Riding the Rails

Today Sean, Ryan, Dad and I went to Tottenham after lunch to ride their historical railroad.  It was a very enjoyable afternoon.  We rode on coaches that were originally built in 1928 and they were pulled by a diesel engine from the 1940's (I think).   The steam engine they usually use is being restored and expected to be back in service in late summer.  I highly recommend this outing to anyone with kids or who is a railroad enthusiast. 

Heading to the station to buy tickets.

Checking out the diesel engine

Posing on our coach

Enjoying the view between Tottenham and Beeton

The engineer tested the brakes just outside Beeton... the conductor said this was because there were no more rails and it would be embarrassing to run out of track, passersby would say "Look at that train it went off the 'Beeton' track" (knee slap!)

Sean and Ryan with the conductor

Rainy Day Bike Riding at the Cottage... and the Aftermath!

"Don't take a picture me!!!"

"What?  I'm wet?  How'd that happen?"

Notice the puddle (or pond) in the background... good fun on a bike!

Happy Birthday Papa!!

Wasaga 500/Relaxing

After spending the night at the cottage and a relaxing day (due to questionable weather) the sun came out and we headed for the race track.   It was Tony's last full day with us, so we wanted to do something fun with the kids.   Ryan was not a happy camper at the end as he thought we could change drivers part way through and apparently I don't drive fast enough:(

Brandon's Baptism

On Saturday July 18, Brandon was welcomed into the church family through the sacrament of baptism.  We were able to have a beautiful service at St. Mary's and celebration after (at the cottage) thanks to the efforts of much of our family and friends, since we were not present to do the preparations.   

Special thank you to:

 Mom for organizing the food

 Carol for bringing her famous yummy potato salad and "sex in a pan"

 Chris for letting us have the party at the cottage

 Michelle for being a there for me and my kids always and serving as Brandon's godmother,  Stephen for being a fantastic cousin to me and the boys and serving as Brandon's godfather,  Lisa and Jeff for their gift of music (Children of the Light and City of God are two of my  favourites)

Peter for playing guitar, videotaping and photographing the day 

Dad for providing us with a beautiful service

 All who came for helping us to celebrate -  could anyone who has pictures from the day please email copies to me - Thank you

Brandon before the baptism wearing the gown worn by Nana, Briant, Sean and countless other family members over the years.

Ryan and Brandon hanging out before we left for the church.  Ryan was not sure what was going on and was pretty sure he wasn't going!  Sean was already at the church helping Papa get ready.

Carol putting out her salads... Tony and Jeff digging in!

Cake!

Sean and Ryan discussing world events with Art

L-R Megan, Stephen, Lisa, Chris, Paul, Jeff, Tony

L-R  Tony, Rosemary, Christine, Mark, Angelo, Chris

Allen took Ben and Sean for Sea Doo rides

Sarah watching out for Ryan

Thirsty!

Ben, Ryan, Sarah, Sean and Papa

Shell (Michelle) and Ryan going for a boat ride on the river

Chris let Sean take us for a ride

Scott and Tony

Mommy and Brandon

Mommy, Daddy and Brandon

Red Sox vs Blue Jays  

On July 17, we had the chance to go to the Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays game.   We had a great evening with family.   Tony had never been to "Skydome"  and I hadn't been there for 6 or 7 years (since the last time Dad and I went to see a Red Sox/Jays game!)   It was cool and misting down by the lake so the dome was closed.  There were however, 3 pigeons that missed their chance to fly away before it closed!  We arrived in time to show Tony around before the rest of the group arrived.   Our group included Tony, Dad, Peter, Krista, Paul, Shirley, Stephen, Megan, (silly) Jeff and Chris.   Sean really wanted to come with us but, we decided that his first game should wait. It was a night game and he was tired from a  busy travel day the day before and Brandon's baptism was the next morning.  We took lots of pictures to share with he and Ryan.

Tony and Dad climbing the stairs outside Rogers Centre

Gargoyles outside Rogers Centre

Go Trains in front of Rogers Centre (this one's for Ryan)

Finding our seats.... Tony made sure he was prepared!  

At a ball game in Canada... yet still at work.

I can't remember this guy's name, but I liked the way he held his bat!

Flashback Friday retro uniforms

Silly Jeff and Chris arrived!

David Ortiz

Shirley, Paul, Megan and Stephen (the godfather!)

Megan took a lot of grief about he knowledge (or lack thereof) of baseball, but she learned a lot too and is ready to share that at her next game (tonight!)