Parenting WIN!

If you know Joyce and I at all, you're likely already aware that we chose to have two children, and we were blessed with a "Millionaire's Family" with the arrival of our daughter Maddison then our son Keaton. As with all parents, the anxiety associated with being a successful parent was, at times, pretty significant considering that we were pretty amazing examples of offspring thanks to the incredible job our parents had done. We didn't get the tangible memo on the HOW so we had to rely on the somewhat hazy memories of our childhoods. Even before this week, we were pretty darn confident that we had succeeded profoundly despite our trepidations, but this past week erased any possible doubts.

If we're honest, we feel it was a parenting win!

Many of you will likely recall that our daughter Maddison found the apple of her eye in Chris Cove and tied the knot in September of 2021. Along with her betrothed came access to the toys his side of the family had procured, a palatial summer home on Eagle Lake in Haliburton region being one of Maddi's favourites since our side of the family did not go down that road. Our kids had grown up visiting Nana and Papa's pool on a regular basis, or Gramma and Grampa's lake from time to time. She was understandably thrilled to be able to share a week of vacation time on Eagle Lake with her "boo", and she graciously extended a hand to share, inviting us up for a a couple of gloriously warm days.

Arriving at the midday, we were treated to a storybook-inspired sky, azure blue with huge fluffy white clouds, golden beams of sunlight streaming through their gaps, and a subtle summery zephyr that was more intoxicating than the frosty adult treat in my hand. The Cove summer home is resplendent with soft sandy beach, lofty shade-giving trees, a wide assortment of gas and human powered playthings, all prompting a slow down and enjoy attitude. Since we haven't had the opportunity to enjoy such fantastic treats very often, we were thrilled to share a sightseeing boat ride tour of Eagle Lake with M+C+Remi (their PWD). Dinner was the coup de grace to the day when our daughter "Maddi-fied" the salmon we had brought up, and was the perfect companion to the roasted taters and salad. 

The only questionable choice of the day was watching "Dr Strange - Multiverse Madness" ... it was very confusing for someone like me who hadn't seen very many of the previous Avenger offerings. 

The following morning's idyllic vistas were wondrous to behold, enhanced by the sumptuous cuppa warming my hands whilst sitting on the dock and counting my blessings. Since Joyce was keen to have Maddi join her in a kayak around the point, I took advantage of the opportunity to grab my trusty steed and explore the concessions around Eagle Lake. Much like Huntsville the previous week, the roads of Haliburton are a roller coaster affair, rising and falling like so many waves in a stormy sea. Upon my return, Maddi wished to take the Albatross out for a spin. The Whaaat? Chris patiently explained that the Albatross was a mini-boat made in England at the end of WWII that featured an airplane aluminum shell powered by an aluminum, water-cooled airplane engine. While you can most assuredly hear one coming, you'd better have your wits about you because it will fly by your position quickly.

The drive home was passed with an in-depth conversation about how tickled we are with our Maddi and the life she's creating with Chris.

The week was far from over at that point and we had a visit from Keaton to look forward to! He was bringing his new-to-him fur-baby, Zuke, with him to see the new condo, have a visit, and go to the annual August Civic Holiday BBQ that we annually enjoy with our family's oldest friends ... more on that in the next post.

Keaton and Zuke arrived mid-afternoon on a gloriously warm and sunny day, and I'm pleased to announce that Zuke warmed to his Nana and Papa quickly. He's a recent acquisition for KP from an old rugby buddy that was moving to Toronto and couldn't keep him in the new apartment. KP and his girlfriend Jessica had been on the hunt for a puppy, and despite being 5 years old, Zuke was almost exactly what they were hoping for. He's a pit bull crossed with a Cain Corso and likely a couple of other breeds to boot, inheriting all of the really positive traits from the mishmash of genetics available, resulting in a friendly, silly, affectionate goofball. Once we all were sure that Zuke was settled, Keaton and I headed out for nine holes on Marlwood Golf Course where our new condo is situated. Golf is a relatively new undertaking of KP's and he was adamant that not only was his stoked to spend a couple of hours with the D.O.D (Dear Old Dad), but that he was footing the bill as a delayed Father's Day present. 

A more wondrous afternoon was not possible as we uglied our way around what proved to be a challenging front nine because of the need to hit some golf shots in management of some spectacularly crooked doglegs and strategically placed hazards. While neither of us was a threat to go low, we each had a number of good shots, a boat load of conversation, and even a few belly laughs. Having spent so many years of his youth in the player-coach scenario, it was a fantastic experience to be father-son enjoying both company and sport.

The day's end was topped with a beautiful beachside walk with Zuke, who's antic with his favourite toy and clumsy escapades into the waters of Georgian Bay the three of us giggling and laughing. 

Driving home from the aforementioned BBQ, we had the opportunity to reflect proudly on the tremendous people our two children had turned out to be, and how fortunate we felt for the grace that had been bestowed on us as parents. Right hand over our collective left shoulders and pat twice.

Yep, most definitely think it was a WIN!