Bunchland families could teach you a thing or two about having fun. You see, for them, hangtime is serious business. In Play List, we ask families about the top five awesome things they have ever done together and get an amazing illustrator to draw them, and we get blown away every time.
- CITY: Toronto, Ontario
- OUR BUNCH: Marc, 37, photographer/film and television post-production. Damion, 36, television producer. Sean, 4, gregarious gearhead. Piton, Wheaten terrier.
Marc and Damion adopted Sean at the age of 2. Marc is also adopted, and is close with his maternal birth family, so Sean has three sets of grandparents who love him a whole lot. How cool is that? Marc has no problem answering questions about their multi-ethnic, same-sex, adoptive family. Fun fact: Aside from Canada, their family boasts the cultural heritages of Italy, St. Lucia, Guyana, St. Vincent and the United States. Here is their Play List.
Attending Children’s Aid picnics: Sean was adopted from the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (Marc is also adopted), and the CAS holds barbecues in the warm weather where other adoptive families can mingle, kids can play games together, and everyone can watch each other’s children grow. They are particularly moving events because there are all types of families with such an abundance of love surrounding these wonderful kids who have originated from difficult circumstances. They are days of positivity, inspiration and love.
Visiting the set: Sean’s other dad, Damion, is a television producer, and Sean was able to visit the set of ‘da Kink in my Hair over two seasons and see a television show in action. His favourite part was undoubtedly being fawned over by the cast and crew, including guest star and former WWE wrestler, Trish Stratus.
Partying at Pride and Caribana: In Toronto, there are two times of year when Sean is allowed to play in the street: Pride and Caribana! When he hears a beat, Sean just has to dance, and during these summer events, he has no problem soliciting people to dance with him. Sean constantly brings up the “times when we danced in the street,” and plus, with all the food vendors around, the rules on junk food get a little relaxed.
Toboganning at Riverdale Park West: Because of how the landscape is configured, the hill at Riverdale Park West slopes sideways—the big kids stay at one end, and the smaller kids at the other. This also means that the hill isn’t too steep for a four-year-old to pull a toboggan up him- or herself. The park is always full of playful dogs and families, and it’s a great place to make fast friends…and have a tumble or two.
Visiting the Brantford Zoo: The fact that most people don’t even know this zoo exists (and it’s hard to find) makes it a relaxed, low-key day. We have family nearby, so it’s not too out of the way if we’re visiting. Small children are able to interact with the hilarious baby goats, and even touch live snakes and lizards during the reptile show. The Brantford Zoo feels more like being on a sprawling farm, albeit one with leopards, zebras and baboons.
About the Illustrator: Jen Bulthuis runs a super-cool Toronto-based design company called Fidoodle.
How does your family get jiggy with it? Tell us the top five awesomest things your family has ever done together. Our pool of talented artists are standing by, just waiting to draw your family. Email amanda@bunchfamily.ca
