Halloween Fun

This Halloween was my turn to take the kids out.  It was rainy but warm.  Maya and I could not keep up with the boys; so we trick or treated with her friend Jooa. Here are a few snaps of Maya dressed as Hello Kitty, Aidan as Guy Fawkes (his idea) and a group photo of Aidan's scary gang....

Fall Fun

This fall, we enjoyed apple picking and the activities at a farm outside of Thornbury.  On Thanksgiving weekend, we took an old steam engine train ride.  The leaves were past their peak but the train was cool.  We had a lovely dinner and visit with my sister's family.  Here are a few snaps from the last few weeks.

Fun at the farm

 Apple picking

 Holding the cute rabbit

 Riding an old fashion steam engine

Aidan and cousin Justin hamming it up on Thanksgiving

Pam, my sister

 Mike and Aidan

With mouths full of turkey, they were actually quiet for a moment!

What's New

This September Maya started full day junior kindergarten.  We were hopeful that this would tire her out but alas it only did so for only one day!  She is the girl who needs very little sleep.  She is enjoying school, which is great.  She really needed more mental stimulation.  Lately she is very outgoing, loves sports, and occasionally doing "speriments" with her brother.  She is taking swimming and dance this fall.  

Aidan is now in Grade 6.  He has taken up piano again and is doing swimming and cubs.  He also just started to play the trombone.

Maya's first day of  J.K.

 She still loves Hello Kitty

She still loves playing restaurant

Speriments in the backyard - launching the rocket

 Playing basketball.  You go girl!

Aidan with his new trombone

Minneapolis Visit

 

It was a month for visiting with cousins!  The weekend after picnicking with my sister's kids, we went to Minneapolis to visit Mike's sister's family.  The kids had a great time at the beach and playing in their big backyard. They had a swing set, which the kids loved.  Maya took a shining to both Amanda and Katy and they were great babysitters.  It was great to see everyone!

 

I forgot to bring my good camera so the only decent photo is the one below that I took with my cell phone.  

 

 

Katy, Maya and Aidan at the beach.

Heart Lake with the Cousins

This summer I was incredibly busy at work. At times I was working 70-85 hour weeks - crazy!  In early August, I took a break to go with the family to Heart Lake to have a picnic with my sister's kids.  They enjoyed the splash pad and we enjoyed just chilling!  Here is a picture of all the cousins together - all trying to sit on one chair!

 

(You will notice that Maya now has short hair - she cut it herself - well on one side !  Then we had it evened off)

 

 

 

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Paradise Revisited 2013

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was incredibly busy this summer and in dire need of a vacation.  The cottage was just what the doctor ordered.  Somehow being on the water is so relaxing.  We had seven straight days of sunny weather and the water was warm!  The kids busied themselves playing on the beach and in the water most days.  I enjoyed floating on the lake on the air mattress.  We all took turns on the wonderful hammock.  So relaxing!

 

We did try to do some outdoorsy things each day.  We went hiking at scenic caves and walking most evenings.  We also went paddle boating one day in Owen Sound. But most of the time was spent relaxing by the water and enjoying great family time. Here are some photos from our stay....

 

 

 

The cottage

 

The lovely view

 

Hours and hours playing in the sand

  

Lots of rides on the raft

Having fun!

Breakfast on the deck

Inner tube for two

Touring Meaford Harbour

Maya with her new doll

On one of many nightly walks

Hiking at Scenic Caves

Climbing at the Playground

Campfires

 

and some more S'mores!

 Paddle Boating in Owen Sound

 

Aahhh..... relaxing on the hammock

My short haired girl in her new bathing suit

 

More fun in the water

One of my favourite shots

Centre Island Says Summer - July 2013

Every year we go to Centre Island.  Summer is not the same without it!  Aidan is getting a bit old for the amusement park but Maya is just the right age.  We always go early so we don't have to wait in line for the rides. Maya especially likes the fire engine ride and went on it twice. It was a nice day but a little cool. 

 

Here are a few cell phone photos from the day....

 

 

 

 

Canada Day

This Canada Day long weekend we just stuck close to home. Over the last few months, we have taken a number of weekend trips; so I was happy to have a stay-cation.  Sunday was a beautiful day - we went down to the lake and then had a picnic in our backyard.  Sunday night we enjoyed a party at our neighbour's house. 

 

Monday, we went to Centre Island.  It was overcast but Maya and Aidan had a fun time.  With all the walking, it was quite tiring so we weren't up to staying up really late for the fireworks in Port Credit.  Instead, we just lit some sparklers in the backyard.  This was Maya's first time having sparklers so she was quite thrilled!

 

  Here are a few photos of the kids in their crazy festive hats and playing with the sparklers before they went to bed....

 

 

 

I took this one without a flash - and then lightened it up in Photoshop - kind of interesting....

TDH Picnic at Sandbanks

Every year our adoption agency sponsors a picnic at the beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park.  It's great to see all the kids and how they have grown!  It was a bit cool but a nice sunny day.  The kids enjoyed the beach, crafts and the treasure hunt!

 Maya doing crafts

Superheros!

 Having fun the on the beach!

 The older boys played baseball

 the chatty miss T.

 

N. always takes a great photo

 

Maya with Daddy

 

                 

 Getting ready for the treasure hunt

 Off they go!!

 

 

 

Following the clues

 

Finding the treasure!