Rhys has some neat stuff going on too.

So, in March Rhys suprised us when he announced he wanted to put off university and start at the college instead. In July, he surprised us again when he announced he no longer wanted to go into mechanical engineering and had a new plan to do the architectural tech program. So far, he seems to be thriving in his program with lots of courses. 

In the meantime, Rhys was interested in learning some new skills. This summer, he started baking bread and making pizza from scratch. He makes an excellent pizza at this point!

But he was not content to stop there. He also wanted to learn to sew and embroider. He ended up making himself an apron and had just announced he intends to take some sewing classes. 

Since he started sewing, he also learned to crochet. We (Rhys, Laing, and I) took a crochet class at a local yarn shop. I can officially acknowledge that they boys are better at crocheting than me. 

When he isn't crafting or cooking, he's studying and exploring what he can find on the internet. He remains a great explorer and someone who loves to engage physically. He is also insatiably curious about musical theatre, loves to play the piano, and is fascinated by cars. He gets ever more interesting!

Laing wants me to restart my blogging

 A couple weeks back when I was losing my mind with the final throes of a biggish grant submission, Laing told me he wanted me to go back to blogging. I promised that I would clear my plate a little bit and then write a post. To honour his request (and his attention to detail), this post is about the last 4.5 months of Laing. 

Track season ended in May and then the school year ended in June. Laing has grown so much in the last year. 

Laing has had a problem with ingrown toenails for years. This summer was a time to take care of it. Laing was a trooper, aided by a juice box and an energy bar. 

Once his toe healed, Laing balanced out soccer with returning to pole vaulting. 

At the end of July, we all went to a Miller family reunion. Laing did a great job in his role of Big Cousin!

But his ongoing major role is wingman and partner in mischief with his big brother. 

One big change is Laing suddenly enjoys traveling. At the very end of the summer, we had a fun partial week in Toronto. One specific request from Laing was the aquarium. 

While we were in Toronto, he took advantage of the parkour activities. 

It turns out that Laing is our fashion loving kid. We did a little back to school shopping in Toronto ... he's now discovered the joys of Uniqlo and Muji. Here he is in his new flannel shirt (at breakfast).

And then school started. I think we're all getting accustomed to Laing being our only high school kid. 

Since school started (and Laing discovered a real aptitude with biology), he's also continued learning new things at home. Most recently, it was an introduction to poker with his beloved playmate. 

It's not January anymore

 I thought winter semester would be easier but I have no idea why I thought that because I taught only one course in the fall and three in the winter. Here's the highlights (very few pictures until recently). 

It was winter so it snowed. 

Because it was winter and it snowed, my parents relocated to Arizona for 2 months. And I went to visit them over Reading Week. 

The robot Rhys designed was finally built and it competed. Meet Tortoise. 

Rhys had a robotics costume this year. 

Laing had several sax solos in the school band. 

I'm just back from a weekend away with my parents at the Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan. (pictures to follow eventually)

Coming up there is lots of excitement. We're finally able to start enjoying the backyard and everything is in bloom. Rhys has his first girlfriend and they're off to prom this week (we love Keira!). He graduates from high school next month. And we're all looking forward to summer being busy but less stressfull than this past winter. 

December is the busiest month!

For more than a month, I have known this week would be very busy. Scott's singing in the Classic Chorale and this is Messiah week. As a result, he has either rehearsal or a concert every night for 8 nights in a row. It is the end of the semester for me, which means every student issue that seemed like it could wait (to the students) is now one with urgency attached to it. The boys are busy too --- tests, a band concert, and lifeguarding classes for Laing. There are decorations that needed to be put up. With all this excitement, very few pictures are being taken. 

 Rhys learned to make mac&cheese from scratch (his future roommates will definitely benefit). 

And the dogs let us know that this winter weather is not what they wanted. 

More pictures to follow!

Laing is 15!

    When the boys were little, how we celebrated birthdays were more predictable (meaning we did it the same way every time), but as they have grown, we've realized that not every tradition is a terrific fit for the individual at each stage. As a result, we never know exactly how we'll be celebrating, keeping us on our toes and from settling into ruts. 

    We started off the day when the boys got up (at nearly 11am ... day off from school makes for weird schedules) with a trip to Cora for breakfast. This time, Laing ordered strawberry and banana pancakes to go with his very chocolate-y milk. The boys entertained each other by building towers with creamer containers. 

    Laing wanted to attend the football game on his birthday and decided to postpone his family celebration by a day. Then at the last minute, he didn't want to go to the game so we had a small dinner with a mini-cake at home (no pictures taken). He and Rhys played lots of video games in the afternoon and Laing was happy to have a new sherpa lined hoodie to add to his collection. 

    On Saturday night, our celebrations continued with a bigger family dinner. Laing chose the menu (grilled chicken on a salad with Caeser dressing and garlic knots). Counter to previous iterations of his birthday cake, this year, he wanted two layers with pudding filling but no icing. As usual, he wanted no singing but surprised us with wanting candles, which he lit himself. 

He also had some unusual present requests. This year, he wanted a Lego plant kit (he received a bonsai tree from Grand and Papa) and a lit Christmas tree for his bedroom (Uncle Davin delivered). 

He also now has a workout board for his room and a new live succulent plant. 

Happy birthday, Mr. Laing! We can't wait to see what adventures are coming this year. 

Dinner at our house

 My brother is visiting, which meant it was a good time to try out our pizza oven with my parents. Davin is a great pizza chef and he had some ideas about the crust. And Rhys is the household expert in the Ooni. 

Laing is a selfie expert and an includer of people. 

My mom is a designated documenter of family events and my dad is the designated dog indulger 

Laing is also a designated eater these days. Adolescent growth requires FUEL! 

And me? I'm an eater of excellent pizza, especially when it includes my homemade pesto. 

**Yes, Scott was present too. He just didn't end up in a picture. He's the guy who is designated to bring a mellow vibe and a good salad and drinks for everyone. We are all grateful for his contributions! 

Millersgocanuck made the jump

 Welcome to our new blogging home! 

What's up with us? Well, the backyard is done (see the old blog for the last entry about the yard). And we have made some minor adjustments inside as we settle in to be cozy this winter. Frodo is especially loving the new seating arrangement in the kitchen. 

Blue isn't unhappy with it either. 

Stay tuned ... more to follow