Tawse-Smith Family

Well, summer is almost over and it has been a very busy summer. 

Derek and I went to Vancouver Island the first week of June for his parents birthdays.  Yes, both parents have their birthday on June 6th.  It was a great vacation with lots of sunshine.

Our garden was very successful this year.  Lots of fresh veggies, and still lots of potatoes, and tomatoes left in the garden.

Kelsey continues to work at McDonalds, however, her part time hours have kind of been upgraded to mostly full time for the summer.  No complaints from her as she likes the money and it helps pay the gas for her car.  She and her friends have also been enjoying their summer.  I think they made a "Summer Must Do" list.  Last week; horseback riding, this week; ziplines.  

Cait has been hanging out with friends, and has started babysitting.  That will give her a few entry $$$ also.

Josh and Joeye have been enrolled in Summer Daycamp.  They usually attend 2 days per week, and they seem to really enjoy their time there with their friends.

Emilee has been here visiting with Mike and us for the past two weeks.  She leaves for home on Wednesday.

We, the family, had our annual camping trip to Dunromin campground.  A great time was had by all.
There was, Monica, JJ, Kelsey, Caitlynn, Joeye, Josh, Mike, Emilee, Derek and I, Andrea and Tyler, Amy and Mitch, Henry, April, Meaghan, Michaela, Maddison and Willie. This is our 8th year of camping at Dunromin, and I think it was the best year yet.

Derek and I have book an anniversary holiday in Punta Cana for October.  We will be spending a week at an all inclusive that was recommended by Brenda.  Looking forward to it.

On a more sad note, Monica and Mikes' grandfather, Ralph Marsh, passed away last week.  Their Grandmother, Shirley Marsh had passed away less than a year now, and their Greatgrandmother, Jean Sobey, had passed only three months before the grandmother.  The past year has been a sad one for the Marsh family.  The memorial service for both grandparents were held in Ontario this past weekend, and since Monica and Mike were not able to attend at that time, they will be going to Ontario this week to spend time with their father and the rest of the Marsh family.  This means that I get to stay with the grandkids. So, I am really looking forward to that.

Andrea graduated from NSCC, Community College, and has been able to find a job immediately.  She works for CAT Equipment, in the sales and marketing department.  We were very happy that Dereks mom was able to come and visit with us for the week and was able to be at the graduation.

Grandkids are just about ready for school and they are looking forward to going back.  Hard to believe that this is Kelsey's last year of highschool.  She only needs two credits to graduate, however, Monica, being the smart mommy that she is, has made Kels take all eight credits this year.  Monica says that school is free and that she is going to make sure that the children take advantage of that.  You can never get too much education.  Caitlynn is starting High School this year.  Where or where have the years gone.  You know you are getting old when the grandkids start to graduate. 

Sorry it took so long to update, but I just seem to be so busy lately.  I guess the saying "Time Flies when your having Fun" is true.


Derek and I have been keeping busy with our weekenly drives to the country for picnics and hikes, our trips to the beach, and just getting along with family.  The next big family event will be the corn boil at Paul's, Labour Day weekend.  We are all looking forward to getting together with everyone once again.  Too bad some family members live so far away.

Hello everyone
We hope that you all have a wonderful Easter holiday.
Here are a few pics to show you how we get ready for the Easter Bunny.
Decorating cookies with Kelsey, Caitlynn, Joeye and Andrea.
 Monica getting the color mix ready so that the kiddies can decorate eggs.
 Candice enjoying one of the cookes that she decorated.
 Caitlynn showing off her decorating techniques.
 Now its Joeye's turn to show off her decorating skills.
 Josh painting one of his eggs.  Green is his favorite color
 Caitlynn decorating her egg.

 Candice is also decorating eggs.
Josh putting the finishing touches on his first egg.
Kelsey is also getting in on the fun.
Another group picture.
This is one of Joeyes creations.  Good good Jojo...
Josh is now adding camouflage to his egg.  Did I mention Green is his favorite color....LOL...
And here is Josh's finished egg. 
An assortment of colorful eggs.
Some of the decorated cookies.
More YUMMY Cookies.
And nothing tops off a beautiful sunny Saturday like a ride in the Wheelbarrow.
Josh enjoying the day working around the yard with Papa/
This was taken on Thursday morning.  Mommy went to school with Jojo for the morning.
On Thursday morning, Nanny took Josh to school.
A picture of Josh enjoying one of the cookies he decorated.
Those cookies sure were yummy.  White and Green icing.  Can you tell that Green is his favorite color...LOL...He sure loves green.

Here are a few more pics for everyone to enjoy.
Monica went to parent-teacher interviews for the three girls and their teachers are very impressed with all of them and they are all doing excellent in school.  Their report cards were the best ever.   We are so proud of them.
Here is a picture of Cait before leaving for her orthodontist appointment.
 Kelsey and Caitlynn having quiet time before supper.
 Another picture of Cait after school.
 Joeye telling nanny all about her day at school.
 Josh checking the calendar and counting the days until Daddy returns... Josh is also wearing the bunny ears that he made at Preschool today.
 Josh showing nanny some of his new breakdance moves.
 Here is a picture of Mike's new toy.  A 2011 Ford something or other ...truck.
 Josh cleaning his truck and waiting for JJ to return so they can go cruising through the trails...
Hope you all enjoy the new pics.  I wanted to post a pic of Monica but she wouldn't let me take one of her.   Maybe I can convince her tomorrow to let me take one.

Hello again
All is going well so far.  Had Candice drop in for a visit during her quick turn around time in Halifax.  She will be returning this weekend and this time will be staying a few days to visit.   We are very excited to have her visit and are making plans to keep her very busy.  I will let her have one evening to herself to visit with friends that live in the area.
We are also hoping to make a quick overnight trip at the end of the month, to see Uncle Paul and Auntie Cheryl.
Joeye and Josh got to go to Build A Bear, but, Joeye is still looking forward to her shopping trip with Daddy and says she already knows what she is going to buy.  We all miss daddy and are waiting anxiously for his return.
Here are a few more pics that Josh and Jojo wanted me to post for daddy.
Hope everyone enjoys them cause we had fun taking them.


Here is a picture of Joeye with her new Build a Bear - Bunny,  She named her Flower.
 Joeye making a funny face for daddy.
 Joeye waiting only one more minute before it is her time for the computer.  She and Josh each take turns.
 Josh enjoying a snack before having his second turn on the computer.
 Josh is now playing games on pbskids.org
 Josh's turn to make funny faces for daddy. 
I absolutely love spending time with them.  Now if I could only convince Caitlynn and Kelsey to let me take pics of them.   I will try and get some of them tomorrow.

Hello everyone, I will start by showing you a picture that Josh made. He said this was a picture of his Nanny (me). Not bad for a three year old artist. And this is a picture of his Papa (Derek).