night swimming

We spent Saturday and Sunday evenings at the beach swimming like mad with our water crazed kids. Elliott was mental. He wouldn't allow Cody or I to touch him as he waded deeper and deeper into the ocean. It seemed to be his preference to be chin deep to enjoy the full benefits of his new found buoyancy. Kate too, jumping, splashing, going under and loving it all. The weather and water were to die for - how very lucky we are.

 Smiles.

Smiles.

Smiles.

And more smiles.

New Brunswick we love your summer gifts. CAKE

islanders for a day

Yesterday morning we landed at Aunty Candace's house and Kate exclaimed, "We're here AGAIN!" It seems we have been on the island a lot as of late. This time Grandma Sherri was with us in order to see a little bit of the island in the summer. And a grand island it is. My Mom and I agreed that the picturesque sights will never get old.

We visited with Grammie Donna and the Champions, picnic'd in the backyard, took in the waves at Cousin's Shore and indulged in some Cow's ice cream. Mmmm ... a simple yet perfect day.

What a photo!

 Our beach beauty.

It's jellyfish season!

 R.I.P. jellyfish friend.

Lydia took Elliott's hand and lead him up the dune. You can actually see the humidity in the air here.

Our little calves.

Matching hair colour and jammies.

Two days left of my Mom's visit. As always time is moving too fast. 

Peace sisters. AJ

no more babies

I called Cody this morning with the official news, we no longer have any babies in our house. This morning I was laying in bed waiting to hear Elliott talking or crying; notice for me that he was awake and ready to start his day. It was getting late and I heard nothing, at least nothing from his room. Yup, he was downstairs in the playroom, trying to get the door to the kitchen open. He got out of his sleep sack, climbed out of his crib and down the stairs. Further to that I have been looking at him this past week, really looking at him and I see no more baby signs and hardly any toddler signs. I'm almost thankful he's slow on the talking front so that I have a little more time to adjust and say good bye. I loved you babies.

As for Kate she's happy, happy, happy. Summer has been so eventful and fun and this week she has the attention of her Grandma Sherri. As well as happy, she's getting so smart and funny. Though it was not her intention she made me laugh last night at story time. For those who know it and to set the context, we were reading, There's a Nightmare in My Closet when she announced, "Mama I want a gun. I won't pop anyone, I'll just pop me." A cry for help? I'm thinking perhaps a slight misunderstanding on her part, but I'll add it to the Christmas list.

We haven't taken any pictures since Grandma arrived except this one with the kids' new London Games Mascots from Aunty Rhonda and the gang.

Happy Monday everyone! CAKE

to the beach ... finally

We have had a gorgeous summer this year and many beach worthy days. I have to admit it though, the beach and the logistics around it, intimidate me and give way to a fair bit of anxiety. As such I haven't taken Kate and Elliott there this year. Yesterday however, Aunty Candace and the cousins (Dayna too) decided to drive to New Brunswick to spend the day with us at Parlee Beach. It was super awesome. The trip to and from the car admittedly were a little heavy and cumbersome but not that bad.

So, five hours and fifteen snack times later we had had a grand beach day. Thanks again for making the trip over the big bridge guys. Let's do it again soon!

 First up - sand castles and moats.

 As always Lydia is our fearless volunteer. She hardly got any sand in her eyes as a reward.

 Snack #13.

 Poor E was heading in the direction of the car saying"home, home." Aunty was strong and kind and took him for a sleep to put him down and it worked like a charm.

Sleeping beauty.

 Carter and his lady.

Back to back for snack #14.

And this is my beauty shot for the day. Not sure how I achieved it but I like it.

In other news, 2 sleeps until my Mom comes to visit. Excited!
Happy Thursday y'all. xoxo

10 tractors later

Elliott and I had to make a quick stop at Home Depot this morning to get a garden hose. Ten tractors and 55 minutes later we were able to make it through the checkout. Elliott is in love with tractors, trucks even the steering wheels on all park equipment. And I'm in love with his huge smiles and sound effects.

Happy Thursday from a rainy but warm NB.
AJ

loving the long weekend

The Jorgensens joined the Smiths (Ben, Megan, Reese and Morgan) this Canada Day long weekend at their family cottage for camping, water activities and much merriment. The weather and setting were absolutely perfect and the kids have asserted that they are big fans of camping. Papa and I had a pretty great time too.

 The cable ferry crossing to the cottage.

 Baby Morgan chilling out.

Ahoy Ladies.

What a great Papa.

 Love this photo - huge smiles from the girls and a bit of a grimace from their pusher.

 The daddies and their girls heading out in the kayaks.

 Serene?

Please don't judge us and our insanity: dogs, wind, kids and early evening fireworks on the beach.

Even Finnegan had a great weekend; it turns out he's a great swimmer and lover of Drake.

 Cody and his fan base watching him getting prepped for kayak fishing. Unfortunately no fish just a sunburn.

Kate winding down on the drive home last night.

Thanks Ben and Megan for hosting us! It was awesome. And happy birthday Canada - we love you.
CAKE