Tag Archives: buckhorn

Buckhorn Observatory

While at the cottage this year, we finally made it to the observatory. we’ve talked about going for ages but never made it happen. But this was the year.

The day before we left, Andi, Brie, her friend Sarah and I drove down a very dark County Road 507 and had an amazing time. This guy John has a huge telescope on his property and a love for space so he set up an observatory on his property for everyone to enjoy. It was a bit cloudy when we first got there but the clouds blew away shortly and we had an amazing view of Saturn, a dead star and even the International Space Station.

I would love to go again, we should get a big group of us to go next year.

 

http://www.buckhornobservatory.com/

2008 year in review – 2009 look ahead

For our Family Home Evening this past week we reviewed the year and talked about what we were looking forward to this year.
Here, in no particular order, is our list of things that were noteworthy in 2008:

  • Andrew ate lots of Nanna’s hospital food
  • Andrew got 2 trophies from bowling in the summer
  • Lisa got a new calling (released as Primary Music Leader and called as Enrichment Leader)
  • We got a new van
  • Andrew got his own room
  • Matthew got his own room (because Andrew got his own room)
  • Matthew got out of Nursery and started Sunbeams
  • We got some of the bathroom redone
  • Christine kept getting cuter
  • Graham kept his calling
  • Matthew learned how to write his name
  • Andrew learned to tie his shoe laces
  • Christine learned to walk (it was a Christmas miracle)
  • Andrew passed a swimming course
  • Matthew passed a swimming course (Sea Turtle)
  • We put in new tiles in the kitchen
  • Andrew really got into LEGO
  • Christine says “Hi” to everyone
  • We spent a lot of time at the hospital visiting Nanny, Mom, and other people
  • Andrew spent the March Break at Grandma and Grandpa’s house
  • Graham started a monthly father/son night
  • Andrew started grade 1
  • Matthew started JK
  • Christine turned 1
  • Matthew turned 4
  • Andrew turned 6
  • Andrew was the student of the month in SK
  • Lisa went in her first craft sale
  • We went to Buckhorn

Here are some things were are looking forward to in 2009, or things we would like to change (quasi-resolutions):

  • Andrew will start grade 2 and turn 7
  • Matthew will start SK and turn 5
  • Christine will turn 2
  • We will go to Florida in February
  • Julia will get married in March
  • Both boys want to pass another swimming course
  • Matthew would like to whine less (honestly, he said this himself)
  • Andrew will listen better
  • Lisa will be more fun (when she said this, the boys yelled out, “Yay!”)
  • Lisa will exercise more regularly
  • Graham will be less of a “junker” (this is the boys nickname for Graham because he always gives them junk food)
  • Graham will keep working on the house
  • As a family, we’d like to do monthly service for someone
  • Lisa and Graham want to get to the temple every month.

In case you were wondering, Graham and Andrew stayed up till midnight on New Year’s Eve. Matthew was allowed to, but was too tired to stay up so he went to bed. Lisa was obviously allowed to stay up, but slept on the couch for a couple of hours. Lisa, Graham, and Matthew were up for the actual date change at midnight.

Buckhorn in Summer 2008

One of the highlights of the summer is going up to Buckhorn. Some of the family are lucky enough to be there for the full two weeks. We were able to be there for parts of 6 or 7 days (essentially 4 days the first weekend, 2 days the last weekend). Every year I comment how beautiful it is and how I wish I could stay longer. The weather wasn’t as nice as years past, but there was still lots to do.

The first trip up, the boys “swam”, we walked, and we relaxed. We went to the Whetung Ojibwa Art and Crafts Gallery. We also had an adventure at the Lakefield Fair. The second trip up, we went into Peterborough, went mini-putting, and excavated pieces of the Canadian shield for Lisa’s parents (thanks for your help Dad and Jason). Whether it was the first or second trip, Christine insisted on staying up late and waking up early. I guess cottage life was just too exciting for her.

I took loads of pictures. As is usually the case, you can see some of the thumbnails below, and see the rest of the thumbnails and larger versions in the Buckhorn in Summer 2008 gallery.





It seems like it is tradition now that we have a party each year. Two years ago we had a shower for Alisa. Last year we had a shower for Lisa. This year we decided to have a party on Andrew’s birthday. Lisa parents (Andrew’s Grandma and Grandpa) came up for the afternoon and we had a party in the “party room”. You can see pictures specifically from the party in the 20080727 Andrew’s Family Birthday Party in Buckhorn gallery.

Note: There are now 4,100 images in 175 categories

Mom and Dad’s 40th Anniversary

Brian Wing married Marsha Roberts on June 21, 1968. This year was their 40th Anniversary. Unfortunately, Mom was in the hospital during that time, so they didn’t have much of a chance to celebrate. Dad picked up some food from Kelsey’s and they ate together at the hospital.

While we were up at the cottage, we noticed a painting that the Buckhorn tourist association was selling as a fundraiser. It was a beautiful painting of a heron. I contacted the all of the siblings and spouses, and we all went together and bought it for them. On Sunday, August 17, 2008 we told Mom and Dad we were going to have a family dinner while Julia was visiting. When they showed up, we had some decorations (red for the “ruby” anniversary), and had a bit of a party. Mom and Dad had no idea and were happily surprised. After dinner, we gathered in the living room and we gave Mom and Dad a card. Once that was opened, I gave them the painting. They loved it! Dad teared up (he always says he is pulling a Poppa), and they both were very thankful.

I took a few pictures and put them in the 20080817 Mom and Dad’s 40th Anniversary dinner. You can see some (but not all) of the thumbnails below:



Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!