August!!??!

How does time go by so quickly!  I knew there were going to be long periods of time between posts this summer because:

1.  We're super busy and having fun, all day.
2.  The husband has been gone more than home.  Work is crazy for himself right now.

3. I've got the kids everyday, all day.  Seriously.  Like, no camp, no sitters, no grandparent breaks, no hours off.  Intensive parenting.

So, I find myself saying 'what day is this?' more and more.  It's been really great and we're fully enjoying this crazy, hot, sunny summer.  The garden is happy and growing.  The kids are delighted with the freedom July and August have afforded.  And I'm all full-up on vitamin D and fresh air.

Life is good.


Here are some snapshots of summer:

 Sam, being obsessed with magic right now, shows me part of his routine.


Last week I had a break in sanity and made moon dough.

 It was a huge hit, but ME-SSSSSSSY!

 It's actually really cool.  Looks like snow, but totally moldable.

 Hike, on a rare dad-home day

 Harvest!  We have carrots, beans, tomatoes, beets, peppers, lettuce, spinach, squash, raspberries, herbs, and more!

 Here is Caroline, my friend and Sam's soccer coach 'guiding' him down the soccer field to score his first goal.  It was the first time he touched the ball all season and, oh!, the jubilation!  The celebration!  It was awesome.

Engulfed in Caroline love, post-goal.  Now, that's a supportive coach!

So, there you go.  Quick update from Summerland.  Now, must go and run our regular morning session of 'Mom-school'.  Just wait until you see some of the pictures the boys have been coming out with from these educational forays!  Hilarious....

Just a bit late

We went up to Stoney Lake for our tradition of celebrating the fabulous Evelyn's birthday at the cottage a few weeks ago. 

Although it's late, I thought it was important to post these pictures and show the world just how cute this wee madam can be.

 Canada Day birthday is the best.  Fireworks on your big day forever!!

 Let's talk about adorable.  I know she's my 'girl-baby', but my-oh-my that girl is cute!

 Pink and sugary and festive

The 4 year old besties

Happy Birthday, Evy!  We love ya!

'Special' Po-Ho power

You might be aware of Port Hope's glowy, three-eyed fish, uranium reputation.  Yeah, so we've got a LOT of radioactive dirt scattered here and there.  Doesn't seem to affect things.

Or so I THOUGHT!

Check out the sunflowers in my garden!   No plant food, no staking and purchased 3 packs for a dollar at the discount store.  The big flower hit about 10' before the weight of it's enormous head tipped it over somewhat.

Speaking of enormous heads, Sam is extra proud because he is the one who sneakily planted the seeds.  In the middle of the rows.  Convenient!  Bird feeders for winter, hurrah!



Ummm... so, should I cheer or put on a hazmat suit? 

Award for Bravery

Anyone who knows my children (and particularly my eldest child) will see these pictures and automatically award me the prize for Bravest Mommy of the Year.  Charley + rapidly moving water + curiosity = potentially harrowing outing.  It was fine though.  And, as usual, it was the 'most fun ever'.  Being a kid rocks.