Hiking with the Kidlets

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny (with the threat of being too hot by the end of the day) so we packed the kids into the car and headed out to a new hiking trail: Complete with bridges, a bat cave and ropes to help climb the *very* steep (not quite 90 degree but pretty close in some parts) cliff.

 The view was worth the hike and despite the steepness in places it was easy enough for all the kids to explore and climb on their own (Owen did need a little help on the way back down but That was 2 hours later and he was exhausted!)

Endless Summer

It's the middle of July and our summer fun is no where near stopping. we have been busy as can be and the kids are enjoying every minute of it.....That is of course until the fun stops and there is a quiet day or two for them to realize just how tired they really are; then the melt downs begin (not that we would know anything about that in this house.....)

 My parents came up to visit for 5 days and they took Alexandra back to Toronto with them. She was the only one of the kids left to go on their own. While she was gone, the boys and I headed to Rainbow Falls, a camp ground we had never been to before. There are sites on both sides of the highway and we opted for a site *right* on Lake Superior. It was perfect!

 And when we wanted sandy beach instead of rock, we just crossed the highway and hung out at the sandy beach which delighted the boys because there were *lots* of  *big minnows* for them to try to catch (with and with out their nets)

 I was a little nervous about taking them myself but we had a fantastic time. It was such a HUGE blessing for me. I watch Anthony and Owen forge a bond that they have never had before. They played with each other and helped each  other and it did this mommy's hear good to see what God is doing in there lives.

 Not only were there minnows, but there were tadpoles in numerous states of changes which the boys spent hours trying to catch and examine. I loved watching them. They couldn't have cared less that I was there and were more then happy to climb the rocks and explore the pools of water.

 There was just something about having a camp site right on the water that did me good. I miss that. It has been a looooooong time since I have camped (I didn't go at all last year, or the year before) and I need that. The open air, the beauty of creation, the sounds and smells.

 I can just sit and soak in the presence of God. It is a wonderful feeling.

 HOURS of fun. Literally!

 Before we headed out camping, there was TONS of fun with my parents. Strawberry picking was a highlight!

We are waiting to hear about a potential full time permanent job for Troy. Hoping, praying, knowing that regardless of what happens it is good. And more then that, that we will be ok...much more then ok. We will be blessed and happy for despite the fact that trusting can be hard, there is joy in the waiting when I trust in His perfect timing.

The 7.5 Year Old Boy

"Mom, Brayden's my best friend. Do you know why he's my best friend? Because we squish ants together."

"Look, look, look. I can make the grasshopper stay still so I can look at it if I pull off one of his legs. He can't hope with only three legs."

Yup, that's my Anthony James. Love that kid.....don't understand him half the time but love him to pieces!

The Start of Summer

Happy Canada Day!

July 1st this year was h.o.t and sunny. I am pretty sure that is a first in a looong time.

The kids finished school last Thursday so Friday morning we packed up the van with our camping stuff, met up with friends and headed out.

Our first stop was Drift Lake. A lake surrounded by Crown Land, perfect for swimming, camping, dirt biking, picnics and all the fun stuff that comes with summer. 

 The dad's getting the fire ready and some of the beach site cleaned up.

Our friends have dirt bikes. . . .

 Anthony got his turn first....and has decided that we now *need* to buy him a dirt bike!

 Our second stop was Quetico Provincial Park. Just our little family for 2 nights.

It was wonderful. The perfect camping trip! The kids made friends with a chipmunk or two.

Alexandra mastered riding her two-wheeler.

 Dinner time on day 2. Exhausted but very very happy. Alexandra informed us that night at bedtime that camping was boring because we were trying to make her go to sleep!

The perfect camping trip.

We came home Sunday afternoon for our friends' annual Canada Party. And now we have hit the holidays with busyness! Alexandra started diving this week, my parents come in on Friday until July 11, then Xanj will  drive back to Toronto with them until July 16th and the boys and I will go on another camping adventure. This time to a provincial park we have never been to before, but our site is right on the shore of Lake Superior.

I am SO thankful that the kids are now at an age where they are happy (and capable enough) to go off our their own or with other kids to explore and play. There were times camping where I could actually sit in a chair by the fire with a book (!)

Bring on the summer!!!!!