2021 in Pictures
Since it’s been really tough to see people over the last year, and we don’t often post to FaceBook, we thought you might like to see our year in pictures. Click on each one to see what all we got up to.
– The Sweets
Fun with the cousins
Charlotte loves her cousins. Here, they’re taking full advantage of all being able to fit on the counter.
The Amazing Mr. J!
For Charlotte’s 7th birthday, the Amazing Mr. J came by to entertain as many of Charlotte’s classmates as we were allowed to fit in the church gym. It was an incredible show.
Happy Halloween!
Charlotte made a spooky banner to celebrate Halloween. With the wind and the rain, it only stayed up about 5 minutes, but that was long enough to get this picture.
Halifax City FC Signs a New Player
Charlotte joined a new soccer club this fall. It’s a big commitment, but she loves every minute of it. Her teammates are quickly becoming great friends, even though Charlie is one of the youngest kids out there.
Our Pandemic Baby
Many families grew during the pandemic. Some had kids. Others bought dogs. Us? We got Vanessa a new piano. She’s taking lessons again and working toward her Grade 9. It’s been great to have so much music in our home.
Charlotte the Viking Warrior
This year, Charlotte dressed up as Astrid from the How to Train Your Dragon movies. She and Ness made the costume from scratch and totally nailed it.
Game Day!
We’re all geared up for a Wanderers home game. We were super lucky that the pandemic let up enough to let us take in a few games. Also, we had just had sushi for supper, so we’re 10/10 happy here.
Quiet Keji
Ness and I stole away for a few nights of back country camping on a little island in the middle of Lake Kejimkujik. It’s one of our favourite places in the world. Charlotte is *still* giving us a hard time about not taking her for this trip.
First Day of Grade 2
Sweet Family Tradition #47: Take Charlotte to The Armview diner for a first day of school milkshake. Here’s Charlotte on her trip after the first day of Grade 2.
Venetian Night
Each summer, the locals get together to decorate their boats for a parade through the Northwest Arm. We got to watch this year from the Waegwoltic Club, where Charlotte goes to summer camp.
Westmount Wallabies
This summer, I coached Charlotte’s community soccer team, the Westmount Wallabies, along with a few of the other dads. We had a lot of fun and the kids were great. I even took a page out of my dad’s book by bringing out a giant ball for a goofy scrimmage – something dad did for my soccer team when I was Charlotte’s age.
Kingston Friends
During a brief break in the pandemic, we were super lucky to have Darby and Megan come out to visit for a whirlwind visit. Charlotte adores these girls.
Two New Wanderers Fans
On their trip to visit, Darby and Megan got to come to a Wanderers game with us. They had a blast and ended up going home with a bunch of Wanderers swag. #ComeOnYouWanderers
Flower Power
Charlotte is here with her best friends, Maddy and Harlowe, who both live within a stone’s throw of our place. They’re posing with flowers that Ness cut from her flower beds.
Backseat Driver
Chatlotte and her cousin Thomas out for a joyride in a car made for 1. Luckily, Thomas’ laser focus kept them safe on the road.
Outdoor Movie Night
Sweet Family Tradition #12: Movie night on Fridays. For this Friday, we set up a bedsheet for a screen and bought a cheap projector and enjoyed movie night outside. We’ll definitely be doing this again.
Sleepover!
Charlotte invited some friends (Kenna and Kaia) over for a sleepover this summer. The kids did great, and even turned out the lights on their own when they got tired.
Games Night
Charlotte had some of her very best friends over for a movie, games, and some stayed for a sleepover. It was a great night.
Massey and Pancake
It took a little while, but Massey seems to have accepted that there’s another fury creature in Charlotte’s life now.
Charlotte’s New Bunny
Charlotte hanging out with her new friend, Pancake the Bunny. Pancake was an unexpected blessing, courtesy of the Nutars.
Halifax Famous Chalk Art
Ness and Charlotte spent a day decorating the path behind our house with sidewalk chalk. The neighbours loved it and it got a lot of attention on Halifax Noise’s Instagram.
Basement Camping
Charlotte and Ness had a sleepover in our tent set up in the basement, taking glamping to a new level.
Charlotte the Podcaster
Charlotte and I recorded a few episodes of the “Pupply Pals Podcast”, where we talk about dogs. Move over, Joe Rogan – Charlotte is here!
