Sunday in Stouffville

Playing a friendly game of ball

We were up early this morning and headed off to St. Mark's church with Grandpapa joining us.  The kids really enjoyed the music at this mass - there was guitar playing, tambourine and bongo drums.  They sang a few songs which reminded me of singing in the youth choir at my church when I was younger.

David goes to make the shot

Michel goes for the point

Alley oop!

After church we arrived back at the house and Uncle Michel and Justin were taking Puddy for a walk to the park.  Everyone was quick to join them and they brought a basketball to play with at the park.  The kids  enjoyed playing together, although you can see the fierceness in their eyes and their competitive spirit as they try to outplay one another.  After the younger kids tired out Uncle Michel and Francois played a friendly game of 21 - with Francois edging out his older brother in a best of 3 series.  The game finished just as thunder boomed - it didn't take the kids too long to bolt up the street and back to Michel and Jennifer's house.

Natalie eyes the ball

The Caron men

We had an early lunch and said good-bye to Grandpapa as he was leaving for his week long Tai Chi convention.  The PEI Caron crew left shortly after noon and headed into Toronto to visit my long time university friend, Kathy and her family.  Her son, James, is almost one year old and is such a handsome baby. He had a smile on his face and ready to pose for the camera - definitely couldn't resist taking a picture or two before he went down for his afternoon nap.  We had a wonderful visit with Kathy and Mark, they look like they are enjoying parenthood.   Often when we visit with our friends I wish we lived closer or I make a better attempt to keep in touch and this was one of those times.    It was a great way to spend the afternoon catching up with a good friend.   The kids were excited with the chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich Kathy gave them too - I just made sure they ate it on the way out the door as Kathy likes to decorate with a lot of light color furniture. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon!

Kathy and Tanya

James and Kathy

My New Camera!

Next we headed to Future Shop because a sad thing occurred a few days ago - our camera broke.  The lens would not go back into the camera and the zoom would not work.  So we have been using Michel and Jen's Canon camera - and loving the new zoom feature.




















  
So we looked at the cameras and as much as I would love a Rebel camera - I don't think I would use it to its capacity and wasn't sure if it was worth the investment.  We brought in the camera we were using and asked the sales associate for something similar.  He requested a slimmer camera - with a hugh screen and great zoom capacity.  After much thought and questioning myself we purchased a Canon SX220 Hs Power Shot.  I have 14 days to return it, if I am not satisified - so I hope to know in the next few days if this was the best purchase for us or not.

Barry wows the kids with his magic tricks

We went to Jen's parents place for supper.  Barry was an excellent host - quickly providing us with drinks as soon as we walked in the door and making sure the glass was never empty.  He also entertained the kids with magic tricks and then even showed them how a few were done.  Just a warning to those back home that you may be wowed by the kids and their new magic abilities.

Andrea tries to give Uncle Michel bunny ears

Jen's mother, Ruth, made a delicious spaghetti and meatball supper.  It was so good - you almost had to roll us out the door we were so full.   Thanks again to the wonderful hospitality shown - we are blessed to have lots of people inviting us into their home.

Michel and Justin

Barry, Ruth and the Caron kids

Now the kids are tucked into bed and getting lots of rest as they prepare for tomorrow's big day - we are heading to Canada's Wonderland.  I am doubtful I will be going on many of the rides, but I am going to have my camera ready to take lots of pictures!  A special birthday wish to my younger brother, Chanel - I know I wasn't the first person to call you today - I was the last and David said that was special to be the last person to call.  Congrats to Marlene and Randy who fought, while on the phone, who was going to be the first to wish Chanel a happy birthday! I guess it was tie!