Raising Flowers and Skids

Happy Birthday Zandra and Ilyah

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Leah

The blog is slowly dwindling to a blog of travel experiences, special occasions – which includes birthdays.

But, I am changing that up too!

I’ve decided that birthday blogs will mainly include some updates on each person so that way I can capture all the adventures that each person has done that year.

Of course, I’ll have to throw in some amazing-ness stuff too..

And, I do a cheat for Zandra and Ilyah since their birthdays are back to back and they are married:)

Ilyah celebrated a couple of days ago and Zandra’s is today

So the birthday couple have had a lot of change in the past little bit.

Zandra graduated from BYU Hawaii with her degree in Education and Ilyah finished up his service in the army.

They packed their bags at Christmas and left the island of Hawaii and headed to city life in San Francisco. Zandra is working now at a preschool and Ilyah has started community college. They both have plans for more education; Zandra wants to get a masters in teaching and Ilyah plans to go to get his degree as well.

They have two cute cats – Boo and Theo that get up to cuteness no good! They all love San Francisco – Zandra is happy to be back in a city ! She has always loved San Francisco too.

They are coming to Toronto this summer and holding a wedding celebration – a big party to celebrate their marriage (which they did on their own in Jan 2022 in Hawaii). So lots of excitement about that!

Of course every child Zandra works with adores her bcs she is so good with them! She has a heart of gold and her love shines through. She continues to explore her creativity and seems to have new paintings done whenever we talk with her! Ilyah also has that crafty streak taking a wood working course and bringing things home for their apartment. He is curious about everything and enjoys learning and sharing his knowledge. He is enjoying showing Zandra his home city!

Happy Birthday, you two! Love you!!!

Manchester

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Leah

Manchester was the last leg – of what felt like the Amazing Race, lol.

We arrived and found a spot right around the corner for dinner and enjoyed some really yummy fish tacos.

The next day we had a private music tour booked and our guide was amazing. He combined the history of music with the history of the city. It was truly fascinating. He spent a lot of time talking about some famous Manchester groups including Oasis and Joy Division. He took us to some very famous parts of the city too – where album covers had been made, famous clubs (like the Hacienda) and neighbourhoods where people grow up. Sam even got to meet Mr. Sifter from Sifter’s music

After the tour we went for lunch and had yummy schnitzel and bratwurst for Sam (we went to a German restaurant).

In the afternoon we went to the National Football Museum. It was fun to read all about different players. Football (soccer) has been a big part of our lives bcs of how much the boys played.

Dinner was at the local food court/market (sounds bad – but it is super unique with excellent options for food).

The next day we wandered the city – did a walking tour of the historical cites, went to the British Museum, the library and ate outdoors from the street food stands (again sounds bad but super cute). In the afternoon we did some shopping at Afflecks – this three level store made of up 60 unique stores.

We ended off our day heading back to London and stayed in the airport hotel for our final night bcs our flight was early the next morning.

Overall, it was a good trip and even the England rainy weather did not disappoint:)

Some sample photos:

Liverpool

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Leah

We caught an early train to Liverpool to spend one night.

We arrived, checked into the Hard Days Night hotel and headed for a quick lunch.

Following lunch, we went to the Beatles Museum by the port. It was pretty impressive – you take a guided audio tour through different rooms and learn about the different phases of the Beatles – lots of trivia.

We walked around a bit and then went to chill for a bit!

We headed out into the rainy evening and had some pizza before we finally crashed at night!

The next day we headed out to go on the Beatle’s Magical Mystery Tour – to see all the sites including the homes where John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Strawberry Fields etc. Again, super interesting! Sam is a huge music fan so all the music tours are for him!

We had lunch at the Cavern Restaurant and then went and visited the Cavern Club – unreal how many people have played there!!!

We also made it to Marks and Spencer to have their famous Mac and cheese (I love Mac n cheese)! Then we shopped a little bit and chilled at the hotel before trying to catch our train.

Of course, our train was cancelled and it was a bit of a pain – as we had to hire an uber to take us to Manchester where we are spending the rest of our trip!

Sam’s 16 Trip – London

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Leah

Well we are finally rounding up the last of the 16 trips.

It was such a good idea when we first came up with it years ago – but who knew that Covid would hit, and that life would get incredibly busy over the years which would lead to Josh having an almost 19 trip and Sam having a 17.5 trip.

Better late than never.

So here we are – the final 16 trip.

