2025 in Pictures

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One of my favourite parts of Advent is working my way through our family pictures for the year to choose which ones will be promoted to our annual Christmas album. This year was no exception. It’s a project that gives me the chance to reflect on what all happened over the previous twelve months: the exciting, the unusual, the monumental and the magical. The exercise invariably requires support from the girls to help fill in the blanks: where were we that day? Whose birthday was that? What the heck is Charlotte even doing in that picture? Without fail, I leave that process amazed at what all can happen in a year and feeling filled with gratitude. As we seem to say every year: its been a heck of a year!

The big story of the year was our renovation. After countless meetings, dozens of spreadsheets, 3.287 billion tiny decisions (seriously, how can there be that many shades of white to choose from?!), more than a few trips to the bank, and a single tree that refused to comply with our drawings (which stated veryclearly that it should not be standing where it has, in fact, stood for at least a hundred years), we have our new home. We moved in in August and have been loving it. Charlotte has made full use of her new loft, we’ve cooked some excellent meals in the kitchen, and the new mudroom has dutifully contained most of the organic matter that finds its way in via kids’ boots and dogs’ paws. It’s a beautiful place and we’re beyond grateful for it. More importantly, our marriage survived, though I don’t think either of us will tempt fate again! Please consider this our open invitation to anyone who would like to come visit. You are always welcome here.

As a family, we’ve been on more than a few group adventures. Charlotte and I ventured out to Brandon, Manitoba with Ness to finally see what all the fuss was about. We had an absolute blast and got a lot of time with our dear friends, Matt and Nicole, their kids, and Nicole’s family. We also squeezed in a camping trip before the woods were deemed too dry to support human occupancy. That trip was enough to show Mere and Nora the ropes of backcountry camping. Something tells me this won’t be the last trip the girls take with us.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has been living life the only way Charlotte knows how, with the dials for speed, volume, enthusiasm, love, and affection all set to 11. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, OK… it would be nice if that zeal were applied to cleaning her room … but then again, I wish Vanessa would clean her room, too. Charlie has kept busy once again with myriad activities, including the school musical (Peter Pan), where she featured as the teddy bear-toting Michael, piano, swimming, volleyball, and 4H. Her time in 4H was especially exciting, having trained and showed a calf named Alanis, earned a 2nd place finish in the Halifax – East Hants public speaking competition, and 1st place in the county for dairy judging (which she had never done before). Most excitingly, her years-long campaign to convince us to let her try horseback riding finally bore fruit when we signed her up for lessons this fall. Shockingly, she’s loving every minute of it. Her horseback riding campaign has subsequently moved into phase two, which involves a concerted effort to have us move to the country and buying a horse… why couldn’t we have chosen an affordable, family-friendly activity like hockey?

Ness continues a breadth and depth of activity that any reasonable person would categorize as insane if she weren’t so darn good at all of it. Professionally, she transitioned out of her Quality and Patient Safety role with Nova Scotia Health and became the Dartmouth General Hospital Anesthesia Site Chief, which has lent serious credence to the idea that a change can be as good as a rest.  She also continues to devote much time and talent to music, with piano lessons, directing a church choir, and for the first time, singing in the chorus for Symphony Nova Scotia’s performances of Handel’s Messiah. Somehow, amongst all this, she’s found opportunities to locum in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, read, knit, cross stich, hit the gym, travel, cuddle kitties, and decorate prize-worthy birthday cakes. She may have also eradicated poverty in the global South. I think I speak for all of us when I say: Knock it off. You’re making us look bad.

As for me, the past year was a whirlwind of managing the renovation, moving, trying to make the world a better place with Engage Nova Scotia, plugging away at a PhD, along with the occasional consulting contract. It’s been a lot of work, but a lot of fun. In those moments where I’ve been able to spare a minute, I’ve been sure to hop on my bike or head to the climbing gym. I even played a bit of hockey early in the year and am hoping to get back on the ice soon.

