Papa's Lists

Papa came to Toronto on a surprise visit with one of his lists! If you are not familiar, Papa makes lists of all the fun things we can do together. All the amazing projects and adventures we can experience as a family. We love Papa's lists. This time Papa's list included making a trap door in the shed for the boys to gain access to their secret fort, doing gluten-free baking together, and other special adventures with family and friends. We love your thoughtful lists, Papa! We can't wait to see your next list!

The Cummings are Coming!

We counted the days before seeing our dear, Canadian friends together with whom we spent many fun times in Brussels. The Cummings lived near us in Chant D'Oiseau and we enjoyed celebrating Canada's birthday together, going to a gite in France, having regular play dates and running together. In fact, Gudrun was one of the first women who signed up for the running team I started in Brussels! Gudrun, Max and Mario were there to support us after Mowgli died too. We are so grateful for their friendship and really happy they came up from the States to celebrate American Thanksgiving together. What a bonus that Papa was here too and that Gramma and Grampa could babysit Frunty, Pit and Mario so the parents could go to Feathers Pub after Scouts on Friday night. It was fun going to the St. Lawrence for oysters, hiking through the ravine and along the boardwalk, just enjoying being together! The boys particularly loved taking the Red Rocket downtown! And Mario loved the glow stick hunt at Scouts with us too! See you next time, Gudrun, Max and Mario! Which continent though!?

The boys' first badge!

All their hard work paid off as Frunty and Pit obtained their first Scout badge on Friday night. They earned their carpenter badge after drilling, sawing, gluing, hammering, nailing, sketching plans, and even using a chainsaw to explore the world of wood! Congratulations, Frunty and Pit! You are really hard workers and did more than you were asked with joy!

Baloo James told the other Scouts how proud he is that Frunty and Pit, newly arrived from Singapore, are already working hard on badges! Little does he know that we had a plan to make bird houses and do other wood projects just for fun and because we can get wood here whereas in Singapore we cannot! Working with wood with Aunt Dee and Papa was just for fun!

Carpenter's Badge

It looks like the boys' first Scout badge will be the Carpenter Badge. Although they spent three months preparing their Aviation Badge in Singapore, we have not yet heard about whether they have received it. Onwards and upwards! Now we are here in Toronto and with our new Scout friend and neighbour, Beckham, we are made privy to how many of our normal activities can lead to badges. It is hilarious! Frunty says it is raining badges here in Toronto! Well, let's enjoy it! We are currently making a bird house for fun...but...it may lead to a badge! Best wishes to Frunty and Pit who learn a lot everyday, not for diplomas or badges but for fun! Thank you to Papa for teaching us how to safely use a chainsaw (you're never too young...just ask Auntie Dee who generously leant the machine to us!)! What fun! And thanks to Beckham for clicking with us when we needed a friend right away! You are a sweetie!

A quote from the Dalai Lama

My true religion, my simple faith is in love and compassion. There is no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are - these are ultimately all we need.

Fun with Grandparents

The boys have been having lots of fun in Toronto and one of the reasons is because of more time with their grandparents. Gramma and Grampa took the boys to the Royal Winter Fair recently, Feathers Pub for poutine, and have taught them how to crochet and build a fort in the basement!

As I type this post, Frunty and Pit are hiking with Nonna and Nonno in Mississauga. It is a beautiful, mild day.

Not only is the time with the grandparents special and fun but it also supplements our homeschooling! Home Economics, Physical Education, yard clean-up...there is more to education than math and more math. What a wonderful opportunity for Frunty and Pit! Thanks to the grandparents!

Compliments.....

Compliments sure do feel great and I let the one below from our cousin, Daniela, in Bangkok wash all over me when I read it this morning. I invited her to join our blog to see photos of Nonno on his birthday. Daniela wrote me by email to say:




Thanks Kim for this beautiful present. Your blog it's really great .... I liked so much.

You are a fantastic mum, and .... you and Claudio ... fantastic parents.

A big hug, kiss to all the family!!

Thanks, Daniela! Same to you!