Saturday, August 22, 2015

cape breton and back

Seldom do we four get the pleasure of seeing Calgary guests here in the Maritimes, at least not ones that aren't bound to us by DNA. This summer has been a bit of an exception in that our old friends the Fords were summering in Nova Scotia for both business and pleasure.  A few weeks Alli and their kids stayed with us and this week our foursome headed over the causeway to Cape Breton island to hang out at their cottage rental located hillside, overlooking breathtaking water views.

Allison, David, Grady and little Isla were the perfect hosts and introduced us to an awesome breakfast hash, some choice vocabulary, TV recommends, outdoor crafting and one of the top beaches we have ever visited. We had a super time and thank you for your hospitality. Cape Breton - two thumbs up.

Inverness.
 Harbours have to be the most photogenic places on Earth.

 Even ugly buoys are kind of awesome.

 Grasslands surround the boardwalks and cover the sand dunes of Inverness - dreamy.

I have been to some very special beaches on this gorgeous globe and this one ranks very high. Chimney Corner - two minutes from Alli's cottage.

What a summer. What girls. Kate and Isla bedazzling as the sun set on a pretty perfect day.

I love this photo.  I particularly adore Elliott's little celebratory moment to the left.

As we headed home yesterday we decided to take the looong way around and go check out the Cabot Trail. It was a long day, with loads of construction but no regrets. The natural sights were pristine and awe inspiring.
One of a thousand picture perfect look outs. My take.

 Kate's take.

 And Elliott's.

A kid friendly hike into a waterfall.  Elliott really contemplating braving the icy waters to get to that waterfall.

Our soaked swimmer, so pleased with himself that he took the plunge and swam his first falls.

8:30 pm. After many miles, many mediocre kids' albums and many attempts to find CBC on the radio we made it back to our home and our beds. A day done.

As we approach the last of August we've begun to reflect on the summer that is quickly passing. It's been the summer of a life time, it really has. We have been very busy and for the most part we have been happy. I do hope Kate and Elliott remember even a few of the amazing memories and times with our lovely friends and family. Life can be very kind. Here's to a few more memories yet to be made.

XO CAKE

Saturday, August 15, 2015

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Five. Our Elliott Nathaniel Jorgensen turns five around noon today. I'm not going to lie, the early days were tough but right from the start he made us smile, then laugh and now he entertains our mornings, afternoons and nights. 

Elliott, you're are such a sweet, sensitive soul you also have this rough, tough soldier side. You're a bit of a couch potato but when pushed you're pretty athletic, creative and always cuddly. I cannot imagine my life without you. Your sister is the frosting and you are the candle on our CAKE.
















We wish you an awesome day, a great party tomorrow and a wonderful year. Let's party and let's eat some cake.

 xoxoxo Mama, Papa, Kate and Boo


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

already august

I say already August but it feels like we have done a pile this summer. For the last week it has been hot and sunny so have been trying to make the most of it. Lately that includes traveling from friend's cottage to friend's backyard to other friend's cottage.

 We've also been sculpting ducks.

 We've been baking.

 We've been crafting.

 We've been exploring local trails on foot and by bike.

We've been doing a little of this.

And a little of that.

 We've been hot tubing.

 We've been brewing.

We've been growing some hair.

 We've been climbing.

 We've been conquering.

And this morning we have excitedly been watching construction on the backyard begin.

In other news, I took Elliott to the barbershop today where he was asked by his barber, "what have you been up to this summer?" His response, "it's my birthday party." Okay great. True it is his birthday party in like another nine days but come on kid, you're killing me. Are you saying that all our efforts to date have been in vain? So stay tuned it is in fact Elliott's fifth birthday and from the sound of it we better make it one to remember

August on everyone. Enjoy!
CAKE