I should also take a moment to recognize those we’ve lost this year. Both my Nona (Dona A’Court, Dad’s mom) and Pepere (Ronald LeBlanc, Mom’s dad) passed this year, and I had the great honour of offering eulogies for them both. They were both wonderful, beautiful people and the best grandparents anyone could ever hope to have. They’ve both left indelible marks on our lives for the better. I hope that I can live up to the standard they set with their selflessness, love, and devotion to their families. 

One of the strange benefits of looking through all the year’s pictures and writing up letters like this is that it helps me to think about all the things that don’t make it – all those little, unremarkable things that nobody thinks to capture or share. Seeing the pictures of the big things helps point out absence, and ultimately the importance, of the little things. The drives to swimming lessons, washing dirty dishes, and hanging Christmas lights. Stealing a minute to watch a silly YouTube video with Charlotte when she should really be doing her homework. Walking the dog whose geriatric bladder is no match for her prodigious water intake. The patching up of skinned knees and talking through schoolyard scraps. The cold beer at the kitchen island with Ness when she’s had one of those days at work. The books you can’t put down and wild soccer games. The lingering at the corner when you run into your neighbour just to get caught up. The moments when a niece or nephew grabs your pant leg and insists, for the twelfth time, to “Watch this, Uncle Pat!” before executing the same face-first swan dive into the nearest couch cushion to see how you’ll react. The family movie nights and the quiet cups of coffee before anyone else is awake.

Debussy believed that music is what happens between the notes. I think life is like that, too. I feel unbelievably grateful that the notes in the score of our lives have been so beautiful, so serene, and so moving. But, perhaps even more than that, I’m grateful for the music that has happened in between, and for all of you who have helped breathe life into that music. There has been such wonder and beauty in the moments between the pictures. We love you all, and thank God for you and for all His gifts each and every day.

May you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas, and a beautiful, blessed New Year.

Love, Pat, Vanessa & Charlotte

But the Angel Said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people’

Luke 2:10

Naked House

A view of the house before the siding went on the carport/ addition.

Charlotte and Alanis on Acheivement Day

Charlotte posing with her buddy, Alanis.

Nona with Denis and I

I decided to include some of my faviourite pictures of Nona in this year’s collection as a way to remember and celebrate her. This one was taken at Sandy Beach in Cap-Pelé, NB. Denis is the respectful-looking young lad on the right. I’m the goofball on the left. Nona and Bill’s dog, Bear, is there, too. Bikes, the beach, and dog and Nona – this was about as close as a couple of boys could get to Heaven on Earth.

Grandparents’ Day

Here, Charlotte poses with her grandparents who got to check out her school at their annual Grandparents’ day.

Cherry Trees Flowering

We were worried that the construction might stress the trees and they wouldn’t flower. I’m so glad they did – it’s one of my favourite times of year.

Another rainbow

I can’t remember a time when I saw so many complete rainbows, but this year I caught three of them.

New kitchen

We love this new space and have already had lots of great food and wonderful company here. We’re looking forward to having more.

Student Project

I mentored a team of industrial engineering students in the spring. Here they are presenting their final poster.

Charlotte with Alanis at sunset

Cookie the Backup Calf

Charlotte’s calf, Alanis, had wicked ringworm and wasn’t allowed to come to the exhibition. Luckily, we were able to borrow this little Jersey at the last minute. She was a great little calf, and Charie fell for her immediately.

The Sweets are Thankful

Thanksgiving family photo. Note that neither Charlotte nor Massey are wearing shoes (We were going for a more casual look this year).

Our beautiful young lady

I thought Charlie looked so grown up here, lounging, reading her book. She’s growing up so fast.

Stopping for Ice Cream at Cows

This was part of our camping trip on the island. I’m pretty sure Charlotte was inside trying on a sweater when this was taken.

Goofing around

Charlotte with Rhett and Maisie at the cottage.

Insulated better than a Contigo mug

The house is starting to take shape with spray foam insulation applied.

Hanging out at the Staverts’

Charlotte with her cousin Nora, Aunti Mere, and her oldest cousin, Duncan.