Sam decided to go to England. Being a music nut, he wanted to hit London, Liverpool and Manchester.

We arrived in London and hit the road pretty quick after checking into our cute hotel on top of a neighourhood pub. We had a fish and chip lunch and then headed out.

The tube was a 7 min walk which was great, but we opted to make our way by foot to see Westminster Abbey.

We walked along some pretty posh streets and then saw the Abbey (it was closed), Big Ben, headed to Trafalgar Square, saw the London Eye, then walked through the park to Buckingham Palace.

We headed back and found a cute restaurant near our hotel for Indian food.

The next day I had a little route all planned out, but then we got a call from our guide for a music tour that I thought I had booked on Sunday! Oops!

We quickly went to meet our guide and had a fantastic tour. He took us all around and pointed out all the historical spots – recording studios, cafes, studios. Lots of trivia about David Bowie, Oasis, Sex Pistols, etc.

After our tour, we did a few more touristy walks – to Tower of London, London bridge, tower bridge etc.

That night we headed for dinner to my old friend Shar who moved back to London several years ago. We got to meet her partner and had a great catch up and visit (and meal!).

The next day Sam headed off on his own to visit some friends who were also visiting just outside of London – and Rob and I had the day to ourselves!

We walked around for a bit, had tea and then went and saw Wicked! We ended our day with a yummy dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

Our last day, we decided to head out of the city and rented a car and drove to the White Cliffs of Dover. We hiked along the cliffs – it was gorgeous – but super super windy!!

We grabbed some scones, cream and jam for a snack too:)

After our hike, we headed to Canterbury – visited the Cathedral and then walked around town. We found a cute pub and had some traditional food (pot pies and roast).

On our way back, we stopped at the Arsenal Stadium – Sam’s fave soccer team and then headed back.

Rob and Sam went and played some darts and I headed back to the hotel.

Next stop – Liverpool!

Happy Birthday Josh

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Leah

Another one leaving the teens… entering adulthood.

How did I let this happen!?!?

We went to Ottawa this weekend to visit Josh. We had a nice lunch, hung out a bit and then met some of his new friends.

Gone are the days when I would be coordinating play dates and he would be mainly friends with the kids of my friends!

Lots to love and appreciate about this boy.

He is a very good hugger.

He is very funny and can make us all laugh!

He has an adventurous spirit. Last year he travelled Europe – managing to navigate all the covid restrictions, and then headed to Thailand.

He has a nice sensitive side. Compassion, empathy, kindness – they are all there and come out when he interacts with kids and Reggie:)

He is a good friend -very loyal, and very social (with his friends -but he can also be super shy with others !)

He knows so many random things – this seems to be a trend in this house. He is a smartie with all the info packed in there.

He has a fierce independence streak. (Which can sometimes be annoying to me as a mom lol)

Despite his independence and aloofness, he loves his family:)

He has diverse interests – he’s taking Japanese this semester!

He loves his alone time – to walk, listen to music, shoot hoops in the back.

He loves to play sports and is good at them all!

Overall, I think I’ll keep him as my baby. LOL

Happy Birthday Joshua!!!

Love you more and always

xoxo

Mom

Happy Birthday Shannon!

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Leah

With my expanding family I gave myself permission last year to change up the birthday posts a bit – bcs it gets pretty intense between the months of May and July (we had two new additions to the family last year that both celebrate birthdays in May!)

And we have a small winter cluster with Shannon on Jan 24th and then upcoming birthdays for Josh and my mom in February.

So Shannon officially kicks off the yearly birthdays – so she is a bit of a trial blazer!

That carries over into life – she is a successful entrepreneur and has created quite a name for herself. She is hardworking, driven and committed.

She is creative and always in the know of the newest things.

She is always willing to lend a hand and help out too!

She’s passionate about what she values and is a strong advocate.

She also can have fun and laugh and enjoy herself!

She is a great support to Gabe and the two of them together are a great partnership.

They up and moved again and this time settled into Brooklyn where they have quickly made it home. We love having them so close and being able to see them a lot more frequently!

Happy Birthday Shannon! Enjoy your special day! We love you!

2022 Year in Review

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Leah

Josh arrived home from working in Jasper – with COVID.

