The graduation celebration continued as we had an open house here at home for Will. Church family and friends gathered for what would be our last party to host in this house.
On a sad note and rather a surprise, Zanna's bird died. She had had Snowie for 4 years. While we weren't planning on taking him to Texas, we did have plans lined up for where he would go. We're not sure what happened - it seemed like he had a stroke - but it happened quickly. It was hard on Zanna but she took it like a trooper burying him herself in the backyard somewhere near where Will buried old Xerxes 4 1/2 years ago. It was hard on me not because I particularly loved the bird but because I love my daughter and it was hard to see her so heartbroken.
Zanna and I had finished book work school stuff before we left for Wisconsin but June has had some fun end of year activities that I'm glad she was able to participate in.
SHEP (Science and History Enrichment Program) came to a close and she and the group had fun playing their game projects they made for Canadian History.
She also gave an oral summary on the pioneer of flight subject she had researched - DaVinci.
The final close to the study of flight unit was to meet at the park and set off everyone's rockets!
This month has also been busy with final doctors and dentists appointments. This week is the final week of my home hair business and saying goodbye to my wonderful clients and friends I've made through that.
Zanna had her homeschool track meet. She placed 3rd in the 400 meter race and her relay team place 2nd in the closed race. It was a beautiful day to be outside and a fun thing to do surrounded by wonderful people!
Our ladies group hosted a tea for a fellowship event. We gathered around goodies and enjoyed friendship among each other.
Our Shepherd in Poltimore had our goodbye potluck the Sunday before our last one there. Along with good food, they spoiled us with a box full of goodies found "only in Canada".
There was also the Quebec maple cones!
We also received some beautiful, unique woodwork custom made by a member to hang in our new home.
They also had a cooler of beer at the church potluck. The drinking age is 18 in Quebec;)
We had some Chinese members treat us to authentic local Chinese food. The peking duck reminded us of our last meal in Beijing when we adopted Hosanna.
We've been so blessed by the love and friendship our Chinese members have shown us over the years - before and after Hosanna's adoption.
We continue to work through our Ottawa bucket list - mainly food related. We went to Mandarin (Chinese buffet). We also were able to attend the Ottawa Redblacks football game!
Since there's no parking at the game we rode the public bus to and back which was also an adventure.
The next day was my birthday and another item scheduled to check off the list. We stayed at the Chateau Laurier. This is where kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers have stayed while in Ottawa. We're fancy like that.
They had slippers by the bedside. Slippers. I love this place!
When they heard it was my birthday they sent this over -
The writing was done in chocolate. Super fancy.
We explored downtown and were excited about Ribfest going on that same weekend. We never make it down for "fests" since they're always on the weekends that are usually busy for us in the "burbs".
So many ribs, so little time. How to pick? We figured we'd be getting plenty of Texas ribs in the future so we opted for Alabama ribs. We shared a rack and ate on the front lawn of Parliament.
Best birthday ever:)
Meanwhile Zanna was camping with the Lutheran Pioneers that weekend somewhere in the wilds of Quebec getting eaten alive by black flies. Will was left to fend for himself at home and had a guy evening with a few friends.
This month has also been busy with a garage sale and managing the sale of larger items through some local Facebook groups and online resellers. Zanna made the most of our garage sale by setting up a lemonade stand complete with her first batch of made by herself chocolate chip cookies that ROCKED! She also whipped up a few knitted toques in case anyone was in the mood.
She also participated (and did really well) in a homeschool spelling bee. Not a high stress competition - the caliber clearly obvious by her official participation certificate that had her name misspelled - haha!
With all this mention of what Zanna has been busy with, you may wonder what Will has been up to thus far in the summer. Not much. So he might as well enjoy it while he can since life's not like that very often. But he does the dishes without complaint along with other household tasks that helps to have the extra hands. We're watching "The Crown" on Netflix together. We're very disappointed in Prince Phillip. He eats a lot of guacamole. Will does, not Prince Phillip;) I don't make it because I can't stand avocados but Costco does a fine job I'm told. It amazes me how fast he goes through it!
Slowly but surely we're working on eating what's left in the deep freeze. It's getting down to the weird stuff I don't know what to do with - frozen cranberries, half a Wonder bread loaf, and chicken meatballs. Last week I thawed the turkey I had in there and we had Thanksgiving dinner in June!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