Charlotte and Eve DOING SCIENCE!

Or maybe they’re baking something. It’s hard to say… There’s a 50/50 chance of it being tasty, but a 100% chance of it being FUN!

Uncle Pat, what are you doing?

“I’m washing the dishes.” “Uncle Pat, why are you washing the dishes?” “Because they’re dirty.” “Uncle Pat, why are they dirty?” “Because we just ate a meal using them.” “Uncle Pat, why do they need to be clean?” “Well, it’s important to keep our things clean.” “Uncle Pat, we’re camping. Everything is made of dirt. Do we have to clean everything?” “No, sweetheart. The woods can be dirty.” “Uncle Pat…” [continues for three days]

Making a Mess in Irishtown

Here the Sweet cousins are again doing whatever it is kids do at this age. Again, someone decided to label me, but I think both Denis and Zach are much more interesting to look at here.

Don’t be fooled

Those girls are only just barely pretending to be resting. Any moment a tickle fight is going to break loose.

Brad Rocking Out

One of my friends from high school, Brad Wilson, passed away this year after a diagnosis of ALS. This one hit hard. There’s an injustice in losing someone before their time, and that’s something that still sits really heavy with me even now. I wanted to share this to honour him and to remember the wonderful times we had together. He’s pictured here playing guitar in front of my first drum kit. He was a hell of a guitarist and wonderful guy. Rest in peace, my friend.

Barn kittens

In an hour allocated to training Alanis the calf, 38 minutes were set aside to cuddle furry creatures like these guys. An additional 12 minutes was spent trying to prevent Alanis from steppign on said furry creatures.

Rolling around at Oma’s and Opa’s

If you zoom in, you’ll see the tangled mess is actually Charlotte and Nora, giggling the way only kids know how.

Stuart in hospital

So. Stuart had a medical event this year. Had to take him to hospital to get a urinary blockage sorted out. This was a tough time for us all, but luckily everything is back to normal (and I no longer have to document every cat pee in excruciating detail!)

Happy Camper

Charlotte spent a week at Camp Glenburn, a YMCA sleepaway camp in NB. She had the time of her life and can’t wait to go back.

Have cats. Will travel.

It is a recognized scientific fact that if a box, bag, container, or anything at all with edges is left open, it will produce a cat out of thin air.

Looking good, Alanis!

Continuing the calf spa treatment outside.

Sweets and Staverts on CBC

The camera caught us laughing at the Halifax Comedy Fest. We always have such a good time there. Fun fact: I routinely laugh so hard I need a puffer. I could *actually* die laughing at this thing. Good times.

Cowgirl

Charlotte dressed up as a cowgirl for Halloween… and then went to horseback riding lessons, which I thought was very clever.

The Sweets all dolled up

This was taken of us at Megan and Rob’s wedding. It’s one of my favourite family pictures ever. I’m *so* glad I wore that bowtie that night! Also… the girls are pretty cute, too.

Cooling off with Maisie

It was hot in Manitoba when we were there – nothing a slushie can’t fix, though!

Who do we freeze for??

WE FREEZE FOR THE WANDERERS! Chilly, rainy game day at the Wanderers Grounds. Luckily, we were able to convince the always-lovely Harlowe to join us, which kept things fun.

Stuart is not impressed

Ever. In fact, he’s generally really quite disappointed in you.

Nona on her wedding day

Denis and I with Nona the day she married Bill. Nona was, as always, stunning. And both Denis and I had hair! Imagine that.

Cardamom Cake in Ingonish

Our friend/ Charlotte’s bonus grandmother is an incerdible cook. I would eat littlerally anything she prepared. Our very favourite, though, is her Cardamom Cake.

Serve’s Up!

Charlotte practicing her volleyball skills at the rec centre in Rivers, MB.

Massey being a good girl

She doesn’t have the same energy she used to, but Massey can still act like a pup sometimes.

The kids at Clear Lake

Charlotte with Rhett and Maisie by Clear Lake.

