Cucumber slices and carrot sticks

Here we are again

home from our summer of fun

two weeks, three cities

four flights, one tram ride

lots of smiles in the sun

Kids, you were great

and took all we threw at you

in your stride

Missed naps, long flights

and jet lag

Barely complaining

rather you enjoyed the ride

London, it was good to see you

however brief was our stay

you're still crazy and busy

I guess you'll always be that way

How lovely it was

to see old faces

and hear familiar voices

These are things I miss

the most, they made me homesick

questioning our choices

But the clock didn't stop

only time for quick hellos

and catching up with news

Telling stories, having hugs

How the precious

short days flew

All too soon

it was goodbye again

and we were back in the air

The stopover making way

for the adventure

that awaited way over there

A long flight to Ottawa

but the kids were fine

I even managed

to watch TV and read

the paper

to unwind

Landing in

sweltering heat and

a body clock that

was all askew

We rested and

wallowed in warm hospitality

good food, good wine

and 'what's new?'

A walking tour

to see the sights

and the landmarks

of Ottawa's history

In the midday sun

what mad dogs and Englishmen

we had become

Lakes and beaches

were our refuge

keeping the stifling heat at bay

We picnicked

on gourmet bread

hams and cheeses,

while the little ones

played and played

Cousins got to

know each other

Giggling and laughing

and up to their tricks

Snacking and munching

on cucumber slices

and crunchy carrot sticks

The water is its own

playground

and each took their turn

to enjoy

Splashing and kicking

bobbing and swimming

as we let our

tired minds uncoil

Two boys together

turned four

Just a couple of days apart

Living so far away

shared days are scarce

A highlight to warm the heart

Playing Jedi warriors

and sword fights a plenty

Their imaginations

on fire

light sabres held high

and Spiderman pyjamas

while the big sister of six stood by

But the attention was hers

a tooth started to wobble

Wiggled and jiggled

til it hung loose

'Co-ol' said the boys

and all were in awe

when it popped out, 'You brave, Sally Goose'!

These days too

came to an end

and the journey

beckoned us on

A final stopover

cool and hip:

Porter airlines to the Island

and the Chocolate Factory loft

on Queen Street W to end our trip

More quick hellos

and fleeting visits

to old haunts and favourite places

And for a four year old

a tram ride for a treat

Toronto, I hardly recognise your new faces

A long plane ride home

and back to where we started

Summer, you are fading again

we will soon be waving good bye

A new school year is upon us

more change, a new chapter,

A long sigh......