Leah got COVID

Zandra and Ilyah got married (twice in January long story but the their officiant got COVID and it muddled things)

Josh’s 16 trip (at almost 19) to Copenhagen, and Switzerland (Zurich, Lucerne. Interlaken (where we went paragliding!), Zermatt)

Josh travelled all over Europe and then headed to Thailand for a month

Sam only child:)

Sam gets COVID

Hours of FaceTime calls with kids (Sunday is a marathon)

Another 52 Building Resilience Podcasts

Hit 25K downloads

Outerbanks for the week to work (too early in the season – some of our fave restaurants not open!)

LCS Mastermind in Austin

Visiting friends and family Houston

Masterclasses and presentations

Early morning walks

Evening walks

Early morning routines

Poke, sushi, Market Street Catch – we like our fish!

Ki for anytime we want to celebrate anything

Turning 50!

Church callings

Night at hotel, Ki, El Catrin for lunch in Distillery (across from where we had our second date)H2O float, massage

Road trip with Rob’s Alfa (He calls it Da Gemma) with Mike and Karen to Elora

Lots of coaching

Lots of work travel for Rob (Magna!)

Rachael’s wedding shower

Sitting on porch, working, reading, eating, talking, watching

TedX Toronto with Zach! (Kebabs for dinner)

Working with Tarina (speaking engagement!)

This is Us finishes:(

Gabe and Shannon leave Florida

Zach’s stag

Zach and Rachael’s wedding! (Tons of guests, lots of prep, lots of fun, lots of memories)

Zach and Rachael’s sealing (then their honeymoon on a cruise in Alaska)

Birthdays!

MEXICO CDFs 2022!

“Coldplay candlelight” concert

David Gray concert

Sam Humanitarian XP to Kenya!

Weekend at Robert and Tarina’s cottage

Busing Family Reunion Weekend

Golfing

Visiting Zandra in Hawaii!

Zach and Rachael have to move in with us mid summer:)

Gabe and Shannon move to Brooklyn!

Summer jobs – camps, reffing

Josh moves to Carleton (Ottawa weekend!) and starts Uni

Watched: Emily in Paris, Grey’s Anatomy, Succession, Dead to Me, White Lotus, Firefly Lane, Bosch, Limitless, Morning Show, Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, From Scratch, Chasing Life (and more I am sure lol)

Back to school for everyone!

Feeling more of the empty nest…

Boston trip with Rob (work) – visiting Mass General again, the best Mac and cheese too

Trip to Ogunquit, Maine (the Lobster pound!)

Lots of courses, reading, podcasts, finished up some certifications (EFT)

Certification for Professional Resilience Coach and Consultant

Lots of trips for Rob to Europe

Who concert for Rob and Sam

A few other concerts for Sam!

Mexico again:) Back to our chill little resort

American Thanksgiving with Gabe in NYC

Pickleball

Zandra graduates; Ilyah leaves the military

Zandra and Ilyah move to San Francisco!

Christmas Festivities

New Years trip to NYC

Reggie. Lots of Reggie.

CDFs in NYC

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Leah

We visited NYC as a family when the kids were much younger – in 2014!

I can’t believe how much we travelled that year bcs it was the year Rob had a heart attack – but we still managed to do Gabe’s 16 trip to Munich and Venice, the whole family at Lake Powell/Las Vegas and then NYC!

We clearly had more energy then. Lol.

And were not as worried about retirement nearing and how to fund that. Lol.

But since we weren’t going to see Gabe and Shannon for the holidays, and since they are in NYC, we thought it would be fun to go for a whirlwind trip. Zandra and Ilyah had to head back to San Fran early, so we were short them:(

And before I post all the pictures of smiling faces, can I just be real: Travelling is 50/50. Travelling with kids is 50/50. Travelling with young adult kids – is 50/50. I’m almost tempted to say it’s less than 50/50 (kidding. not kidding). Everyone wants to do different things, has different expectations, wants to do things their own way, gets on each others nerves etc. There are varying levels of gratitude, patience, consideration, energy levels, moodiness and enthusiasm. So it is a big big mix.

But in hindsight, it is always good.

Always good to create the memories.

Always good to see how the kids are doing their own things, their own way, have their own priorities.

And always good to appreciate how much cheaper life is when it is just Rob and me just travelling. (so not kidding).

We were up super early – and hit the road at 4:45. Rob was a trooper and we arrived in Brooklyn (where Gabe and Shannon live) at 1pm!

We explored their neighbourhood before heading across the Brooklyn bridge to walk around a bit and then met up with my old university friend Anita.

