Skating Lessons

Beth and I were able to get over and watch Abby at her Monday skating lesson. Wow, it's amazing how quickly kids improve!

Academic Achievement

Too Early?

Probably too early, but the girls (the 3 of them) couldn't wait!

Cross Race

Just watching Paul's cyclocross race near Old Mill station. Wow, muddy and tough.

Vampire Family

Christmas Letters

Abby got pretty specific on what she wanted (martengale? who knew that was a part of a horse's gear!)

And here's Robin's...

Sleepover Letter

Abby is staying the night at Nana's. She's very into writing stories and letters:

My Date

I'm taking my big girl out for dinner and a movie. We walked down to the theater, and Abby said "who needs a car!". We're going to see Planet 51 and walk home in the dark!

Ottawa Bound

Beth and Robbie flew to Ottawa this morning to visit Uncle Neil and Aunt Lyn.  Uncle Neil continues to battle with his cancer, and we're looking to Robin to brighten his weekend!  Should be easily done.

No new sales tax on fast food

McDonald's, Tim Hortons et al continue to be a powerful lobby... disappointing:

No new sales tax on fast food - thestar.com

"Where the hell?"

Yesterday, I gave Robin and Abby a new Wii game... Robin looked over at it and said "where in the hell did you get that??".

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Last night, I asked Robin to tell mommy what she had told me about her cousin Owen (she'd said "I love Owen - he's my boyfriend. And Owen said it was OK, because we are cousints (that's how she says "cousins").  I guess she was embarrassed to tell Beth for some reason.  So I said I wouldn't tell her, and as we left her room, she said "Don't you dare tell her.  If you tell her, I will be extremely angry!".

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That same night, Robin had been over hanging out with her cousins.  She was in the kitchen with her big cousin Owen and Auntie Jill.  She looked over at Owen with an ultra cool expression on her face and said "A girl at school told me that homework really sucks"...  she so wants to be a teenager...

Royal Winter Fair

I took Abby to the Royal Winter Fair at the Ex.  We saw some cows, pigs and goats then went through the "exhibition" part of the show.  Abby is really into horses right now, so she loved seeing all the riding gear and pictures of horses.  

After the exhibition, we went into the Ricoh Center and watched the show jumping for an hour or so.  Abby loved seeing horses "live".  Here she is with her cowboy hat, and she had boots to match:

On the way out, we saw some record breaking pumpkins... this one was over 1,200 pounds!

Jeffrey Gordon Graham

JEFFREY GORDON GRAHAM August 31, 1969 -- November 6, 2009 Jeff passed away peacefully on November 6, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Loving and devoted husband of Susan and adored father of Georgia and Jack. Beloved son of Mary Beth and Malcolm and cherished brother of John (Eleisha). Son-in-law of Bruce and Carol Bawden; brother-in-law of David (Janice) and Steven (Sue); and grandson of Helen Ough. Much loved uncle of Mackenzie, Ireland, Conner, Liam and Jayden. Also loved by aunts, uncles and cousins. Jeff had so many true friendships and will be missed by all. Jeff grew up in Newmarket and enjoyed all the pleasures of spending summers with family and friends at the cottage in Erieau. Jeff enjoyed an 18 year career happily employed by the Ford Motor Company and its affiliates; most recently with Jaguar Land Rover Canada. Over the years, Jeff raised significant awareness and funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC). He inspired many family members, friends and businesses to get involved. Jeff spent his last weeks at Ian Anderson House, a beautiful hospice in Oakville, cared for by their wonderful staff and volunteers. There, he had quality time with his family, many friends and relatives. If so desired, a memorial donation to BTFC (www.braintumour.ca) or to Ian Anderson House (www.ianandersonhouse.com) would be appreciated by the family. Memorial visitation will be held at Ward Funeral Home, 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville, 905-844-3221 on Wednesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, November 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Service in celebration of Jeff's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 13 at St. Stephen's-on-the-Hill United Church, 998 Indian Rd., Mississauga. A reception for fellowship will take place immediately following the service. Cremation has taken place. A book of memories may be signed at www.wardfuneralhome.com