My Birthday in the Midst of Renovations

September 12, 2024

The past few weeks highlight much of what has already been the usual occurrence in our family life: another PEI vacation trip; more birthday celebrations; and intense home renovations.

To date, four large bedroom windows and two bedroom floors have been installed.

Good Progress

Clementine had the privilege of choosing where she wanted her window to be installed—to which Michiel was more than willing to make her vision come true.

The view of the creek is stunning: it must be the westerly sunset—casting its subdued glow on the water, creating a glistening effect when viewed from Clementine’s window. The backdrop of the evergreen and deciduous trees—standing tall next to the marshy bog, invites calm and rest. It is the perfect visual for a pre-teen who desires solitude at times, and other times, artistic inspiration.

There is tangible proof that the kids, before winter makes its grand entrance to the coast, will finally be moved into their bedrooms. The kids have carefully picked paint colours for their rooms.

One More Family Trip

Rustico in PEI is the location where our family tends to book our stay. Strategically, it is a convenient location for travelling to Charlottetown, as well as to the surrounding areas where we enjoy visiting—all in or under twenty minutes.

I was able to take a snapshot of three generations of Kluck boys on the boardwalk—the two younger ones imitating the oldest with the walking stick.

We celebrated my birthday with delicious (store bought but home prepared) dumplings. It was a treat for everyone.

Activities For the Whole Family

The Charlottetown library has always been a sure stop for our family. The library has dedicated a large room for all things relating to makers space—which has been the main attraction for our four craft-savvy kids. We spent a large portion of one afternoon building an abstract piece of art; it spanned the width of the tabletop and tunnelled under the table—connecting to the main piece on top. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” we were told by the room’s supervising clerk. Oliver and Michiel put in their finishing touches while crouching under the table.

A Purposeful Date In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Michiel and I went on a date the last evening before packing our bags to come home. We stopped at the Kettle Black—a chic but down-to-earth, popular cafe right downtown Charlottetown, before heading for a romantic stroll through several picturesque neighbourhoods with our hot beverage in hand. We looked like college students, noting the styles and effects in architectural detailing—namely the ornate and sometimes overbearing ones, such as those commonly found on Victorian homes.

Deliberate Efforts

The following morning, our family along with Opa and Oma scurried quickly to pack our things and tidy up our cottage. The few short hours spent fussing over which item belonged to whom; which bags of items to load first or last in the van; and whether or not we believed the cottage was clean enough to put us on the “good guests list”, although inconvenient, was only part of the equation for a successful vacation.

All in all, the trip was worth every effort because we were deliberate in spending quality time with one another. It was enjoyable—with memories to cherish for many years to come. It will be a keepsake for our kids, whom one day will look back and laugh at the silly jokes that Opa made; or reminisce on the delicious dish that Oma prepared at the spurr of the moment one cold summer evening; or smile at the spontaneous cuddles and kisses they received from their Opa and Oma, as well as from their parents.