Thanksgiving Cousins

My faviourite picture of the kids from The Patch Pumpkin Farm this past Thanksgiving.

Meeting of the minds

I think the girls are planning a game of kick the can here. Or maybe solving poverty.

Massey is getting shorter

Every year, she just keeps shrinking in this picture.

Perfect rainbow over the golden arches

I think God himself was trying to tell us we should have gone to McDonald’s instead of A&W that day.

Clear Lake, MB

This is one of the best pictures I took this summer. It’s sunset over Clear Lake.

Just hanging out

Taking a quick bread from a hike on the trails that run along the Assiaboine River.

Willy digs it!

Willy is always looking for an excuse to use heavy equipment to move dirt. We were only too happy to oblige.

Spa day for the calves

Turns out calves don’t leave the barn just naturally beautiful. Charlotte is seen here giving Alanis a little love and getting that topline just perfect.

Trying on the new kits

We were able to get new Wanderers gear with our season tickets this year. Here we’re trying things on for size. Or at least that’s what I was doing. Charlotte is… I’m not sure what she’s doing.

Celebrating a birthday

I’m not sure who’s birthday it is here. I think my smile is biggest, so I’m going to guess mine.

Playing with Rhett and Maisie

Having fun after a busy day. I imagine the kids looking back on this picture and laughing about the fact that they were playing with a toy *gas station*. That’ll be a relic from earlier times.

Poolside in Brandon, MB

A shot of Ness and I by the pool at our friend, Clint’s. He was a wonderful host, despite having been up for 24 hours straight after a crazy night on call. He truly gave meaning to the “Friendly Manitoba” solgan.

The cats are trying to kill us

Q. In a house replete with flat surfaces, why do cats chose the ones where I am most likely to step on while carrying a laundyry basket? A. Cats are evil and wish us harm.

Charlotte and Nora Frozen in Awe

The girls made a trip to see Frozen at Neptune Theatre. I’ll give you one chance to guess how much they enjoyed it.

Kitchen in progress

Here’s a shot of our new kitchen under construction.

Big helper

Nora helping Ness lug our things to our camp site. I don’t think those sticks were strictly necessary, but it’s good to have them, just in case.

A Masterpiece

This is Aidan, our intrepid electrician, admiring having *finally* untangled this god-forsaken light fixture. Note that he’s at the top of a ladder extending two stories high.

Horseback RIding in Rivers, MB

Charlotte having a blast with some low key horseback riding.

Anniversay Celebration

Ness and I celebrating our 14th(!) anniversary at a shmancy restaurant.

Stuart is huge

I think he might actually be bigger than Charlotte. Like, if the two were in a cage match, I’d probably put my money on Stuart.

Fun and Games

I still don’t know what the girls were doing back there. They were in hysterics though.

The girls at a… monster truck rally?

Good clean fun for all involved.

Laser focus

You almost feel like she could burn a hole in something with that stare. Luckly, no cakes were incinerated in the decorating process.

Fred the dog

Fred hung out with us just about every time we went to Browntown Farms to visit Alanis. He’s a good boy.

Getting some expert guidance

Ness showing Charlotte the ropes (literally) with Alanis.

Cooling off at the park

Charlotte and I goofing around and trying to beat the heat in Brandon.

Charlotte with Grandpa and Memere

Another picture from Grandparents’ Day at Sacred Heart.

Aunty Ness is so much Fun!

Charlotte and her cousins hanging out with their wikced cool aunty.

Eleanor Admiring My Haircut

We have the same style. She gets me.

Kind of a snug fit

Have you ever seen someone who shouldn’t be wearing something in the size they were wearing it, but they looked so happy that you just couldn’t say anything about it? This is how I feel about Stuart most of the time.

Thanksgiving Portrait

Here’s a fun game: how many takes did it take to get a picture of us all smiling, keeping our eyes open, and looking the right way? A. Trick question! We never got it. Thanks a lot, George.