Anita and I went to SUNY Plattsburgh together and did the SLP Prep year – which we realized was 25 years ago!!! We last saw each other when I got married to Rob (so almost 15 years ago!). We got to meet her kids who were charming – and she got to see mine again (met them briefly when we got married – when they were charming lol) and had a nice dinner in Little Italy. It was so so so great to see her – there is a special bond with some of your uni girlfriends, right!!??

We were zonked so went back to our Airbnb in Brooklyn – which was much better than the last one Rob and stayed in!

The next morning we headed out (very early for some – but it was 9am) and headed into Manhattan.

It started to pour.

We got super wet.

We only had 2 umbrellas.

As we were heading into Central Park to “site see” Rob and I decided that was not going to happen in the pouring rain so went to find umbrellas. After we were all umbrella-d up, we were soaked so we went for a nice lunch.

We went to a cute diner, that had nice heaters to dry out stuff:)

After lunch, the rain stopped and we were finally able to explore: Central Park, time square, Rockefeller, central station.

A few peeps wanted to head home and rest and a few of us kept walking…I think we got up to 30K steps?!

We ended up picking up some yummy Chinese food that Gabe knew about (a cheap eats place ) and took it back to our AirBnB. So good…

The next day we headed out again to walk the High Line and then wandered our way back to China town where we had another great cheap eats meal of dumpling and peanut butter noodles. It was a super warm day – considering it was January 4th!

They were not impressed that I just randomly stopped and forced them to take a picture with me.

After lunch, we hopped in the car and made the long trip back. Rob was a trooper again – there was a bit of rain which made it a little harder at night – but we pulled in around 11.

A whirlwind trip – but so fun:)

Meanwhile – Reggie was with a new dog sitter and he seemed to really like it. She sent us pictures over the couple of days!

I think this must have been his favourite!

Christmas 2022

Posted on December 31, 2022 by Leah

I didn’t do a great job of taking pictures this year.

Terrible, actually.

Except maybe of Reggie.

He really is my favourite child. HA!

But despite the lack of pictures (well you see there ARE pictures but I am missing some of my usual ones and forgot to take some of a few things we did too!) we had a fun house and lots going on!

Josh was the first to arrive home from Carleton, even though he still had a paper and an online exam to do. But he figured he might as well be home to do it. He had quite the schedule while he was home – I couldn’t keep track of what time he went to bed and what time he got up – but it was completely opposite to us. He was very happy that his first semester was done! We did a little shopping day and dinner (we’ve done it a few times over the years – but last year he was away so we missed it!

Zandra and Ilyah arrived next. She graduated from BYU-H and Ilyah left the military and they moved to San Francisco. So, they had a bit of whirlwind leaving Hawaii, dropping off their stuff (and their little cat Boo) and then heading home for the holidays. They headed back to San Fran on the 26th to get things set up in their apartment before Zandra started work as a preschool teacher and Ilyah starts Community College. We had a nice little graduation celebration dinner together. They also got things organized for their wedding celebration that they plan on having here in Toronto this coming August. Zandra now has her green card (hence why she was able to come home, and go back to the US to work ) so they now want to celebrate their marriage – so are planning a ring ceremony and a wedding reception with family and friends! Another CDF wedding event!

Zach and Rachael arrived a few days later with another successful semester under their belts. They split their time with us and her family in Cambridge (about 1.5 hours outside of Toronto).

Poor Sam had to go to school all the way until the 23rd while everyone else was staying up late and chilling!

Gabe and Shannon went to Denver for the holidays to be with her family but had one heck of a time getting there – they were stuck in Chicago for 2 nights! A combo of the storm and some poor planning of some airlines… but they managed to get there!

We waited to decorate the tree (but ended up getting a wee tree compared to previous years).

Decorated some cookies….(and the watched soccer too:)

Were able to have a nice Christmas dinner all together (a week early), some yummy breakfasts, lots of watching shows (love how Emily in Paris seasons come out around the holidays!).

Went to the Christmas market and then delivered cookies…

We played lots of games, ate wayyyyy too much , went for some nice walks, meals out etc

Hard to coordinate with everyone, but lots of Christmas was accomplished.

New Years was pretty quiet too – but certainly not complaining! We had Hakka from our favourite Danforth Dragon (a staple Chinese/Indian restaurant in our hood), and then the kids all went out and Rob and I just relaxed and watched the ball drop! Can’t believe another year has gone by!! (no pictures!)

