i win - win butler that is

Last night was Arcade Fire and U2 - us and 100,000 other New Brunswickans, Nova Scotians and Quebecois. To be honest there was too many people for us oldies and we bailed a few songs into U2. We were freaked out about the rumbling grandstands and the impending struggle to get home. Anyway we went to see Arcade Fire and they were super awesome.  Rhonda and Norm stayed for the whole show and we definitely did miss a show - the space station talked to Moncton, Bono was full of tears as it was the last show of the tour there was even a fighter jet show. It was cool and it was muddy!

Our pilgrimage to a Mecca of sorts.

 The payoff - Win Butler.

Hello my love.

Carolyn and I - ready to party.

We are sad to say good bye to our friends Carolyn and Jude today. We have had such a lovely visit and hope they have some good beach memories. Summer is half over and taking stock, its been very full. Next up crazy time with Aidan, Aunty and Uncle.

Thanks for the great night Win. It was special. AJ

the lemoines

We were so happy to welcome Carolyn and Jude to the crazy house last Friday. The following day all our Calgary guests relocated to their Shediac cottage and have pretty much been beach bums since. Our family has joined them daily but unfortunately Elliott is making the beach pretty tough this summer.  He wants to play in the sand but he keeps eating it. He wants to walk along the beach but keeps doing face plants trying to get up. Oh and then yesterday I went and rolled my ankle. It's big, green and purple and has made hanging with Elliott just a little bit tougher.

Since my camera took a sand dive this weekend Carolyn was so kind to share with me a few of her shots...

Our old married couple: Sophie and Jude.

Campfire marshmallows. We got off easy that night with Kate's mess residing on the chair unlike Sophie's in her hair.

 The girls.

 Face plant?

 The King of many castles.

It's been lovely seeing the kids, each at their own pace, discover the beach and its many joys. Summer just seems to be more summer when near water or at a cottage with a swing and fire pit.

xoxo aj

the bedards

Our friends Sophie, Lauren, Becky and Craig have been here since Friday and there have been many chats, slugs, bugs, jellyfish, lobsters, laughs and a few timeouts (adults included). Yesterday Becky and I tried to get fancy and take the kids to see a local attraction - the Hopewell Rocks - let's just say it was one of the most humiliating days of my life and certainly not a highlight in Becky's. So simple, simple, simple in the days ahead; beach (which really isn't that simple), water park, park, and sprinkler. 

Unfortunately I dropped my camera in the sand on day three so have only a few photos to share...

Our adventurous threesome taste testing dinner before they committed. Shockingly none of them partook in more than a taste.

 On our way to the beach.

 First peak.

 Busytown.

 Happy?

Happy?

Today Craig departs; Friday Carolyn and Jude arrive; Saturday we relocate to the cottage at the beach. Hope everyone is enjoying some summer heat.

xoxo CAKE

break out the champagne

As of yesterday afternoon in front of three awe-struck spectators (Kate, Grammie Donna and Mama) Elliott decided it was go time and just started walking on his own around the living room.  He's been practicing steady and I guess it was just his time to break free. My back is thankful but not my nerves; he's nuts. Our living room is now lined with chairs and tall toys to help him on his journey.

I don't know who's proudest: Elliott or me. Have fun little buddy.

xoxo CAKE

a fine layer of sand

We had a busy weekend at home completing final preparations for a summer of guests. Kate and Elliott were busy too - in the little pool, biking and enjoying their new sand workshop. Fortunately there are two sides to the workshop. Unfortunately the toy is less than 24 hours old and they, our deck and I are covered in the finest layer of sand. Yuck.  I can hardly wait until Friday when there are going to be two more little ladies covered and fighting to bring it into the house.

Becky, Craig, Sophie and Lauren arrive very late Thursday night and I truly can hardly wait. Have a great week.  aj

vicarious living

As mentioned in my last blog, Cody's Dad Paul and Janice were invited to the afternoon with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge yesterday in PEI. They have been so kind as to share their photos with a green little me. I believe the highlight for both of them would have certainly been actually getting to shake Prince William's hand.

Let's take a peak...

Prince William's Sea King demonstration that Janice described as a little long - especially given the torrential downpour.

 The future King of Canada looking casual yet dapper.

 How English.

 Handsome Royal Security.

    

 Moments before they shook the Prince's hand.

 Duchess Kate.

What a job; I don't envy them. Well except maybe for their China, Land Rovers, the Queen and her sister's Dollhouse and of course their gorgeous lands.

Thanks again Paul and Janice for letting us share your day.
XOXO CAKE

summer lovin'

We had a fun, action packed long weekend. Starting with a picnic and visit to the local waterpark...

Cody's back is really bothering him again so I got the pleasure of taking the kids through the park and getting soaked. Elliott lead me around and just stood in the fountains.

After the park we went to the airport to pick up Cody's Dad and Janice and then headed out to Janice's parents for a BBQ. Janice's Dad just got a new tractor and Kate was in heaven. Cody and I also took her  through the woods on Allister's 4 wheeler. Super fun!

Saturday was a beach day...

Sunday we were off to our favorite nursery and cafe for a walk through the gardens and lunch on the patio with our friends Laurie, Ryan and precious Ruby...

It was a great weekend but exhausting.

Other news. We had to restart sleep training with E this weekend as we both have completely fallen off the wagon. Two night in a row he has slept through the night - at least no one has had to go to him as he squawked only a couple of times.

Other, other news. For the Royal watchers out there; Cody's Dad and Janice are in town this weekend as they are fortunate to have been invited to lunch with the Duke and Duchess in Charlottetown today. I am super excited to hear their stories and possibly their photos. Really hoping that the downpour that we are currently experiencing is not the same system that's over the island's capital. I'll let you know.

Have a great week all. aj

happy 144th canada

Happy Canada Day everyone! Though it's been summer for a few days, Canada Day has always felt like the official start of summer. We also are starting the official countdown to a summer full of guests. My friend Becky and her family are first on July 15, then my friend Carolyn and her son Jude join the fun. Then there's a short overlap with my sister's family arriving in time for all of us to see Arcade Fire and U2! Last but not least my Mom and Dad at the end of August and into September. We feel so fortunate; hopefully the weather is good.

We've had a few summery days this week and if Elliott ever wakes up from his nap the plan is for us to hit the beach for the kiddies to play in the sand.

I thought I would share some colourful photos of our front yard pool party:

Have an awesome long weekend y'all.
AJ and crew