mike’s mom, brother Tony and nephew Ben were here for a visit. And unfortunately there are almost no photos. This is for a number of reasons. The first is that I was working for a good part of their trip. Second when I wasn’t working I was feeling terrible and taking photos just wasn’t high on my list. The last is that I’m not used to my new camera yet. I love my new camera it takes really nice photos the only problem is that it is large and I’m not accustomed to bringing it places, I am used to throwing a little camera in my diaper bag or purse and off I go. So I often find that I’ve arrived someplace only to realize that I didn’t bring the camera (again). I have no photos of recent events, and not only do I not have photos from Mike’s families visit, I don’t even have a photo of me and my friend Kendal who came for a visit less than 24 hours after Mike’s family all returned to England. By the time Kendal arrived I was beginning to feel better but still not 100%. Regardless we hiked, kayaked, picked mussles, went out in downtown Halifax and made the best of the few days we had together. The kids were thrilled with all of this company. They tortured Ben, who is not accustomed to little kids, and rough little kids at that! Still Ben took it in stride and the kids had a great time with him. Now Kendal however is very used to little kids and bounced them, tickled them, chased them… etc to the point that they laughed and squealed their little hearts out.
We have now ventured into the land of Big Kid school. I went to parent’s orientation night a couple weeks ago. I am finding this transition quite emotional, and ended up becoming victim to my tears during the meeting. I’d love to tell you they were tears of joy, but they were not. I was sad that by baby girl is growing so fast, and wished I could pause time, I am terrified about the idea of a 5 year old bussing alone, I am scared as school can be so big and scary and I know it can never go smoothly all the time. I was fearful of all the tears, fights, and bad days that are coming our way. Don’t ask me where this glass half empty attitude is coming from my time at school was fine, I wasn’t repeatedly bullied, I didn’t fail, and in the world of art and sport I was even towards the top of my classes. I was perfectly average! So after my little cry at parents night we had the kids turn for an orientation where they get to be a big kid for 1 hour. We went to the school and the new Grade Primary’s went off into the Primary classroom with the teachers while the parents waited in the library. I wanted to go so badly, as I’d like to see where Charlotte is going to spend almost 200 days next year. Charlotte was pretty nervous and I was asking her if it felt like butterflies were in her belly. She said ‘YES’. So when they were about to leave with the teacher I explained to the teacher that Charlotte had butterflies in her belly. Charlotte seemed relieved that the teacher knew how nervous she was. And the teacher was great, she held Charlotte’s hand as they walked down the hallway. I expected that I’d be sad at this moment, but I wasn’t. Either I got it all out the week before or (more likely) I’m saving the big drama for the actual first day! Lets just hope I can get her onto the bus before I really melt down.
When they returned an hour later Charlotte had a picture she colored, new books to read and craft supplies. Then the teacher came up to us and explained that she had a surprise to show Charlotte. She took us down the hall into the Grade 1/Primary combined classroom and showed us live caterpillars. Then she showed us caterpillars building a cocoon and crystallites hanging from the top of a soon to be butterfly house. There were probably 100 of them waiting to become butterflies. Charlotte’s eyes were full of wonder. The teacher then moved Charlotte to the aquarium and showed her a tank full of tadpoles and I mean it was full! You couldn’t count them all. Charlotte started asking questions and explaining how we her and I were trying to catch tadpole on the weekend. I was loving it! I was just amazed at this little girl who will soon become a student and learn all of these great things. I am also very glad that I got to share in this moment. Personally the school (at least in our case) seem to be so focused on getting the students adjusted as fast as possible to their new and independent time as a Grade Primary that they rob us parents of the opportunity to see the transition unfold. I am glad that I got to see this glimpse of what is to come, and for me as a parent is actually alleviated some of my fears, and got me excited about this great new chapter in our lives. This moment alone helped turn my glass half full instead of half empty.
Here are some photos. I promise to get better and take more photos again soon.
Our Junior Princess
I love this photo. She is sitting listening to her dance teacher with the other girls.
This photo is kind of old, you can tell because there are no leaves on the trees, but it shows the new bike trail that we get to use.
Robbie peddaled his little heart out and was pooped by the time we returned to the car.
Having a snuggle with Daddy, who was not ready to get up yet.
Mike's brother Tony and nephew Ben on the boat in the Bra'Dors Lakes
My Uncle Denis on the BraDors Lakes
Ben, Charlotte and Robbie (don't ask me what he is doing)
Robbie got to meet Buzz Lightyear at the Cabot Trail Relay.
The Blowing Kisses Team
The kids L-O-V-E-D Ben!
At the Zoo on Ben's last day in Canada.
Charlotte and her new favorite bear Ariella. We got Ariella for 50 cents at a yard sale! 
The ONLY time Robbie sits still is to read books.