Stuart, surprisingly, is not dead

He often *looks* like roadkill, though. Maybe this is a defense mechanism, like playing possum or something. The tongue sticking out really sells it.

A snarky note to teacher

We discovered this in Charlotte’s spelling notebook at some point in the summer. Might be my proudest moment as a dad.

Camping with Staverts and Versteegs

In light of the woods being closed in both NS and NB, we had to cancel almost all our backcountry camping this year. Luckily, that opened up an opportunity to come camping with on PEI with Staverts and Versteegs at a campground with a great playgound. Here, Charlotte is holding George up on a giant inflatable bouncing bladder. Tons of fun.

I think this is Charlotte

Though I suppose it could be anyone. In any case, this was taken on the way up to the top of Cape Smokey in their gondola.

Tiago Coimbra

We spied Tiago at Mass one day, which made him Charlotte’s instant favourite. He came over to sign her shirt at the end of the very next game.

Wicked cool birthday cake

Ness, as always, nailed the cake for Charlotte’s birthday. Her party was Wicked themed this year, and the whole crew got to go out to watch the new movie.

Cat Basket

I highly doubt the artisans who weaved these baskets had kitties in mind when they made these… But the fit is almost too good to be coincidence, no?

Crazy story

So this beautiful four-legged friend was abandoned on our street one night. Our tennants took him in and found a new home for him within a couple hours, but man oh man, those were some tense hours. I’m glad he found a new home.

Piano lesson with Martha

Monkey see, monkey do.

Graduation Day

Charlotte graduating from Grade 5.

Reading Dad Jokes to the Girls

I think it was Charlotte’s idea to bring the stack of Dad jokes with us to Keji. It was a riot.

The Floor is Lava

George doesn’t spend much time on the floor. If it can be climbed, scaled, mounted, or acended, George is all for it. Also note the untucked shirt, and the missing sock – George knows how to party.

New powder room

Our new bathroom downstairs.

Paddling the Assinaboine

Charlotte and I rented kayaks and went for a short paddle on the Assinaboine one day. It was awesome. A snake swam right towards Charlotte’s boat, which made for an extra exciting moment.

In a big rig with Rhett

Both kids enjoying being in the cab of some giant farm equipment. What exactly? I’m not sure, but I’m a city kid. Pretty sure it was a combine. (This is where my in-laws disown me).

Matt dominates at Crib

So I played crib with Matt one night at Nicole’s parents’ cottage on Clear Lake. He crushed me. Note how he helpfully points out where the skunk line is, just in case I forget somehow just how bad he beat me.

Movie night!

The girls converted my office to a mini theatre to watch a movie on our TV, which had just come back from the repair shop and was sitting on the floor.

Sick Day

Back in February, Charlotte came down with a case of strep throat like we’ve never seen before. She was KO’d in a serious way. I don’t think we’ve had that many sequential quiet days with her since the day she was born. Poor thing couldn’t do much more than just sit there.

Charlotte with Eleanor

Charlotte meeting her little cousin Eleanor for the first time in Moncton.

Charlotte and Henry

Henry, like all poodles, thinks he’s a lap dog. Charlotte, like all kids, is happy to perpetuate that delusion.

Girls day

Ness, Sherma and Mere enjoying a meal out together.

George watching Ness play

George totally captivated by Ness’ piano playing.

Getting ready to show a calf

Sadly, Charlotte’s calf, Alanis, came down with a case of ringworm, so she wasn’t able to come to the exhibition. Luckily, a backup jersey calf came along to take her place.

Charlotte showing Cookie

Cookie was her backup calf, brought it to replace Alanis, who Charlotte had painstakingly trained all year, but couldn’t come due to a bad case of ringworm.

First day of Grade 6

In the latest installment of our annual first-day-of-school tradition, Charlotte enjoys yet another milkshake at The Armview.

First black bear

We had never seen a real black bear before, but spotted one on the side of the highway on the way back to Brandon. We’re pretty sure it only had three legs, but nobody was willing to get up close to confirm.

