Till We Meet Again

Yesterday we went to the funeral of Aunt Heather, who passed away Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by family and friends.  She had been battling a rare lung disease for a few years, and her life ended much too soon, as she was only 59 when she left us.

Aunt Heather was simply one of the most amazing women I have ever known.  She had the ability to tackle anything with gumption and creativity, and she made everyone in her presence feel loved and special.  She and Uncle Peter, after raising 3 children, took in several other children who needed a place to call home.

Our children loved Aunt Heather.  They have fond memories of her house because there was always so many fun things to do there.  From her decorations and activities, to the playhouse, chickens, pets, and good food, any old visit always felt like a party.

Aunt Heather loved antiques and anything old, especially if it had special meaning.  When she heard that we had named our youngest daughter after her (Heather's) Grandmother Clara, she brought over all of Grandma Clara's china.  What a precious treasure to pass down to our daughter from her great-great Grandmother and namesake.

Scott and I visited Aunt Heather several times in the hospital during her final days, and Scott was able to share some particularly touching moments and conversations with her during those visits.

While we know that we will be together again one day, we will miss her so very much until we meet again.

Nathan Turns Five

Nathan was so excited to turn 5 years old.  

He had school on his birthday, and asked me to make him some cupcakes to share with his class.  We had some "Big Foot" candies left over from our New Years Party, and he had asked if he could have them on his birthday cupcakes.  I kept teasing him that he was giving his friends stinky feet cupcakes and he patiently explained to me several times why the candies weren't stinky or made of real feet.  

All ready for school on his birthday:

This was Nathan's first year to have a "real" birthday party with friends and games and decorations.  He chose a Star Wars theme and we had so much fun planning his party!

Nana, Papa, Grandma & Grandpa all came over to join in the fun and help out with setting up.  Papa blew up a LOT of balloons and Nana spent the morning taping them up everywhere.

The invitations:

The decorations:

The party bags:

The games:

Star Wars Bingo
Yoda, Yoda, Kit Fisto (invented by Nathan after Duck, Duck, Goose - with his favourite Star Wars Characters, of course)
Musical Star Wars Characters
Glow in the Dark Dance (with glow light sabres and glow bracelets they won as prizes for Bingo)
Star Wars Blindfold Game (kind of like Pin the Tail on the Donkey with ships and planets)
A Pass the Present Unwrapping Game that we used to play when I was a kid!  When the music stops, whoever is holding the present gets to unwrap one layer.  Thanks to Grandma who wrapped the prize at least 20 times.  It was very suspenseful.

Opening Presents:

Thanking all his friends: 

(Samantha dressed up as Princess Leia for the party.)

Cupcakes!

Nathan loves being five.  His main goal in life is to catch up to his big brothers in every way.  So turning one year older is only bringing him closer to this goal.  

He is growing up so fast.  He loves Junior Kindergarten, is learning how to ice skate and how to read.   He loves to ask questions, most of which I am not smart enough to answer.  

Happy Birthday, Nathan.  We love you!