Go Fly a Kite
As you can tell from Charlotte’s hair, this was the perfect day to fly a kite at the Westmount soccer field. Just like her father, she can’t concentrate without her mouth hanging open.
Sore Ankle
Nobody knows what happened, but Charlotte hurt her ankle in the spring. She didn’t need a cast, but that didn’t stop her friends from helping her decorate.
Opa Hard at Work
Opa came by to help us do a mini renovation in our closet. Of the many things I’ve learned from my father-in-law, I can now add “Asbestos mitigation is for chumps” to the list.
Game on!
Uncle Alex demonstrating next-level patience with his niece while trying to teach her how to play Mario Bros. on the old Wii.
Podcast Studio
Here’s my old set up for the podcast. I’ve since updating some things, and Ness gifted me an awesome sound booth.
Charlotte Never Stops Moving
Even when she’s asleep, Charlotte’s a pretty busy kid.
Reading With Friends
Charlotte spent a ton of time in chapter books this year. Here she’s reading with her very favourite stuffies.
Graduation Day with Frantiska
Charlotte was super lucky to be able to attend our dear friend Frantiska’s high school graduation ceremony. As you might imagine, Charlotte made an impression.
Fancy Toes
Charlotte got to paint her nails over at the LeBlancs’ one day. Maddy, Charlie, and even Daniel got in on the action.
Fun at the Discovery Centre
Charlotte spent a fun day at the Discovery Centre one day with Ness, where there was a cool exhibit exploring visual effects and perspectives.
New Years Celebration
Last New Year’s Eve, all the traditional celebrations were cancelled due to COVID. To mark the occasion, Riley and I set off some fireworks in the local soccer field. It was a great time, and gave families in the neighbourhood a chance to enjoy the holiday.
Bunny, Chillin’
Should bunnies do this? I honestly don’t know, but it brings us great joy.
Christmas at the Sweets’
Charlotte standing proud in front of the tree we decorated this year.
Strategic Sleeping
At some point this year, Charlotte realized that if she slept on top of the sheets, she wouldn’t have to make the bed in the morning. Honestly, this is pretty smart in my books.
Keji Frogs
Every single trip to Keji, we find at least one frog. Charlotte gets braver each time about picking up for a picture. It’s honestly the highlight of the trip every time.
Another Day at Charlotte’s Cafe
Harlowe came by to help out at Charlotte’s Cafe on day 2 of opening. It was lovely to have her – the girls made a great team.
Charlotte and Massey at the Patch
Charlotte’s Uncle Alex and Auntie Mere opened their very own pumpkin patch this fall. It was a smashing success, and we’ll be sure to head back next year.
Charlotte Prepares for Halloween
Here’s Charlotte preparing her huge, terrifying Halloween banner.
Exploring Ingonish
Charlotte and Vanessa exploring the shore during a trip to Ingonish to visit our friend Leone.
At the Edge of the World
Here’s a shot of the Atlantic, close to Ingonish, Cape Breton.
Charlotte and Leone
These two are inseparable. Here they’re headed down the trail for a swim. THey’ve always reminded me of the friendship Sam and Eugene have in the Vinyl Cafe stories.
Gondola!
Cape Smokey had just opened their new gondola during our trip to Ingonish. We took a spin up, had a blast, and enjoyed some million-dollar views.
Not Prepared for the Wild
Honestly, this bunny doesn’t realize it’s pray. You should definitely not just plop in the middle of the floor and sprawl out… but it’s so cute.
Pat Loves Conference Calls
Vanessa started playing a new game where she took candid pictures of me in my very best moments at work. This one’s a classic.
Another Creature Not Ready for the Wild
Again, this looks super comfy, but is 100% maladaptive for live where you need to find your own food.
Keji Sunset
Another beautiful sunset at Keji. Our last trip was late in the season, so you could feel the air change almost the moment the sun went down. It made for wonderful sleeping in the cool night air.
Celebrating Ness’ Birthday at Work
Yet more proof that the people of Dartmouth General are some of the best anywhere.
Couch time!
We like to bring Pancake up on the couch for some cuddles. She seems to like it, too.
The Best Day EVER
Here Charlotte and her friends from the neighbourhood are enjoying some popsicles after bouncing on a trampoline outfitted with a water hose. Charlotte would later call this the best day of her life.
Hot Tub at Oma’s
Thomas, Oma, and Charlotte enjoying the hot tub. Smiles all around.
