Another Photographer in the family!

Aidan got hold of the camera and told me he was going to take his picture. I got my camera back and this is what I found!

Snow in October

The kids enjoyed the first snowfall of the season, Oct 10, 2009. It began snowing the day before but most of the accumulation fell overnight. We got out the winter gear, figured out who fit what and sent them out to play. They had a great time and were out for 1 1/2 hrs. They came in and had some hot chocolate and lunch. They enjoyed it today but we'll see how quickly the novelty wears off. Ben thinks it's cold now and I just have to laugh - all I can think is wait 3 more months. It's going to be a long winter!!!!

Percy also enjoyed the snow too. when I opened the door he bounded out like he always does and stopped dead in his tracks. That only lasted for a second and then he was bounding off enjoying the white stuff! He's not a great dog for snow. He just collects it in his leg hair. We are going to get him clipped very soon, as soon as the stitches from his neuter are healed!

Snapshots of Summer

Jumping for Joy.

A ride in the boat.

My 3 boys walking down the road to Aunt Joan and Uncle John's, a trip I took quite often as a child.

A moment between Hampa and Ben.

And no summer would be complete without ice cream at the Wileville Market!

My Birthday

Yup, I turned 35 this summer! I am now officially closer to 40 than 30 now!!

The cake that Aunt Joan and Uncle John got for me. It says, "Happy 35th yo Our Favorite Canerican". The story behind this is that when I was little Aunt Joan and Dad were telling me how Joan was an American and Dad was a Canadian. I looked at both of them and then announced that "I am a Canerican"!

My gift from Aunt Joan and Uncle John in very special wrapping paper.

My hand-made gift by Aunt Joan. It is my Canerican blanket to keep me warm while I study! I love it and what it means and who it was made by! Thank you Aunt Joan.

Risser's Beach

Every summer we manage to get to Risser's Beach with our cousins and Aunt Shari. This summer was no exception. We had so much fun. Swimming, playing in the sand and ending the day with an ice cream.

Ben checking out the waves. He gets knocked over and gets back up for more!

Brianna enjoyed digging in the sand.

Alex and Aidan hardly left the water. They were hardly out of the water.

Sam enjoyed diggin in the sand and was completely covered in sand, so Uncle Chris took him in the water to wash off. He was very leary of the waves...

...until Uncle Chris threw him up in the air to jump over the waves. He wouldn't let go of his Uncle Chris' hand! It was a fun day full of waves, salt water, sand, sun, and family.

Mr. Freeman's Train

At the very end og the lake, where the lake empties is a log cabin and a train. I took the kids down to the Freeman's cottage to see the train that Mr. Freeman built. It runs on a smaller track and runs throughout his property. It is a project in the works. He gradually adds more track and outbuildings as he has time. It is a wonderful hobby.

They got to ride in the engine. Aidan was in charge of blowing the whistle and Ben got to ring the bell. Sam actually rode in the car behind the engine with Mrs. Freemand and me.

The train station, Thicket Portage, with a real sign from a train station in Manitoba. It came complete with bullet holes for authenticity.

The engineer, Mr. Freeman, the boys and Mrs. Freeman. They boys really enjoyed themselves and even got a ticket that says they rode the train around the property. Thank you for the adventure.

The Snake

A Garter Snake swam ashore one day while we were enjoying a day on the beach. Hampa caught it and waited for it to calm down and then gave the kids a turn holding it. I didn't hold it I just took pictures!