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. 

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!