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Biniyam didn't make a page this year
     
When we started working on this, Halloween had just passed. The big maple in the front yard had dumped its leaves and we'd had our first snow fall. Now, with Christmas just a week away, we are firmly in the grips of winter.
Writing a Christmas communication each year gives us a welcome opportunity to look back on the year behind us, to marvel how much the kids have grown, to think about the wonderful adventures we've had, and to wonder what the New Year will bring. We'd like to invite you on a trip through the highlights of our family album of 2005.  
We were blessed with a lot of snow last year and we made the best of it. We enjoy cross-country skiing most weekends when there is snow. The snow arrived early again this year, so I hope that means we'll have good snow throughout the winter.
Our new year begins with Meghan's birthday. She turned thirteen in January, so will soon be turning fourteen! She had a really interesting murder mystery birthday party, which required her to play the part of a man.
Meghan, and David too, enjoyed some fantastic travel last winter. First, Meghan travelled to St. Donat, Québec, for a four-day ski trip, en français, with her extended French class.
As soon as she got back, she was off to the Bahamas with David and two friends. Their fifth grade teacher, Jim Matthieu, invited them to spend two weeks aboard his sailboat in the Bahamas! They did lots of swimming, diving & sightseeing.
One of the more interesting aspects of our last school year was homeschooling Lauren. We were unhappy with her fourth grade classroom situation, so we removed her from school in November, along with two other families, and formed a little homeschooling cooperative. A major highlight of the year was the medievel unit, which included a trip to Leslie's mom's house to learn about felting, spinning & weaving and the building of a model castle from snow that won them first prize in the Deep River winter carnival snow sculpture contest.
Lauren turned 10 in February, so soon will be turning 11. She's in fifth grade, back in "regular" school. She's doing well, although sometimes missing her homeschooling days. In May, she was involved in a recital with her ballet club. Her group danced the part of the sun (Lauren is top right).
As is usual, Biniyam kept Leslie busy with trips to swim meets every couple of weekends. One of the most exciting was a trip to Montreal to compete in the Olympic pool. In addition to swimming, Biniyam is wild about X-country skiing and just about any sport, especially if he can go fast!
In April, we suffered the sudden loss of Leslie's cousin, Duncan Matheson, to a heart attack, at the far too early age of 43. It was quite a shock, as Duncan always seemed so strong, fit, and healthy. As you can see (above with Lauren stealing his glasses) he really loved the kids...and we all loved him. We will miss him very much.

David turned 13 in May...that makes two teenagers now if you are keeping track. Our household is definitely livelier for it. David is a very social guy and would like to get into a whole lot more than we let him!

Also in May, we left the kids behind in the care of Leslie's parents (it is so good having family living close by) and took a trip to Korea.

  
Andrew had a conference and business meetings. Leslie took advantage of the situation and tagged along. Andrew managed to squeeze in a little sightseeing, while Leslie was all over Seoul & Taejon.
Leslie took Lauren & Biniyam to her parents' cottage on Lac La Ronge in July. Andrew stayed home with the other two who were involved in a Deep River Musical Society production of Oliver! While at La Ronge, Biniyam celebrated his 12th birthday.
In August, we spent four weeks camping our way around Newfoundland & Nova Scotia. This was a real dream vacation for us. We saw so much, that I can't even begin to describe it here. A truly outstanding moment was watching a humpback whale frolic around our tour boat. Fascinating history, breath-taking scenery, sunny beaches...and loads of fresh seafood! It doesn't get much better.
With the arrival of fall, the kids are all back in school: grades five, six, seven & eight. David and Andrew are back in Scouts while Lauren has joined Cubs, where she's having loads of fun. In addition, there is swimming (Biniyam), Youth Theatre (Meghan, David, Lauren), basketball (David), ballet (Lauren). Busy, busy, busy! But what family isn't?!
Lauren - Grade 5
Biniyam - Grade 6
David - Grade 7
Meghan - Grade 8

 

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