Paddle Boarding at Keji
Whether due to her low centre of gravity, or her sponge-like brain, Charlotte picked this up in no time. Meanwhile, I fell in once every 3 minutes.
Apple Picking and Tooth Losing
Charlotte joined the LeBlancs for a day of apple picking in the Valley. She came back with a ton of apples, and one fewer tooth!
Fort Charlotte
Charlotte built a fort worthy of a queen, so she decided to enjoy it to the max and spend the night in it. Take note, also, of Massey seizing the opportunity to have the bed to herself.
Learning About Business Expenses
Charlotte and I working to figure out how much hot chocolate mix she used that day at Charlotte’s Cafe. She’s about to get very upset with some Bank of Dad policies about being reimbursed for cost of good sold…
Yarn Library
Vanessa’s collection of yarns waiting to be knit and purled into socks, scarves, sweaters, mittens, and all sorts of other beautiful things. (Though, can we agree she doesn’t need to buy any more? Please, let her know, I’m begging you).
Charlotte and Nora
Charlie saying hi to her new cousin, Nora.
Fun with Copic Markers
Charlotte got copic markers this year, and this is one of her first sketches with them. She was pretty pleased with the result.
More Discovery Centre Fun
Another cool shot of Charlotte at the Discovery Centre.
Charlotte of Green Gables
We stopped in at Anne of Green Gables during our tour of PEI with Megan and Darby. Charlotte loved the house so much that she wanted to walk through it twice.
Bouncing off the Walls
While this could be any given day at our place, it’s actually another cool shot from Vanessa and Charlotte’s trip to the Discovery Centre.
Chalk Art
A better view of the chalk art Vanessa and Charlotte made to help bring some joy to the neighbourhood.
Future Mosaic
Vanessa has been collecting caps from vials at work in the hopes of one day making a mosaic. Charlotte offered to help sort them out.
Sprucing Up Saunderland
Saunderland is hidden away in a small grove of trees in a nearby park. It’s where the kids of the neighbourhood plant homes for fairies. Charlotte is adding one of her own here.
Outdoor Movie Night
Here’s another shot of our outdoor movie night.
Uncle Pat’s Got Skills
Using the patented “Carseat Pendulum Manoeuvre”, Rosie got all the rest she needed. I can’t even count the number of hours I spend getting Charlotte to sleep this way.
Family Halloween Picture
All the cousins together in costume. Bonus points for anyone who can see the parental intervention being applied here to make sure nobody tips over.
Christmas at the Sweetwolds’
Christmas gets lit at the Sweets. We try to go a little bigger each year. We’re already coordinating going in on renting a bucket truck next year with the neighbours to get lights along the roof line.
Supper at the Blue Mussel
Charlotte thoroughly enjoying herself at the Blue Mussel in PEI.
Charlotte and Tessa
Sometimes, it takes seeing Charlotte with a *truly* little kid (Tessa belongs to Kevin and Catherine, our dear friends from Kingston) to realize how much she’s grown.
Fairy Houses
Our family’s contribution to the fairy housing community in one of the local parks.
Making a puzzle
Charlie is helping Ness here with a puzzle. I’m personally grateful for this, because try as she might, Ness will probably never get me to participate in making a puzzle.
Our New Grand Piano
Another shot of Ness’ new love in her life.
Homework is better with friends
Pancake keeping Charlotte company while she does her homework.
A day at school
Every so often, the kids wear their dress uniforms. Charlotte was excited to wear her new coat to school this day.
Organizing the Yarn
Ness keeps her library of yard super organized. Here, they’re all wound and ready to go.
Massey FC
She may not have a season ticket, but even Massey gets geared up for Wanderers game days.
KD++
It turns out you can buy flavour boosters for KD. Charlotte loved it, but Ness and I are more conservative in our tastes.
Oxalis
We enjoyed an amazing meal with the our dear friends the LeBlancs (Rob and Jenn) at a new farm-to-table restaurant in Dartmouth.
Charlotte’s First Haircut
Almost 7 years in to life, Charlotte gets her first haircut.
La Massey
Like regular Massey, but fancier!
Campfire Notebooks Are Timeless
Charlotte’s now doing her spelling practice in a Campfire Notebook, just like Ness and I did as kids.
Got any carrots??
Pancake is a curious creature. Here, she’s checking in on Ness to make sure work is going well.
Mom and Charlotte’s Mug Shots
Both Mom and Charlotte showing off hole-y smiles and loving life.
