School's Out!

And just like that, the school year is over. Normally I would say I can't believe how quickly it went by, but it feels like that first day of school was forever ago! Emily and Jessica are happy to be done grade 2 and SK and especially happy to be starting summer break.

On Wednesday Jessi had her kindergarten graduation. What a cute ceremony! It was very similar to Emily's, minus the anxiety ;).

Jessi's teachers

Singing songs for the crowd

Talking about Jessi

(all the students had a turn)

The graduating class

Walking through the "enchanted forest" to grade one

My little kindergarten graduate!

Thursday was the girls' last day of school. Emily helped me make the very last lunch note!

Baking cookies for their classes

Last day of grade 2 and SK!
(A cold and rainy day)

Last pickup

Last walk home with Daddy

Jessi and I celebrated the last day by going out for ice cream (Emily is not a fan). We did the same thing last year, so it just might become a tradition!

Hello summer!

6 Months of Ukulele

It's been three months since my last ukulele update and video! Since then I've improved my technique, tried more challenging songs/strums, and learned a few extra chords (I'm up to 40 now). I've also added 17 new songs to my repertoire, for a total of 42 songs in six months. Here's my list, followed by a video with clips!

26. Ho Hey (The Lumineers)
27. The Lion Sleeps Tonight (The Tokens)
28. I Can See Clearly Now (Johnny Nash)
29. I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Death Cab for Cutie)
30. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (Green Day)
31. Chim Chim Cher-ee (Mary Poppins)
32. Devotion (Coleman Hell)
33. Creep (Radiohead)
34. Green Eyes (Coldplay)
35. Ex's and Oh's (Elle King)
36. Hotel California (Eagles)
37. Banana Pancakes (Jack Johnson)
38. Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding)
39. Bright Bug (Caspar Babypants)
40. Hey Jude (The Beatles)
41. Can't Help Falling in Love (Fingerpicking version)
42. Killing Me Softly (The Fugees)

p.s. I thought it would be super easy to add a link to my video, but it turns out that it's not! So when I say "...you can see by clicking here...", you can't, and instead the 'link' is a 'card' that pops up in the top right corner. Enjoy!

Six Months of Ukulele

(YouTube link)

Funny note: I get really sweaty playing the ukulele (regardless of whether it's in front of people or just at home). Like droplets-running-down-my-arm sweaty. I wonder if this means I can consider it a workout? ;)

My goals for the next three months are to learn more fingerpicking songs and possibly join the Kingston Ukulele Society. Then from October to December it'll be all about Christmas songs!

Snug Harbour - Round 2

We skipped school yesterday to visit Grammy and John at the cottage one more time. The weather was much nicer and best of all, I managed to catch a total of 21 minnows! (Sure beats zero from Sunday). All in all a great day. I'm so happy that visiting this cottage has become a yearly tradition.

Examining the dead fish

Easy pickings today!

3 minnows at once

Emily and Jessica love to touch, hold, and name the minnows. The girls are very gentle with the fish and know that they can only take them out of the water for a couple of seconds. Emily even started keeping a 'pool' of water in her hands while she held the fish to help them breathe. At the end of our playing and exploring, the girls enjoy releasing the minnows back in the water.

Jessi and Daddy trying minnow hunting

Releasing them back

Cottage treats and snacks

In the afternoon we took a walk around the cottage grounds before heading back to the beach. Eventually the cousins and Great-Grandpa Gerald joined us for supper and playtime.

Checking out the (awesome) giant, green dragonfly

Digging a big 'tub' for the girls

What a treat!