the lake calls...

and we give in. After a short morning of landscaping work in the yard, including a breakfast offering to the workers of fresh cinnamon buns and coffee, we decide to escape. The heat in the house is near oppressive by 10:30 and the temperature is rising. Quickly, the car is loaded, and we are off.

After a short 40 minute drive, we are rewarded with wonderfully blue skies, cool breezes and
clear waters. A quick lunch in the trees, and then on to swimming in a warm, spring fed, lake.













There is also fantastic sand to play in for 'she who will not touch her toes into the water without screaming like she is being tortured'.

After a few hours of play and fun, we pile back into the van. Sleepy heads, sunned faces, sandy toes...and happy, very happy.

pants were almost peed in

this blog post covers so much about life with small children.

SNOWBIRDS!

The Snowbirds were *here* today! For our town's 70th anniversary, and Northern Appreciation days (whatever that means). We dragged ourselves out to the airport - which actually does exist, it's just teeny tiny - along with pretty much the whole town to watch the show. Isaac was SO excited, he has heard them overhead in the last 2 days, and even saw some planes earlier today.

There were kids activities beforehand, bubbles, a parachute, fish pond and face painting. There was food, but we didn't get any...but we should have. Would have made the veeerrrryyy slow exit from the airport grounds much easier.

It was so neat to watch, if a touch scary. Kristin actually went to high school with Miles Selby, the snowbird pilot that was killed in practice last year. What a show it was! Isaac was thrilled by the planes "are they coming back again? are they coming back again?" We tried to get some shots as the planes went by, and had some success. The sky was amazingly blue, with perfectly fluffy white clouds. Just hot enough, with a breeze. We are glad the real heat isn't supposed to arrive until tomorrow.

cranky girl and long pigtails

Her hair is long enough to actually put in low pigtails now. So today, after her nap, I did just that. It would have been nicer if she wasn't quite so cranky about life after her nap though. Ignore the dirty kitchen in the background...it is clean now. I can't believe how grown up she looks like this though.






If you look closely, you can see the tears.

landscaping day 1

Stuck on the deck, so bubbles help pass the time













There goes the digger!
It beeps when it backs up, so it is SO exciting.
Although, we are not sure who is more excited. Isaac watching the digger...or D driving it!















Daddy waiting to see what the digger will do







Freshly deposit dirt needs some raking. 4 year old boys make for great landscapers.

excitement around the house

woo hoo! our yard is going to be worked on!! Finally, after almost a year has passed since our excavation and sump pump installation, we are getting our yard back. The pile of dirt in the back is going to be flattened, and the bricks that have remained in piles will be gone too. We cannot wait. We are going to put in a little plot for a garden too, and get the front ready for some landscaping. Darcy is coming by with the digger today to level some ground, so that should be good for some amusement. The fence will get put back, the holes are getting filled, the debris is going away. We are even going to have the trim around the windows repainted AND a new storm door! The project starts today, with a work party on Friday, and more work done while we are away next month. Finally, a storm door that is not a contrasting colour to the house trim. So much excitement, we can finally have a nice looking yard again. It has been a pretty pathetic spring and summer here, especially as our cedars out front have died a very slow and public death. Although, we have to admit, we did not rush to remove them because we knew that eventually they would be a visible reminder to the church about the state of our yard *blush*. It worked! In any case, it is a very, very good thing.

camp is over

We are home. Slightly smelly, rather dirty (well, 2 of us that is), sand in our shoes and sun on our skin and mosquito bitten. A massive mound of laundry waits downstairs for careful spot treatment. It was GREAT! Small Fry camp was wonderful.

Full days of sunshine and "play, play" (as Norah would yell first thing when she woke up). Great food, that mom didn't have to cook. Hot days that turned into cooler nights, with a couple of wonderfully huge thunderstorms too. One night, we even got to watch a massive and most spectacular storm roll into camp, and it went for hours...and the kids slept through it.

Norah discovered swimming in a lake, which she loved, climbing to the top of a 8 foot tall slide all by herself, sidewalk chalk, and the adoration of older girls.

Isaac enjoyed outhouse trips, campfires "when we sang 'Joy, joy, joy'" a milk dispenser in the dining hall, 'helping' paddle a canoe with mom, and how not to play badminton.

Ruby also loved the attention lavished upon her by many, many little girls. Except when she didn't enjoy it. She also did not care for swimming. She did enjoy peas and rice, swinging on the swing, and snuggling with mom when things got too busy around her.