After New Years we (us, Zach, Rachael, Josh and Sam) did a whirlwind trip to NYC to see Gabe and Shannon… will post about that and pictures in a separate post!

Rob’s Christmas Eve 2022 poem!

Posted on December 25, 2022 by Leah

2022 Poem

Welcome to Christmas 2022
Buckle up there’s a lot to get through

Although interest rates grow higher; Santa’s elves never tire
We finished 2022 with payments a little higher,

Gabe and Shannon travel down to the wire, but warm and cozy with a Fulton Christmas fire.

The year started as it does
Shannon’s birthday to kick things off
Who knew they would soon be in a NYC loft

But wait hold on, I’m getting too far ahead
We have some important things to cover like – I do thee wed

A ring, an early morning ping, and a zoom meeting
A remote wedding on a beach lots of tweeting

While we were away in the land of chocolate and money
Zandra married Ilyah her American honey

They said their vows, sneakers and sand
And then of in the Hawaiian sunset hand and hand

In that same month we turned 16 to 19, a Josh birthday and we all went to Switzerland to do some slaagen
Even in Copenhagen we ate ze hot doggen

Zurich, Lucern, Interlacken and Zermatt

We walked churches, high perches and I did some duo lingo searches

We ate fondues, walked mountain views and even soared over lakes in crews of two

Finally wrapping things up on the trains of the Matt
Josh and Ethan the Zermatt frat

And then all to soon Josh and friends to Europe roaming paths
Little did we know they would take so few baths

Once back, Leah and Rob an Outer Banks getaway for two
Then Business travel for Leah in the long horn state It was Mastermind in Austin woohoo

Leah’s big day, a decade to change
We were now both in the 50s range

We celebrated with a tour of the distillery,
Then floated away in a chamber filled with music, lights and little frillery

Birthdays grew in May too
Zandra’s birthday from afar, I think I remember Ilyah and a car
But they persevered and celebrated together
In the beautiful Hawaiian weather

Rachel her birthday in May as well
A celebration amid a wedding shower swell

Oh no don’t think we’re done yet
Another wedding was a humming, oh boy you bet!

The preparation was pretty intense and the anticipation immense

The lights got strung, the tent ceiling got hung, and before you know it the wedding bells were rung

We danced in the night of a beautiful surround
Soon these two would be Alaska bound

But before we were through there was one last important deal
And that was to the Temple to seal!

But let’s not forget the parties weren’t through
Leah wasn’t finished turning 50 that’s true!

So birthday cake on a plane, we headed to Mexico minus two crew
To resorts to celebrate Leah’s birthday number two

Fun in the sun and heat so neat we just couldn’t be beat
Uh oh … except Rachel’s refunds from the bathroom seat and Sam’s strange something to do with his mouth and feet?!?

But soon on the mend, our resort cohort was tanned and despite some moving a little slow
We picked things up with an adventure on the yatch YOLO

To the Isla Mujeres attire a little sus
Ocean swimming in the blue was a must

We had sushi to be remembered and some illnesses to be sure
But taken all together memories so pure

In to July more birthdays for sure, Gabe, Sam and Zach they’re all nearly back to back

Oh where to start with this July team
So much going on nearly bursting at the seam

Gabe and Shannon left for the skyscrapers and home of the Waldorf Astoria
New York City these two certainly adore ya

Zach and Rachel in Utah they be,
nursing and neuroscience their great marks tuition’s free!
Learning the brain and the bod too, these two make a fearsome crew!

And then there is Sam, a girl named Kieran and his long flowing hair
To Kenya he went to spread some much needed care

Then Hawaii just the girls
Man these CDFs are a whirl

And Boston.. take a breath
Maine lobster death!!

The summer done and twilight musing
Let’s not forget Gran,Di and the family Busing

Then quick as a flash the summer an end
And fall and St Nick around the bend

School kick off and something new to begin
Josh was at Ottawa in Carleton

Soon adapted to the life of student rigor
First year brains and livers grow bigger!

Then there were 3 in the old Fulton house
Soon it would be just me and my spouse

As December grew near there are a few things more!
So let’s keep push for the 2023 door.

A Brooklyn visit and preamble to the new year,
And of course let’s not forget Zandra’s graduation cheer!

So with the winter winds a howling and the temperature falling
Let’s get this party started and stop all this stalling

To say we are blessed is an understatement of fact
The joy of the season is certainly no act

So with a good cheer let’s open our hearts to say
Merry Christmas to all and have a great day.