An ex fig tree
Ness has developed an incredible green thumb over the pandemic. Despite her efforts though, this particular tree actively tried to die on her.
Supreme Birthday Girl
A reminder of why the crew at the Dartmouth General are awesome.
Charlotte loves ice cream.
I have no idea what’s going on here, other than the fact that my daughter is hugging ice cream, which makes sense to me.
Oma and Charlotte at the Wanderers
Oma and Opa came out for a Wanderers game this year. It may not have been as exciting as their beloved Mooseheads, but a good time was had by all.
Post-sleepover math challenge
The morning after the girls’ sleepover, they challenged me to solve the HARDEST MATH PROBLEMS EVER. Note the serious look on my face. These were tough problems. Luckily, the girls didn’t know the answers either, so I was in the clear.
Spa day
Ness spent a lovely day out at a Nordic spa in Chester with her sisters – a much needed break.
Charlie chatting with Nona
Charlotte catching up with Nona on the phone. I’m seeing how Charlotte will one day be a teenager, which is wonderful/ terrifying.
Doodle Lounge
The big doodle and the little doodle relaxing.
New Years Olie Bollen
Olie Bollen is a Dutch New Year’s tradition. They’re delicious.
Books, Bunnies, Bedtime
Charlotte loves to read as she winds down for bed. Pancake hangs out sometimes for some extra cuddles.
Serious face, cool shoes
Charlotte has been a reading machine this year. Here, she’s enjoying a book after school.
Full Moon at Keji
We got to see a beautiful full moon at one of our Keji trips. There was a painter nearby to capture the view on her canvas, which Charlotte thought was really cool.
Charlotte’s Onward-themed Birthday
Charlotte’s 7th birthday had an Onward theme. Ness put this screen together to help celebrate the day.
Allllmost….
Ness brought this orchid back to life – it might have been her greatest plant/ flower accomplishment of the year.
Flowers from the garden
Some of Ness’ flowers from the yard. We got a few beautiful bouquets over the course of the year.
Baby Nora
Me hanging out with my new niece, Nora.
Sleepover with Charlotte
Ness caught Charlie and I snuggled up in bed.
Carving Pumpkins with Harlowe
Charlotte went to her friend Harlowe’s this year to carve pumpkins. In wonderful news, nobody drew blood! A smashing success.
It is your birthday.
This is part of my decorations for Ness’ birthday. Fans of “The Office” will understand that I’m hilarious.
Poinsettia
Ness has spent a good chunk of the last few months trying to get this poinsettia to turn red again. It never really turned out, but she’s already got a plan for next year.
Massey, stay!
Massey practicing her balance and patience.
Nora’s Blanket
Ness knit this for baby Nora.
A Geode Cake for Charlotte
Ness made an Onward-themed geode cake for Charlotte’s birthday. She absolutely loved it, and it tasted great.
Keji Sunset, Part Deux
Another view of a sunset from our site at Keji this summer.
Family Photo
Here’s the whole family on the Versteeg side.
First Day of School
Here’s another traditional first day of school picture with Charlotte and Massey. As you can see, Massey gets shorter and shorter each year.
From the garden
Lettuce, kalem and haskap berries from Ness’ garden.
A natural reading position
Everyone reads like this, right?
Astrid, the fierce
Another shot of Charlotte dressed as Astrid the Viking Warrior from How to Train Your Dragon.
Our New Table
Finally, we replaced the table that I bought from a grocery store in Hamilton.
Charlotte the baker
Charlotte loves to bake with Ness whenever she gets the chance.
Happy anniversary!
This year marked out 10th anniversary. We weren’t able to celebrate quite how we wanted to, but we ended up with what was the best take out we’ve ever had. It was a truly memorable night.
A tasty treat
Charlotte enjoyed a virgin cocktail at the Blue Mussel.
A special hat at the magic show
Charlotte had a blast her her birthday’s magic show. her cousin Thomas has a ton of fun, too.
Halloween with the girls
Charlotte, Maddy and Harlowe goofing around before going to trick-or-treat.
Woolstock
Ness and Vicki went out to Woolstock to experience the best this province has to offer in the world of knitting and yarn.
Charlotte’s Skateboard
For her birthday, Charlotte’s #1 gift request was a skateboard. #2 was a pet unicorn.
Lighting the Cherry Trees
This is my favourite thing to do when setting up the Christmas lights. It’s a lot of work, but I love the result.