Flight to Brandon

On our way to Brandon for an adventure with Ness and our dear friends, the Kings. Charlotte *loves* flying.

Quiet time

The girls spending a few minutes in the hammock just enjoying being outside.

Charlotte “helping” put up Christmas lights

I knew the moment I handed her a mallet to smash some stakes into the ground that things would take a turn. Seriously, though, she was a big help!

Pattttttttttt

About 1 in 10 baristas agree that my name is Patt. Ella W. is one of them. I always capture these to share with Mia, our lovely exchange student, who finds this hilarious.

Charlotte is awesome at piano

She won first place at the Kiwanis Music Festival in the Solo/ Canadian Composer category.

Charlotte and her cousins on PEI

… I almost wrote “in” PEI, which would have defintiely earned me a scolding from my Islander brother-in-law. Near miss for sure.

Like sisters

Nora and Charlotte have always been close, but their relationship grows with each passing season, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.

Megan helping Charlotte at the Piano

I’m not sure what Megan is saying here, but it is almost certainly one of the following: 1. Read your music! 2. Slow down! 3. Pay attention to dynamics!

Charlotte’s new bathroom

Charlotte has her own space to get ready in the morning now. The best part? She also gets to clean it.

Coffee with Rhett

How is Charlotte only 10 in this picture? She seems so mature with the coffee cup.

Charlotte’s New Room

A view inside Charlotte’s new room after the complete renovation.

Moving in to Charlotte’s room

Note Charlotte directing traffic from above in her loft.

The Sweet Kids

Here I am (note the very helpful arrow) along with Denis, Zach, and Amy outside Nona and Bill’s Airstream trailer at Sandy Beach. I wore that helmet 24/7 so that I could make a quick getaway on my bike at a moment’s notice.

New stairs

The guys who built our new stairs treated it like a work of art, and the final product shows that time and attention. This, of course, is an “in progress” shot.

Charlotte is also good at public speaking

She came second place in the Halifax – East Hants competition. She was fabulous, and punched way above her weight for this being her first time doing this kind of thing.

Alanis and Charlotte

Alanis eventually took a liking to Charlotte. Here she is going in for a kiss.

In Keji with the Girls

Picture from our trip to Keji. Charlotte is impressed with me for sure. Is it the embarassing dad hat? Maybe the fact that I hadn’t showered in some time?

Charlotte on her first day of riding

We loved watching Charlotte on her first day, but maybe more than that, we loved this horse’s haircut. Such clean lines!

Kitty Cafe

We stopped at a Kitty Cafe in Winnipeg. This might have been the closest to pure bliss either Ness or that cat have ever experienced.

DERP

If Stuart’s one emotion is utter distain, Shelagh’s is permanent derp.

Grown-up Piano Night

Ness hosted a piano night for her other adult piano student friends where everyone got to play through pieces they were working on. It was a lot of fun and everyone did wonderfully. We love being able to host in our new home.

Micro Movie Night

Charlotte is here with her best friends for a movie night. Our TV was being repaired, so they used the iPad. The snacks were full size, so the night was a success.

Princess Nora

Note the soccer cleats. This princss is prepared for anything.

Sushi feast

We went out for a wonderful meal with the Nutars and the presentation was almost too beautiful to dig into. I think we still have that tear drop ice scupture in the freezer.

Good form!

Charlotte took part in a Volleyball NS camp this summer to learn the basics of the game. She had a blast with it.

Nona at our wedding

Here’s a shot of Nona and I at our wedding – again looking stunning.

Riding with Maisie

More horseback riding in Rivers, MB.

Pat and Charlotte by Clear Lake

Posing for a picture by the lake.

Who do we sing for???

WE SING FOR THE WANDERERS! Charlotte and I headed to the big game.

Supper in Lunnenburg

We stopped in Lunnenburg on the way home from a square dance on the South Shore. The whole day was just awesome.

Post pool bliss

Charlotte warming up after some pool time with Emery and Selena.

Family portrait, Lego style

Guests at Megan and Rob’s wedding were given the chance to recreate themselves in Lego. As you can see, we each took different artistic approaches.

