After 4 weeks back in Canada, we have landed in Paris for our 2nd year at ASP.  This year the transition was much easier because we could just unlock our door and settle into our Paris routine. It was hard to leave friends and family and our ‘puppy’ Tanner, but we know we will see everyone again next June or July, so we look forward to that.  Once again, Uncle Kelly met us at the airport to see us off and this time he had Marryn with him. What a great surprise!! We wanted to take them in our luggage with us! It was a great way to spend time at the airport. :))

The summer holiday was full of wonderful memories as we packed it full of visits and a whirlwind of activities. There was rarely a dull moment. The cottage was our respite and we found our serenity and calm there by the lake.   Greg and Bri had friends over almost daily or were out every other day visiting friends.  We tried to see our parents as much as we could and enjoyed walking our dog every morning and night.  Time by the pool and BBQ’s  and bonfires were sacred moments.

Running out to friends’ Jen and Terry (even in the wee hours) was easy because they live right across the road!  Seeing the Stalteri’s, Butler’s and some St. Paul’s staff was such a fun memory as well.  It was also wonderful to see all the Geen’s after just sharing an uber with and Zach and Derek in Paris; One of our visitors to Paris this year!

One outing we had was to Ottawa and Kingston to see some Universities for Greg. He also toured Trent to get more insight into the programs and campus. When we stayed in Ottawa, we were able to hang out with Denise and her gang and they took us around to the Parliament buildings and the sites around them that were designed for the 150 year celebration. It was a fun night out in Ottawa.  We also went to Matt and Renee’s cottage for the first time overnight, so that was a highlight we will hold in our hearts while we are away from Canada this year.

The last weekend there we rented a boat for the cottage and the kids did some cliff jumping and took the boat through the lake system themselves, so it gave all of us some great memories.  Cottage guests this year were Denise and Ian, Naomi and MacLean, Matt, Mike, Ryan, Barrett, and Lauren. We were happy to reconnect with friends and family, and happy that Greg and Breeze had an extra month there before us!! Staying with Baba and Papa worked out perfectly while we were in South Africa! The kids had 8 weeks in Canada altogether.  Greg even squeezed in a Jay’s game and achieved getting his Driver’s G2 permit by winging a driving test 3 days before leaving Canada.

10 months of school now to put in and then we’ll see everyone in Canada again.  Greg will graduate this June, and Bri will be ready for grade 10. Should be an interesting year!