Home Time!
The last weekend in August had me Thamesford-bound via my best friend West Jet. As luck would have it, I had some follow-up to do at the London office for work so I was able to fly home for a mere $39 + tax and take part in a few family events...
First Annual Gilbert-Lockhart Golf & BBQ
Kathy & Mike had an idea for a Gilbert-Lockhart golf and BBQ day and Friday was the chosen day. When the idea was proposed, I was doubtful that I was going to make it, but as I mentioned above, it worked out that I was going to be around. Kerry, Kathy, Dad and I golfed on one team and Mike, Paul, and Trenton on the second and we played 9 holes at Cobble Hills late in the afternoon. I thought Kathy was going to throttle Kerry and I and our lack of golf etiquette as we yakked away while she was trying to putt or drive, but after a couple holes, she gave up and embraced our ultra-lax version of golf. Despite not golfing much this summer, I played relatively well and if nothing else, the company was great!
After the golf, we all headed to Kathy & Mike's for dinner and were joined by the rest of the family - Kelly, Polly, Hillary, Mom, Susan and Leah (Alec was working). Highlight of the meal was definitely a deliciously moist cake that Kathy had made and I can't even begin to describe because it was so good! I hope the tradition continues because it was a great time!
After the golf, we all headed to Kathy & Mike's for dinner and were joined by the rest of the family - Kelly, Polly, Hillary, Mom, Susan and Leah (Alec was working). Highlight of the meal was definitely a deliciously moist cake that Kathy had made and I can't even begin to describe because it was so good! I hope the tradition continues because it was a great time!
How much can I fit into one Saturday?
Saturday brought Susan, Leah and I to Burgesseville for Alec's baseball tournament. Although he wasn't there for the first game (still working...), we cheered on the team and he arrived in time for Game #2. Despite some good plays, the team did not win and were out after the second game. One note to make, Alec has one heck of an arm - the guy can throw fast and far...
I spent Saturday mid- afternoon over at Andrea's with her, Allison and Rachel. Allison put on a fabulous fashion show for me and Rachel ran around with no shirt on... a fairly typical day :) I never miss an opportunity to see my little cousins (and big cousin). I miss them and miss seeing the girls as often as I used to. Every time I see them they seem to be so different and Allison celebrates her 4th birthday soon and starts school this fall!
Late afternoon, Mom, Dad and I continued our ritual of cards and wine. Every time I come home, we play May I at the card table in the basement together and have cocktail hour. It's a "tradition" I love and look forward to every time I come home (so Mom and Dad if you're reading this - let's keep this going, ok?). Nicole arrived around 6pm and we picked up Susan to Bertoldi's in London for dinner - so good! Then we headed back to Susan's for some drinks and UFC with Alec, Jamie, and Phil. It was great to have a nice dinner out with Susan and Nicole and if you're looking for great Italian food, Bertoldi's is the spot.
Late that night, the rest of my bottle of wine in tow, I went to Rachel and Mike's house across town to the new subdivision to have a drink with Rachel and Michelle and see their house. I always have a great time catching up with those two and I'm really glad Rachel and Mike have settled into Thamesford life.
I arrived home in one piece (thanks Michelle!) and landed in bed fairly exhausted by the day, but as I said to Mom the next morning, the day was really busy, but a good busy. I got to see a lot of my favorite people and spend time with them which I love.
I spent Saturday mid- afternoon over at Andrea's with her, Allison and Rachel. Allison put on a fabulous fashion show for me and Rachel ran around with no shirt on... a fairly typical day :) I never miss an opportunity to see my little cousins (and big cousin). I miss them and miss seeing the girls as often as I used to. Every time I see them they seem to be so different and Allison celebrates her 4th birthday soon and starts school this fall!
Late afternoon, Mom, Dad and I continued our ritual of cards and wine. Every time I come home, we play May I at the card table in the basement together and have cocktail hour. It's a "tradition" I love and look forward to every time I come home (so Mom and Dad if you're reading this - let's keep this going, ok?). Nicole arrived around 6pm and we picked up Susan to Bertoldi's in London for dinner - so good! Then we headed back to Susan's for some drinks and UFC with Alec, Jamie, and Phil. It was great to have a nice dinner out with Susan and Nicole and if you're looking for great Italian food, Bertoldi's is the spot.
Late that night, the rest of my bottle of wine in tow, I went to Rachel and Mike's house across town to the new subdivision to have a drink with Rachel and Michelle and see their house. I always have a great time catching up with those two and I'm really glad Rachel and Mike have settled into Thamesford life.
I arrived home in one piece (thanks Michelle!) and landed in bed fairly exhausted by the day, but as I said to Mom the next morning, the day was really busy, but a good busy. I got to see a lot of my favorite people and spend time with them which I love.
Sunday Brunch
A rare occurence these days, both the Peden girls and both the Lockhart girls were in Thamesford for the weekend. Mom and Susan and I had all had the idea to have a brunch on Sunday so Mom and Dad cooked up a great feast of quiches, sausage, bacon, coffee cake, fresh fruit, etc for all of us including the Pedens, Aunt Marie, and Grandma Rinn. It was awesome to catch up with Martha and Alison and to have more time with the rest of the family too.
I headed back to Toronto Airport via Robert Q and caught another West Jet flight (I need to buy shares in West Jet...) home to Ottawa.
I headed back to Toronto Airport via Robert Q and caught another West Jet flight (I need to buy shares in West Jet...) home to Ottawa.