Boys and Blocks

My boys love to play with blocks.  Their endless creativity makes me smile, too.

 

“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”
~ Abraham Maslow

Guess Who...

It's only October, but guess who has been praying for snow!???!!!??!

 

Ethan was pretty excited to sport his new gear, as he anticipates learning to ski this winter :)

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving (and more!)

Every Canadian Thanksgiving, we Tappers have another celebration to add to the joy of enjoying the harvest and counting our many blessings.  Abigail Hope Tapper was born on a stormy morning, seven years ago today! 

 

Today, we know a girl who loves stretching down into the splits and working on her cartwheels.  She has been learning a lot of French and has started reading chapter books.  She enjoys swimming, shopping, singing, and playing piano.  And she is, by far, our most creative child--drawing pictures, writing stories and songs, and even designing party games for the entertainment of whoever might enter her room on a designated party day!

 

Abby is a very loyal friend and, although she may often present as rather quiet, she can be your loudest and most uplifting encourager when you need it.  She can also be amazingly stubborn, and we hope that she will learn to be most stubborn about the things that are truly most important!  We call her our beautiful treasure, and we believe that she is a gift from God, created for good works that we can only begin to imagine.

 

Happy Birthday, Sister Bear!

 

Andrew's First Big Race

Andrew came home from school several weeks ago, excited about an opportunity to participate in a running group during lunch recess.  All who were willing (which, of course, included Andrew, who would never pass by a good challenge!) trained with the gym teacher each day.  Every afternoon, I would get a report on the day's training.  First, I heard all about his aching muscles!  Then, I started hearing about how he had managed to get a few more laps in than the day before.  Finally, he brought home a paper from the school detailing a regional cross country meet for elementary students--a real race!  Imagine his excitement!

Today was the big day!  Andrew ran his mile with determination, finishing in the top 20 of his age bracket with a time of 7:22.5.  Not too bad for his first race!  (I think there might be more...)

A Sweet Girl...

A sweet girl took her "baby" for a walk to the park tonight.  She was delighted (and delightful!) as she pretended to do all kind of "mama" things for her little one.

Whew! September in one post!

As Ms. Computer seems to be working okay right now, it is time for an update on Team Tapper!  I must start by saying that we had a fabulous summer.  We really enjoyed the time together and all the adventures that we were able to have. 

Admittedly, the fall transition has been a bit of a challenge.  Not only are the kids back to school, but I have started a new job (which I really love!), and Mike has been working extremely hard on a conference project at the University.  As we continue to settle in to our new routines, it is great to see how the children seem to love their new teachers and new fall activities. 

 

Here is a picture recap of some of the happenings here: 

 

The family was excited to see that the city was installing new equipment at one of the old parks in the neighborhood.  Here they are, trying everything out and having a blast!

 

Ethan, hanging around on the playground zipline...

 

Abby, trying out the new slide...

 

Andrew is growing more handsome every day, don't you think?

 

 

For Labor Day weekend, we trekked off to Lake Francis State Park in New Hampshire and met up with great friends for some time of relaxation and fun.  We had a wonderful time doing all the best camp-out traditions: toasting marshmallows over the campfire, telling stories, swimming, boating, and exploring.

 

 

 

Ethan loves to help build the fires.



 

 

There was lots of mud!  And it was thoroughly enjoyed!

 

 

Behold the pirates of Lake Francis, setting sail for all sorts of splendid adventures!

 

 

What could be better than sharing camp food with friends?



 

 

Last weekend was Mike's birthday.  Any of you who truly know Mike are aware of his compulsive "chewies" habits.  Basically, he has the potential to consume copious amounts of sugary candy--Gummy Bears, Cherry Blasters, Twizzlers, Fuzzy Peaches, Jelly Beans, Nibs, etc.--like no one else I know.  The kids had a blast making him a "jellybean cake" this year.

 



Of course, it is hockey season now, too!  This is Jadon's big debut year.  He is so excited to be on the ice!  Andrew is also playing hockey again this year; this year for the Aylmer AtomA Icebergs.  He has also been selected by his school to run cross in a cross country meet in October.  (I don't have a picture...but Abby started gymnastics a couple weeks ago, too.  You'll just have to imagine her tumbling around with a gigantic smile from ear to ear...)

Finally, we continue to support and pray for my Mom as she goes through cancer treatments.  It is hard to do this from afar (for her, too!), but we are thankful for her strong faith and excellent support system in Pennsylvania.  And we certainly look forward to time together!

In all, I find this to be a very exciting and meaningful time.  I am thankful for great friends and family who make each day uniquely special.  I am especially grateful for God's grace that helps us to live each day with joy and purpose.  Blessings!

Dear Loyal Blog Readers...

Dear loyal blog readers,

Please forgive the delay in blog updates.  Ms. Computer has had a few minor illnesses and has been seeing the doctor.  We hope to report that she will be back to good health shortly.  Thank you for your kindness and patience during this time.

Sincerely,

Team Tapper