The campers had fun, and really enjoyed Rob's chapel and campfire teaching sessions. They asked wonderful questions too. It was lots of fun for everyone. So much fun, we may have actually signed up to go back with the same directors next year.

what are we thinking?!?!


beautiful skies, beautiful children














Miss Ruby in her chariot, finally free of the adoring masses














Sidewalk chalk with 'S', one of the directors children.

camp starts tomorrow. will be back, hopefully with wonderful pictures, next weekend.

sweet, sweet rain

YAY!!! it is raining. No thunder, no lightning...just rain. Nice. Wind is blowing, air is cooling. Brains can think again.

Knock knock jokes are still big here. Even Norah is in on the action.
N ~ knock knock
Adult ~ who's there
N ~ egg
A ~ egg who
N ~ dissolves into a fit of giggles, then repeats again and again.

Finally a cooler day predicted

The last few days have been nearly unbearably hot. Temps hovering around the high 3o mark, and higher than usual humidity for this region. We alternate between hiding out in the basement, ourselves in front of fans, or shaded spots in the backyard with popsicles. There has been a faint smell of smoke in the air, and yesterday was really strong. Forest fires burn a few hours north of here, but not dangerously close. Afternoons threaten rain and thunderstorms, but only seem to bring lightening and trace amounts of rain...and more forest fires. The sky for the last 2 days has been a smoky haze, and it is not that pleasant outdoors. We had rain last night, and woke up to a cooler house, but only slightly cooler. Today is supposed to be cooler, that would be nice.

You can really see the smoky air in some of these shots. Not so nice for breathing.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

It is dads birthday today. The kids almost let him sleep in a bit. Almost, but not totally. At least they were quiet. The current temperature, including humidity, is 38 degrees. Therefore, we decided an ice cream cake was in order. For the record, grocery shopping with 3 kids is a snap when the store is air conditioned. Isaac and mom whipped up a vanilla ice cream, cool whip, crushed oreo *cake*, decorated with gummy worms, more crushed oreos and whipped cream. Isaac insisted on the worms, but was rather freaked out by the idea of the *dirt* from the oreos. He was not happy with that idea, until it was explained to him that crushing the cookies made the *dirt*. Crisis averted.
The cake...Isaac had a blast decorating it!

No presents for dad, as his ipod already received some accessories as a birthday gift. However, dinner tonight is a daddy request. Bbq steak, baked potatoes, corn and salad. And some well chilled beer. Lesson learned from last night though, do not leave the beer in the freezer too long, beer slurpees are not a good plan.

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Ruby has a new best friend. Erika was born on June 27 to our friends in NB. Little girl #3, and the first one not to be almost the exact same age as one of ours...but she is not that far off! Just 8 months behind.

I think she looks like her mom. In this picture that is, we will have to revisit the question as she gets bigger.

finally a storm!

We finally had a real big storm blow into town. After lots of promise, it came! We quickly ran around shutting windows as the rain came from many, many directions. Norah took me up on the invitation to go and play on the deck as the rain pelted down. Isaac could not find his raincoat and therefore declared that he does not *do* rain. Ruby was just unimpressed with the thunder. She was already somewhat terrified by the blender from earlier, as mom and dad made caramel frappuccinos.

We *Yeti Stomped* around the deck.

the heat...

oh the heat. It is currently 33 with a humidex reading of 38. We are under a thunderstorm watch, and a storm would be a nice break. We hide in the basement, keep the blinds drawn, and limit cooking to the bbq and the occasional saucepan. The dehumidifier is running to keep the basement humidity down, because the heat level down there goes up with the humidity. The wading pool is filled first thing in the morning so that it isn't unbearably icy by 3 pm. We sleep in in the mornings, and the heat doesn't really even break at night either.

Next week, it is supposed to hit 35 before the humidex rating, right on Robs birthday. nice...

another first

3 in a tub. A whole new way to enjoy some chaos. Of course, darn near impossible to get all 3 looking at the camera - especially when trying to keep things family friendly in the frame. :)

Adorable

Got home from our road trip to Saskatoon today. We went to see Dora's Pirate Adventure. Almost didn't go, as both parents were under the weather. Rob and I were fighting some bug, fevers and nausea. Also looks like the kids have roseola - which apparently by the stage of showing the rash (which they were) meant they were no longer contagious. Icky rash either way.

Norah proudly wore her Dora dress, and was rather the envy of many little girls. All three kids enjoyed sections of the show. Norah loved seeing the Map, Isaac jumped up and down for Swiper, and Ruby just clapped along with the music. We had a little speed bump when both Norah and Ruby wanted Mommy only at the same time - did you know it actually IS possible to simultaneously nurse a baby and bounce a toddler on your knee in a theatre seat? Not that it's easy. At all.

