here and there

 

We are back from a family reunion and farm weekend. The weather was so nice, hot and sunny and perfect for sitting back in a lawn chair with a cold drink! The kids went to the barn, we had a nice BBQ with Gilly and Jay, and then on Sunday we reunited with many of Nana's side of the family at Devil's Elbow Ski Hill. There were lots of fun games, we enjoyed a great lunch spread and relaxed in the shade. The kids had a great time and were so tired, we enjoyed a nap trifecta for the entire drive home, it was almost like a date for Stew and I.

summer groove

We have hit our summer vacation groove...last week we got out on our bikes and went pretty far, just the four of us. We are trying out new parks around us and enjoying the variety and change. Anna has been a huge help with groceries, we cleaned out our fridge and freezers and I will be doing a big cook again so we can have some premade meals for those days we want to be outside as long as possible. We are spending lots of time at our neighbours on our street, many of them are teachers, and their kids play really well with ours. Elliot the middle one has been riding bikes with Anna, playing Lego with Sam, Aria just adores Henry, and Issac tags along and plays well with Anna too. As the days fly by and I see my curly red-haired baby turning into a little boy more and more, my thoughts move to Sam. He is growing into a kind, sweet, gentle and very funny big brother for Henry. This video was taken after lunch a few days ago, and we are planning a few birthday surprises for him. He is such a fun kid to parent, as Sam would say, 'I am big now, I am almost 3'.

11 months and 40!

It was a big week around here. Henry turned 11 months old, and Stew turned 40! - we are still recovering from the celebrations. We had cake for Stew, and Henry is eating lots of table food. He is pushing the puree's aside and wanting what we are eating. The kids gave Stew a new tie for his big day, and the folks at his office gave him a whole bunch of new socks.

The doors and fences are going up all around us, as Henry is getting into more and more drawers, cupboards and his absolute favourite...stairs.

happy stuff

Howdy friends! We are back after a nice weekend spent at home. Anna has returned taller and more grown up, Sam got a summer haircut to get things evened up, Henry has started pulling himself up on everything and is even wanting to take a few steps when you hold his hands. The garage and front porch got a fresh coat of paint, and Stew ran a good 5km race the other night. Our garden is in full bloom, the poppy's we planted from John McCrea house are out, daisies, delphinium's, and my baskets of nasturtiums. Anna had a nap today after a long bike ride in very hot weather, and it made for the most pleasant of suppers, desserts, and story time. Kate and I went on a sister date today to the Aberfoyle Antique Market and we shared the most delicious cinnamon and sugar pretzel and maple lemonade - wow, so good, try it. We've been having some trouble getting into a summer groove, but I'm hopeful that this week is better for all of us.