Pat with Alanis

As a city boy, I am wholly unqualified for this, but I liked to take Alanis every so often to give Charlotte a bit of a break.

The Sweets invade Cape Breton

We went out to visit our friend Leone in Ingonish. It so happened that Troy and MIchelle were up the road camping, so we took a quit pit stop to go say hi and walk the beach with them

Charlotte and Madelaine at the Exhibition

Here, I think they’re getting themselves psyched up to go on THE ZIPPER, a ride that seems designed to make people puke.

Car port/ main stage

Charlotte and Opa walking out on the car port. This is for sure going to be a move Charlotte makes to sneak out of the house some day. In fact, I’m going to go buy window alarms from Amazon right now…

The Easter Bunny Visits

Our dear friend, Frank, raises and shows rabbits. This one showed up on Easter Sunday for cuddles. Here you see our friends’ daughter Etty living her best life.

Everyone having fun

Except for maybe Nora. Nora might be done for the day.

Mr. No’s Gifts

Mr. No is a neighbour of ours. He’s a Korean war verteran with more stories than you can possibly imagine. I sat with him one day to chat and he sent me home with a sort of tea he made in an old garlic bottle, and a bowl of something kind of like dates. It was confusing and delicious and wonderful.

Decorating is serious work

Charlotte is a pretty active human. She likes to be moving. But there are a few things that really grabs her attention and puts her in the zone. Decorating cupcakes, it would appear, is one of those things.

Charlotte with the cows

This is Charlie’s happy place. I hope she finds a way to keep this kind of connection to animals as she gets older.

Smores in Keji

The girls enjoying a time-honoured tradition.

Cooling off

Charlotte and Emery in the pool at Troy and Michelle’s.

Charlotte before riding lessons

Charlotte started horseback riding lessons this year. Her smile says everything that needs to be said here.

Camping is better with bacon

Charlotte on our only camping trip from this summer enjoying a little breakfast.

Wintersleep at the Shore Club

Best Father’s Day gift ever. Ness and I took in a Wintersleep concert at the Shore Club. Felt like we were 20-somethings again, stating out too late and singing too loud. Had an absolute blast.

Building a car port

It rains hard in Halifax, so we build our carport out of engineered structural steel. Take that, Nature! No getting wet while bringing the groceries in for me!

Shenanigans at the wedding

So, despite this being a ridiculous picture of us, Ness is stunning – no surprises here 😀

Charlotte with Emery and Selena

Cuddled up on a couch at Nona’s funeral. A very sad day, but trying to keep positive, just the way she would have liked it.

Charlotte Paddle Boarding

She’s awesome at this and can get around the water like she was born doing it.

Cuddles by the fire

George and Ness by the fire in Milford. I promise that this fire took place *after* the burn bans were lifted – Sherm would not have allowed such rule breaking on her watch.

Charlotte with George and Nora

Here are the kids at Uncle Alex’s sister’s wedding. Charlotte and I made the trip so that we could take George and Nora for the night.

Charlotte as Michael with Nana

Charlotte played Michael in the school’s production of Peter Pan this year. As always, she was wonderful. Here she shares the stage with Poppy the dog, who played Nana. Poppy kindof stole the show.

Patt

Yet another installment of “My name is Patt”. Above the coffee cup, you’ll see Charlotte on my desktop in a picture where’s she’s photobombing the Palace of Versailles, as one does.

Horseback Riding

Charlotte and her 1000W smile at riding lessons.

Charlotte with Alanis

You don’t realize how much time you spend doing something until you go through all the pictures you took of it. Turns out we spent a ton of time in Shubenacadie this year. It was great to have an excuse to spend time outside and support Charlotte learning a new skill.

Ness loves Stuart

But how does Stuart feel? Is that bliss? Or is he being squeezed so hard his tongue is being forced out?

Massey in the thick of things

Of all of her skills, Massey’s most reliable is to insert herself in the least convenient place possilble at all times.