Adorable is actually the word written across Norah's new pj's. Dora pj's of course - thanks Nanny! Norah saw them tonight and tried to put them on herself. She did alright, until she got both legs stuck in one leg hole. Hard not to laugh at that.

Then Isaac had us doubled over laughing tonight. Apparently he pays more attention to our words than we thought. Warning - this is a bit of potty humour - "Daddy, did you fart? You know what your farting tells Mommy? Mommy, you tell Daddy that he has to poop. You have to poop don't you Daddy?" Where have we heard those words before?

A short trip away, but full. Between sick parents, rashy kids and a theatre packed with preschoolers, it was eventful! Good to be home.

she's on the go...

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EEK!!

While uploading that last post, Ruby crawled for the first time. She actually was up on both knees and moved one 'step' forward. And Rob and Isaac were out for it.

so what is this?

This is Ruby's *thing*. She does it to me, to the other kids, to dad, to toys...to whatever or whomever she seems to love.


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lesson learned?

well, the storm blew over. Oh well.

Today, Norah managed to flip her chair over at breakfast. While Isaac was insisting he didn't like pancakes (while eating 3 of them, go figure), she managed to push back on the table with her feet and flip her chair backwards. That was a bit of a scare, and she bit the inside of her lip and had some bleeding. Some tears, some cuddles and a story later she was fine. Hopefully that won't be repeated.

looks like a storm

outside at least! woke up to really humid morning, which turned into a hot and sticky lunchtime. it's now 4, and those clouds are threatening and the wind has really picked up. could be our first big storm of the season.

Took the kids to the local Children's festival this morning. We watched Ukranian and highland dancing, then saw 2 musical acts. One was a family, mom, dad and their 5 kids age 10 - 21. That was fun. Then we had lunch and saw a trio perform some great kids songs. Then mom took the girls home for naps, and dad and Isaac stayed to see more. A pupet show, Indian dancers and some more music. I think we missed a couple of shows, the Chinese and Native dancing too. It was a lot to take in in one day! Great fun.


Norah and Isaac loved dancing to the music. Looked like Norah was attemtpting to do somersaults, would have been better if she did that in pants instead of her dress. Ruby got to hang out in the mei tai on mom.

one step forward...

and two backwards. Norah doesn't want to sleep in her bed. She cries out "crib, crib" at night. Yesterday at naptime, I laid down with her, and that helped her nap in her bed. She only wants to sleep in the crib. *roll eyes* So we stripped the crib today, and are considering taking out the mattress for a week or so to see if she adjusts.

Let's hope this isn't a preview of things to come...

Yes, that is the back of a police car. Thankfully, it's just a preschool field trip. He also gladly volunteered for to get a mug shot taken, Rob is still hoping he can get a copy of it. We're really hoping that is his only mug shot and visit to the back of a squad car.















Maybe they picked him up for underage driving?

breaking out the birthday present

Jordan and Jaycie got Isaac a sprinkler toy for his birthday. We finally got it out yesterday, as it was warm and the grass was freshly mowed, cutting down many of the evil dandelions. Isaac wasn't as big a fan as Norah was, he kept asking for warm water. Maybe we won't pull it out again until it's a hotter day. After getting the critter ready for play, we decided we REALLY need an air pump.





No, I won't hold Isaac's hand!







Luckily, we got to enjoy this before the town-wide, indefinite water boil advisory came in to effect. New water system in town starting up, so we are told to boil water before using at all. Good thing it didn't start yesterday, a LOT of water was consumed while they played in the sprinkler.


She got a lot more wet than this. They both needed a shower afterwards, cut grass, sand and mud everywhere. So much fun!

***solids!***

Ruby has officially had her first solids. As we are of the opinion that kids don't need to start them until they are showing readiness, we figured now was a good time. Banana was the choice for the evening. She wasn't too sure about actually eating anything, but it sure seemed fun to play with.

The first bite














Mashing is fun!














If it's on my face, does it count?

Saskatoon trip pics

Didn't manage to get many pictures on this trip. Here is Ruby in the ball pit at the Fun Factory. She practically leaped out of the sling to get in there. She was in heaven.















Wasn't allowed to take pics during the show at the Children's festival. So I tried to get one beforehand. Not good lighting, or cooperation from the kids either. Isaac is 'performing' with that face, the girls just didn't want to be in the picture.

they grow up too fast

this afternoon Norah, who usually wants my help climbing up the ladder on the backyard slide, rejected my attempted assistance by saying, "self!" To which I [dad] replied, "you want to do it yourself?' And she said, "yes" My little girl...

