I'm thinking about our family on this day, since it is the twentieth anniversary of our tiny son's coming and going way too soon. As I remember Randy, and grieve the what-might-have-beens concerning him, I also reflect with gratitude. Those in our small tribe are very precious to me.
In this blog post, I will describe a together time with them this past August. The Kenites' Niagara Weekend is the last "larger yes" in a series of three that I'm writing about from this summer.
A - All together is the very best way to be. It was a great delight to have Kayleen & Carlin join us at the Niagara House, having crossed the border hassle-free. Because of the pandemic-induced restrictions/regulations in travel and other areas, we hadn't been able to gather as a complete family for almost a year and a half. To do so again was a great privilege.
B - Brothers are alike in more ways than one, such as having the same kind of computers and the same kind of love for competition.
C - Chess is a game of considerable skill and strategy which doesn't seem to deter the two-year-old son from enthusiastic interest nor the father from enthusiastic instruction.
D - Duets in the kitchen are the best: Jasmine and Kerra reading poems for two voices.
E - Efficient chefs produced some amazing food. Planning and preparing meals to serve everyone is no small feat, and I'm proud of my offspring and their spouses for their expertise in this department.
F - Fish Tacos had nothing fishy about them - they were solid, pure tastiness.
G - Grandpa, or "Gumpa" as the case may be, is a favorite partner in tower-building when visiting apple orchards together is not an option.
H - Helping oneself to food in the buffet line is a part of the fun of Mealtime At The Niagara House.
I - Ice cream (Niagara peach-studded) at Walker's Country Market near Niagara-on-the-Lake was a definite highlight on the day that we hiked in the Niagara Gorge.
J - Joining family circles for mealtimes at the patio table outside was a summertime treat.
K - Kicking the beach ball in the backyard was a fun pastime for Seth.
L - Lounging beside Auntie Jasmine for story time was another delicious activity.
M - My husband makes a family weekend that much more lovely for me. I admire his dad-ways with his offspring and his interaction with Seth. His special brand of humor often enlivens family conversation. Plus, he's willing to talk things through with me after we've had a tiff (yeah, we're known to have those even on a trip 😕), this time regarding street-crossing safety.
N - Niagara Falls is a great place to visit any time of the year, but we noticed that summertime is an especially wonderful season in which to view it.
O - One cool dude. ('nuff said.)
P - Panna cotta ("cooked cream") is an Italian dessert of thickened, sweetened cream. Carlin and Kayleen, at the end of one of their meals, introduced us to this delicious, custardy treat...mmm...just peachy!
Q- Quick describes Seth's learning. He had several art teachers over the weekend.
R - Reading is a favorite together thing for Seth - and the reader.
S - Sisters share the same sunny smiles.
T - Tarts, all flaky and gooey and buttery, made another delectable dessert after The Meal by Ricky&Jas.
U - Unique is one way to describe this hardware store's decor. I spotted the storefront design while we were on the way back to our Niagara House from a long walk to the Falls. I read that the decor is to represent the "working shoulder-to-shoulder" motto of the store.
V - Very concentrated moves - or not - are required to succeed in a Bocce game. Depends somewhat on your teammates, as well. And perhaps a bit of luck thrown (or rolled) in.
W - Water in the Niagara Gorge is so fascinating. So is watching the jetboats shooting the rapids.
X - Xtra color and beauty abounds in the planters and flowerbeds surrounding the Falls.
Y - Yummy meals are an exclamation mark to a family weekend. Pretty on the plate and tasty on the tongue.
Z - Zest for living is contagious. Pass it on to your family members.
What's your favorite thing about a family gathering?
