In February we were stunned with the news of the loss of our dear friend Darlene Donohoe. She had acquired encephalitis and battled her way out of those dangers only to have had tracheotomy blockage the day she was moved out of intensive care. It seems to have been a senseless loss and not a day goes by that she’s not thought of.
In March Spencer had the momentous loss of his first two teeth. Although he lost the first one & couldn’t put it under his pillow for the tooth ferry, when he lost his 2nd tooth about a week later, she made sure to let him know she knew about him loosing his first tooth.In May we had to deal with the loss of another loved one, Keith’s mother Lorraine. She had struggled for many years with her health and unfortunately on May 4th, she could fight no more. Although we miss her dearly, we are comforted to know she is no longer suffering.
The summer brought us many weekends camping after we got our back yard redone (putting in the hot tub & redoing the landscape). The kids enjoyed soccer, baseball, swimming, Christmas in July, Halloween in August, street dances, just to name some of the activities our park hosts.
It also brought us our newest camping buddy Sarah MacKenzie Ellingham. The boys can't wait to show her all the cool stuff there is to do at the park!!!For our summer holidays we found Fantasy
Island in Grand Island, NY. The boys went on every ride they could find, found 
some great pirate and country western shoot out shows, and then practically shriveled up in the water park. There were no problems falling asleep that night and staying in the hotel was really fun…until dad killed the battery in our car (oops)!!!End of July we suffered our third loss (hate it when they say it comes in 3s). Our long time pet, Blu, had a long term heart condition that got too bad for him and we had to say good-bye to him. He had been a loyal and loved family member for over 13 years and it was very difficult coming home & not having his wagging tail and loving eyes greet us. Blu is likely having loads of fun with Grandma & Dar!
In the fall Curtis started JK and Spencer moved up to SK. Both seem to love school even though Spencer had some troubles remembering the “hands to yourself” rule and spent a few recesses in the principle’s office.
Curtis had a blast with the water party in the back yard for his birthday. Between the water balloons, the water guns and the pool with the water slide, you wondered if the kids would ever dry off!
It was around this time that the boys were both ecstatic to become eager Beavers. It meant that Keith had to become a Beaver Leader but the three of them have enjoyed many activities including being in the Oakville parade, selling Beaver popcorn, tobogganing, Fire Station visits, Big Al's Fish Aquarium, numerous crafts and too many obstacle races to even count.
In September Uncle Kevin & Michelle got married in Las Vegas. It was a small intimate wedding in one of their favourite spots. Sorry we couldn't be there in person with you on your special day but know our hearts are always with you. Welcome to the family Auntie Michelle!!!
Halloween this year was filled with decorating galore and the kids going trick-or-treating with their friends Aiden, Siobhan, Larkin, Caila, & Connor and all the Dads. It’s tradition in our house for the mom’s to stay & hand out candy (and maybe have a glass of wine). The fog machine was brilliant coming out of the hot tub gazebo and the compliments from all the ghosts, goblins & princesses that visited were much appreciated!
Halloween this year was filled with decorating galore and the kids going trick-or-treating with their friends Aiden, Siobhan, Larkin, Caila, & Connor and all the Dads. It’s tradition in our house for the mom’s to stay & hand out candy (and maybe have a glass of wine). The fog machine was brilliant coming out of the hot tub gazebo and the compliments from all the ghosts, goblins & princesses that visited were much appreciated!Christmas rushed upon us once again this year and despite our losses earlier on in the year we had the wonderful addition of Grandma & Grandpa Brooks this year. It is the first time ever they spent X-mas with us and it was so much fun having them join Grandpa Oliphant, Al, Becky, Matt, Aaron and Cassey. Hopefully they had as much fun as we had & they want to do it again!