Bishop who ate his boots...

or not!

Today was Holy Trinity's 75th Anniversary. Busy weekend at the church, a tea and bbq on Saturday, then a big service today. The Bishop was out for the service too. Packed church. Pleased to say that of the 7 kids under age 7, ours were the best behaved. :) Then a lunch, mom and the kids left early so the girls could nap and we still didn't get home until 1:30. Then the Bishop stopped by for tea before heading home. Ruby decided to munch on his shoes, which the Bishop found hilarious, especially given the family history. He was also thrilled to see that we were showing our daughter how to show 'proper reverance' for his position.

So who needs a bishop to eat their boots, when you can get a priest's kid to do it for you!

Busy week

Glad to be home. Busy week here...well, actually busy week *there*. :)

Took the kids to Saskatoon for the Children's Festival. They loved the show they went to, Music with Marnie. Lots of dancing and jumping. We walked around and saw some of the tents, but it was really cold and windy. Isaac totally refused to even think about getting his face painted. "Nobody is painting my face mom, ok?" He did enjoy the huge globe ball that was there, and the science guys who were trying to start fire with chemicals.

Norah got a mosquito bite that day. Which, normally wouldn't be big news, but this was. She appears to be allergic to mosquitoes. Ended up taking her in to see a doctor for the huge swelling on her foot (where she was bitten), which seemed to be getting infected. So we now have 2 kids on antibiotics. Norah, unlike her sister, enjoys the meds though.

The kids got to go to the Fun Factory. That could have easily been a horrible experience, given the 3 school groups there at the same time. But it was good. Loud, but good. Norah and Ruby enjoyed the "under 2" area, Isaac just enjoyed everything. And then they all napped. Lovely.

The drive home today was very smooth too. So thankful our kids are good travellers. We use the dvd player less than I thought we would too, which is even better :)

sick Ruby

Night before last, Ruby was up *all* night screaming. Turns out, the cold has turned into a double ear infection for her. Nice. Very little sleep for us all that night, but now that we're getting antibiotics into her (and probiotics too for her tummy), all is looking up. Today, we are off to S'toon for the Children's festival!

Vote, vote, vote!!!

Go to CBC Hockeyville and vote for our town! By midnight on June 7th. Make our town Hockeyville!

Field Trip!

This is certainly an exciting week for our kids. Last night was the Stampede parade. Norah loved the marching band, Ruby the horses and Isaac the candy. Yep, they throw candy at all the kids. Norah traded her freedom for a lollipop in the stroller...which she shared with Ruby. Yikes! Her first real solid, and it was a yellow lollipop! Only a couple of licks before we noticed...

Today, Isaac's preschool had a field trip to the bakery and the fire hall. Dad took him (while Mom got to stay home and wipe the little sister noses) and got some pictures. Apparently he was really excited and had a hard time being still for photos.

Those are his eyes on the far left, very focused on the donuts being filled with jam

Just had a visitor stop by...

Dorothy came by with a couple things for Rob...and a dress she made for Norah! After she saw Norah admiring Avery's Dora pattern dress, she made one for Norah too. *heart* Norah is in love with it. There were HUGE "tank yous" and hugs from Norah.














Dancing with the very twirly skirt.

All 3 in one picture!

Stayed home from church today, snotty noses all round. Managed to get a few shots of all 3 kids. Isaac wanted to hold Ruby, and Norah joined in. Isaac is turning into a huge camera ham, making lots of faces.

Today's treat

after watching an episode of "This is Daniel Cook", Isaac wanted to dip strawberries in chocolate. So we did. Fun!
















The finished result - waiting for after dinner tonight!

Ruby - showing off the sitting

as if today weren't exciting enough...

Norah can now climb the ladder to the slide.

even more big news from today

hot on the heels of Ruby's tooth, another milestone. We have a girls room! For the first time ever, both girls are napping, at the same time, in the same room. Ok, so it's not big news like a tooth, but it's a big step here. Hopefully this is the first step to having a real girls room for both of them to share. Now to get painting the walls... :)

a tooth!

Ruby's first tooth has broken through. Somewhere between supper time last night and lunch today, the first one has pushed it's way through the gums. 7 months and one day of age.

Now, here's the sad part. We can't remember how old Norah and Isaac were with their first teeth.

company

that is the word Isaac just read off the Cheerios box. goodness...how to keep up with this!