The Boy Camper

We dropped Simon off in Port Sydney at his favorite summer spot of all time....CAMP! He's happily tucked in his cabin with 8 other teenage guys for a week of Praise and Worship, Adventure and well, guy stuff. When we were leaving after a stiff upper lip goodbye, we found several creatures in their natural habitat. A few deer and a hotrod. Deer, Teenage boys Christian camp, Hotrod...what else is there? P.S. The leaves are turning!

Spano-tano Picnic pg2

The Best most Bittersweet Family Picnic Ever

This year was our first family picnic without two of our matriarchs in the family. Nonna Spano and Zia Mella were both greatly missed, but as one cousin said, 'it was like all the rain were their tears of happiness raining down on us, celebrating family. The rain poured and poured and then when we didn't think we could eat another bite, the sun came out and the games began. We played bocce, egg toss, water balloon toss and sack races. There was fishing, and walks, and a whole lot of laughs. Even some new fashions were designed for the event. See for yourself!

just a little more Ontario Place

more Ontario Place...

Ontario Place

We had a family day at Ontario Place on Monday. Loved the whole day...here are some of the sites we visited...

Schools creepin in....

This comes via my virtual buddy over at Auduladi and Co. Thanks for the lift! This is a hoot for those of us starting school soon or already going! And no kidding, it really does get stuck in your head!

I Will Survive (the homeschool version)


Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor
Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
'Cause I'm not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we're nuts,
but they don't even bother me

Come on, let's go, walk out the door.
We're on the road now,
'cause we're not home much anymore
My friends would laugh and say we'd be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I'd give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we'll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They're not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
and just expect us to be free
you'd better call ahead first
'cause we're probably busy

Birthday Bash

JP's birthday wish was to take his buddies go-carting. They went with their dads and big brothers and it was a hoot. They came home smelling like stinky gas (pardon me, petrol...tee hee) and talking like there were engines reving right beside them. Then it was a quick dip and some cake. Here's a few photo highlights of the cake since the camera was left behind for the racing. PS...he wants it made clear that he turned 10, it's just a figure 8 race track. Good?