Update 14 - Sarah's Lilies

While visiting with our friend Sarah I couldn't resist snapping a few shots of her lilies. I'm not sure what her secret is but her lilies always seem to look so beautiful. I chose these two shots because of the softness and the colours.
I realize that I only posted a portion of the pictures that I would have had I blogged every day over the last few months. However, the task of posting these seemed daunting enough to keep me procrastinating for awhile. Now that I'm somewhat caught up I will attempt to return to blogging regularly. I also plan on visiting my fellow bloggers to see what they've been up to. Thanks to all of you who have continued visiting despite my lack of posts. I have missed blogging and missed visiting my fellow bloggers even more.

Update 13 - Garden flowers

Although I haven't taken many pictures over the summer, I did manage to get out to the front garden to snap some flower pictures. I know I've posted daisies a time or two before but they're one of my favourites and I can never get enough. I did try some different angles and perspectives though.

Update 12 - Will of the Wisps

Quebec is so full of culture and there are so many things to see. When we have visitors from out of town one of the places we like to bring them to is Atelier Pare. Atelier Pare is a museum that tells the legends of Quebec through wood sculptures. There are many beautiful sculptures and Scott and Francoise, the owners, are amazing story tellers. The above picture is a collage of the Will O the Wisps. These sculptures are mounted on tall poles and set in a semicircle in behind the museum. If you click on the picture to enlarge it you can read the legend.

Update 11 - Sunflower

Sunflowers are so happy. This cheerful fellow sprouted out of our back vegetable garden this summer. It seems that a few of the seeds from the bird feeder managed to find their way to the garden, resulting in this flower.

Update 10 - Storm Clouds

One afternoon we were out in the pool. It was a warm sunny day. At one point we looked up and saw clouds approaching. We decided it was best to get out of the pool. As we were standing on the deck we chatted with our neighbours. They were laughing because the clouds were over our house and it was still sunny at their place. Although the clouds looked like they might bring some nasty weather, they merely dropped a few raindrops and then went on their way.

Update 9 - Secret in the Garden

One of our friends came over with her children, Zef and Oceanne, to visit and swim in the pool. Once chatting, swimming and snacking were done it was time for them to head home. While her mom was saying goodbye to us, Oceanne was hiding in the garden. She wanted to surprise her mom when she came out. I noticed her there when I walked past the bedroom. I quietly got my camera and snapped this shot from the other side of the window. She looks so peaceful and content. It's hard to imagine she was planning something mischievous. I guess looks can be deceiving.

Update 8 - Bad Petal Day

We have a small garden behind our house. It's right under the kitchen window. One of the flowers we planted there is Monardia (Bee Balm). The flowers are very colourful and their pollen attracts hummingbirds. I actually saw one hovering over this flower. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera at the time.
I love how the petals of this flower stick out every which way. If only I could look so good when I'm having a bad hair day.

Update 7 - Soccer Sara

Our goddaughter Sara has LOTS of energy. She takes swimming lessons, goes to Circus School (You've already seen some pics.) and this summer her parents enrolled her in soccer. Peg and I joined her and her dad one evening. It was quite comical to see the little guys chasing the ball. Some were definitely more interested in drinking their water or chatting than dribbling the soccer ball through cones.
I took this picture AFTER her practice. She was running up and down the hill. As you can see, she still has LOTS of energy. Oh to be young again.

Update 6 - Raindrops

Overall, we had a pretty nice summer but we had our fair share of rain. I caught the rain 'in action' in the picture above. The rain was coming down rather hard on the deck. I opened the door and took the picture from inside.
After the rain stopped I ventured outside and took some more pictures. The one below was my favourite. I like the different sized droplets and realized afterwards that I could see my reflection in them.

Update 5 - Canada Day in Streetsville

After a long overnight drive from Quebec City, we arrived in Streetsville, near Mississauga, Ontario, just in time to partake in the Canada Day festivities. It was a great atmosphere with singing, dancing and lots of Canadian spirit. This handsome RCMP officer allowed me to take his picture. Later, I put my camera on the tripod and took numerous pictures of the fireworks. I decided to combine them using Photoshop. Overall, I'm happy with the results.

Update 4 - Battle on the Plains

Our final outing of the year was a trip to the Plains of Abraham. Here the students were greeted and instructed by guides posing as Montcalm (French Army) and Wolfe (British Army). Once strategies were discussed, students were brought outside to learn some maneuvers. Once both teams had a chance to practice they executed their routines in front of the judges (parents and teachers) and we had to pick a winner. Both teams did an excellent job and the decision was not unanimous. The red (English) army came out ahead but only by one vote.
The students had a great time and learned a lot. If only all history could be taught in such an interactive manner.

Udate 3 - Water Fun

On one of the last days of school, we went to the park with our PreKindergarten learning buddies. The kids painted t-shirts in the morning and then played on the games in the park. After lunch the water games were turned on. The kids, big and little, had a wonderful time running in and out of the water. At one point I had to put my camera down as one of my guys decided that I should get in on the fun.
I had my back to the water games, my first mistake, and suddenly felt cold water running down my back. When I turned around, Jay was holding a sponge ball in his hand and smiling. Once the electronics were safe I 'helped' Jay get wet under the games. I felt it was only fair to return the favour, right?
Once everyone had a chance to dry off a bit we headed to the parking lot to meet up with the ice cream truck. Everyone had a cone and then headed back to school. A great day was had by all!

Update 2 - Professional Olympics/Olympiades Professionelle

Every two years the Olympiades Professionelle Quebec are held in Quebec City. This year the Canadian championship was held here and we took our Cycle 3 students. These Olympics allow students in trade programs to compete with other young people from across the country. Our students get to see the many possible trades that are available to them. There are also workshops where they get to test their skills at various trades. It's an amazing outing that is both educational and enjoyable. I captured a few of our students working on plumbing and electrical projects. Their skills were pretty impressive.

Update 1 - Renos: Before and After

YES! The renovations are done and we LOVE them. As you can see in the pics above, we lived in chaos for awhile but it was well worth it. In fact, considering the conditions that some people have had to live in due to severe weather I'd say we'd have no reason to complain about such a minimal inconvenience.
We were very lucky through the whole process. There were no major 'surprises' that often come with renovations and all the people who had a part in the work did a wonderful job. I'd still like to try and get some different pics, maybe a video would show more, but I think even with these you can see how much lighter both rooms are. Like I said earlier, we LOVE it! If any of you need cupboards, tables, or other wooden furniture I'd highly recommend Chez Ti Pere, impeccable work and service.