a last long weekend

This Sunday Cody heads south on a week long bike trip with his Dad and Janice so we had an early long weekend as a family this one past. And an action packed one it was. Super fun times. A wedding, visits with Grandparents, beach and even a few tourist trappings.

 Friday:
We were so happy to attend Franny and Meghan Best's wedding Friday night. Thus marking the kids' first official (vomit in the aisle free) wedding.

Who is cuter Kate or Papa with his braces?

Dancing queens: Kate and her great pal Carlie.

 My guys.

 The beautiful bride with her Rugby girls.

Saturday:
Off to PEI. First stop Grammie's then to Meem and Pap's. Meem and Pap have the perfect climbing tree in their side yard and the kids got right to work.

Kate.

Lydia.

 Meem.

 Pap.

 Grammie & Boo.

Cousin love.

Another (final) birthday celebration for Elliott. Thank you Champion 4!

Sunday:

We spent pretty much the entire day at Adam's Shore, PEI. 

 

The day was one of those unexpected gifts where the weather and the company was grand.

Monday:
Rockin' out as PEI tourists for the morning.

First stop, Kensington's Haunted House (which the kids have wanted to visit for some time now).

Looking up - mesmerized by the first attraction, a lady (mannequin) hanging out the window calling for help. The beginning of the end.

 Above the ticket booth a Vampire bat which pretty much end of the end. After a minute of negotiating with the kids Cody got to negotiate a refund.

And we're done. As I remarked to Cody best $26 we never had to spend.

 Stop #2 - a crazy Jurassic Bart's where the highlight for all was getting to feed the calf milk.

Oops, I forgot we really enjoyed the games section as well.

Tuesday:

Yesterday marked the second last day of morning Summer camp for the kids.  It was pretty sweet. The counsellors put together a slide show and awarded each child with an unique certificate. Kate received the award for Independence. Caption - always happy to participate and play with any child. Elliott received the Fun & Friendly Award. Caption - always had a smile on his face. I think they got to know and accessed the kids well. Congrats guys. Loved seeing you hanging out with your new summer gang.

So I know what you're wondering. It's obvious right? Was I even there? Yes I actually was. Will my kids ever know it? Perhaps. Perhaps they will remember me as the one always behind the lens pleading with them to give me another smile. 

CAKE out

camp elliott

So the plan for a month now was to combine Elliott's birthday with our annual trip to Twin Shores, PEI. And in keeping with our annual tradition - we cancelled due to rain. We relocated camp to our backyard and attempted to recreate the experience for our expectant little campers and the birthday boy.

Highlights of the evening:

1. Not having to sleep in the tent with five children 

2. Hearing the tales of the camping sleep (or lack there of) as told by Julie and Alex

3. Enjoying a beautiful fire while our five little children went door to door in our neighbourhood.  Luckily only three out of six neighbours were actually home. Luckily all neighbours wished Elliott a very happy birthday and did not call Social Services on us.

4. Lots of smiles and laughs.

Welcome to our impromptu Camp Elliott - opened August 14, 2010.

A fire pit for a fourth birthday.

The cookout.

 Our camper girls.

Always in the mood for a party.

 First activity - scavenger hunt - Kate proudly finished in first place.

How many girls does it take to spin Cody?

Some cheating going on during Feed the Bear if You Dare

 Kate and Alex's frozen state during Freeze Dance.

 Optimus Prime - the new favourite.

 Cuddles and love from Grammie.

 Forget the cake - look at that beautiful kitchen!

 A very happy birthday boy.

Josie.

 

The classic Kate.

 Carlie - Freeze Dance extraordinaire.

 Roman.

 Beautiful Julie - fireside.

 Elliott and Grammie sharing some laughs.

 What tough looking guys.

 And another.

And another.

Well he's four so it's time to pull his own weight.

So comes to a close Elliott's birthday week. Hopefully tomorrow he will cease using the excuse "'Cause I'm the birthday boy." We do love you birthday boy - now get busy being four.

CAKE

the birthday boy

Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of our little man's birth. A very happy anniversary indeed. Elliott, you a wonder to me - full of cuddles, laughter, energy, attitude and curiosity. I could truly stare at you all day - big beautiful brown eyes, long lashes, blonde locks and a killer smile.

We had a little family birthday yesterday that started with gifts before breakfast. It was then off to morning camp where Elliott marched in and proudly announced to the counsellors that he was the birthday boy. The plan was to go for haircuts on the way home but our birthday boy needed to get straight home to open another gift before lunch. His first batch of big boy lego from Grandma Sherri and Grandpa George. Bliss! Both Kate and Elliott dove in and played hard - best thing, they did not want me to actually build what the kits called for.

Last night we had special visitors Grampie Paul and Grammie Janice joined us for dinner, cake and the final gifts of the day. What a delight a four year old is. He was so appreciative of all his special recognition and gifts. My favourite quote of the day was when he asked me in the morning "Mommy, am I four years old right now?" I responded yes. "Yeah I'm four. No more three year olds!" Yup, it's official we're out of the terrible twos and troublesome threes. Right?

So the birthday party plan was to head to the island today for a weekend of camping. Mother Nature has other plans for us. It is pouring, and it is forecasted to continue! So it looks like we're going to have to revise and hopefully have a little party here tomorrow and possibly set up some tents in the yard if the weather clears up a bit. Fingers crossed.

 Ready for the birthday boy to wake.

 Happy, happy, happy.

 A huge chocolate coin from Grampie and Grammie ( just like Carter's). Amazing!

 Some final snuggles and a show with Grampie.

Grammie Janice (not as into the Dino show as Grampie).

Love you. Love you. Love you Elliott. We look forward to another year of great things with you!
Mama, Papa and Kate

a weekend away

While Cody travelled to Mass. this past weekend, our friends, the Bests were so kind to host the kids and me at their cottage in Fundy. To think of it I may have invited myself.  In that case they were twice as nice. Too bad our kids weren't. I shouldn't complain, but in this case I feel justified. On Saturday Julie, Alex and I worked so hard to provide our five little children with a fun filled day but in return we got a lot of whinging and complaining. We started with a hike to Johnson Falls - beautiful - next a picnic lunch - delicious. Then it was on to one of the best outdoor playgrounds I have ever been to - awesome. Third stop an outdoor pool overlooking the bay - admittedly a little chilly but visually stunning and finally a stop at the local candy store - thrilling. All activities started with smiles and enthusiasm but each child certainly had their time to less than shine. At one point each parent got a turn to swear behind the minivan. 

 The Falls.

 What comes down must go up again.

Don't be fooled by that face, Elliott was less than enthusiastic on these climbs.

 Here things take a turn for the worse with Kate.

 Yup - we lost her.

 Amazingly no one got beamed with a rock during this activity.

 Our hard working boys.

Rounding up the kittens.

Thankfully Kate's smiling again.

 Elliott too.

 I believe Julie is as well.

 I believe I've managed one as well.

What's that in the hands of these under appreciated mommies? Yes liquid libations.

On the way home I asked the kids what their favourite part of the trip was - yup the candy store. I say next time we keep it real simple (sugar) or look into that Nanny we always dream about.

Thanks again guys. You're the best.
AKE