The early part of the year, before Annabel's illness, was uneventful enough. Andrew enjoyed a business trip to Mumbai, India and then returned to go winter camping with the Scouts. Below, they are hiking on the frozen Ottawa River.

Meghan (left) celebrated her fourteenth birthday in January, and Lauren (below) her eleventh in February. In March, we spent our usual spring break vacation in Oakville visiting Andrew' family.

Even as we were wrapped up with Annabel's illness, spring came and life carried on. Three of the kids (below) were involved in a Youth Theatre play "The Keeper of the Tales." Meghan had a starring role as the blind beggar while David & Lauren had roles in two of the tales. Their cousins, Sean & Matt (step-sons to Leslie's brother Mike) were also involved. A very kind community member had a DVD for Annabel to watch at the hospital immediately within two days of the production.

In June, Meghan graduated from grade eight. This is a big deal in Ontario, as eighth grade is the last year of elementary school. She is now in grade nine at our local high school. Lauren is in sixth grade, Biniyam in seventh and David in eighth.

We also had a very special event with Andrew's parents. John & Margaret White celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on May 21, a celebration the whole family continued in Prince Edward Island in August. John & Margaret's anniversary is also David's birthdate. During their festivities, he celebrated his fourteenth.

Our summer was a busy & eventful one. Biniyam enjoyed athletic successes in annual town events: the 6X1mile relay (3rd place and youngest team) and the cross river swim (6th @ 33:07). Biniyam was annoyed to have had his thirteenth birthday just two weeks before the swim so couldn't win fastest 12 and under.

We made our usual trek to Saskatchewan where we spent a couple of weeks up at the Taylor family cottage on Lac La Ronge, where Biniyam celebrated his thirteenth birthday. While we were relaxing at the cottage, Deep River suffered a spectacular storm that wiped out entire forests of white pines. Fortunately we didn't have any on our property. While in Prince Albert, we held a wine & cheese in memory of Annabel. By happy coincidence, we were able to hold it at the in the local art gallery during the 25th anniversary show of the P.A. Spinners & Weavers Guild of which Annabel was a founding member. Her work was prominently featured.

In August, we celebrated the marriage of Andrew's brother, Philip and his partner, Michelle. Shortly after, we drove to Prince Edward Island to continue the celebrations where Andrew's parents, John & Margaret, had rented several cottages for a family vacation. We did a lot of sightseeing, ate a lot of seafood and enjoyed each other's company for over a week. In particular, we treasured the time the kids had together to develop relationships that will, hopefully, last them for a lifetime.

A quieter fall, although still busy, as we resume our school year activities. Andrew is getting into his new job as Chief Regulatory Officer for AECL which he started in July amidst all of our travels. He continues as a Scout Leader with both Lauren & David in his troop. Earlier in the season, they crossed the Ottawa River to camp & climb Mount Martin (below).

Leslie has "retired" from teaching as she lacked the enthusiasm to continue dealing with the College of Teachers bureaucracy. She's turning her attention to quilting and has been accepted and is currently on the waiting list for membership in the local Artisan's Coop. She also continues as a La Leche League Leader, supporting local women breastfeeding, and training new Leaders.

Meghan is loving high school with its additional autonomy & opportunities. She's been involved in two stage productions this fall: a Deep River Players production of Chekov's The Cherry Orchard and a high school musical revue of popular music since the high school was opened in 1952. Meghan also plays the flute.

David, social as ever, hangs out with his friends at every opportunity. He's involved in Karate (green belt), Scouts, youth theatre, badminton and school sports.

Biniyam spends a lot of time in the local pool (6 days/week), training with the competitive swim team and taking his bronze star. He'll get into any sport available and loves to compete. He continues to develop his drumming.

Lauren shares most of her activities with David: Scouting, karate (yellow belt) and youth theatre. She's resumed guitar lessons this fall.

Family life with (almost) four teens is busy, challenging, maddening and fulfilling. We're hoping for a peaceful New Year. Uneventful would be great, however unlikely.

~To you, we wish a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday, and a Healthy and Happy New Year~

: : 2006 : : Meghan : : David : : Lauren : : Annabel : : P.E.I. : : Quilts : :

Biniyam didn't make a page this year

Other Family Passings