Monday, July 18, 2011

Summer So Far...

We are having an amazing summer.  There is nothing better than finally being able to visit with family members again and we are enjoying every minute of it.  I grew up with the saying "Guests are like fish...they begin to stink after 3 days."  Granted sometimes that expression may be true, it is not the case when Kathy & Mark come to visit.  We treasure every moment!  The kids know that if they need some personal space they need to find it, as do the adults and all works well!
Here is the promised picture of Mark...


 Kathy and Mark were in Nipawin for 5 nights and during that time we spent 3 nights at Waskesiu with Wayne and Ruth and their kids.  It was a wonderful, relaxing time even though the wind was miserable.  The kids played in the sand, rode their bikes, and explored.

 Enjoying breakfast on the beach.
 We spent a few VERY busy days at home....

 Kathy & Mark...I had to take a picture of this...it seemed they spent a lot of time cleaning strawberries and helping with meals...thanks guys!
 Martins' niece got married in the most spectacular church.  The pictures are not very clear...I do need a better flash!
 Jen & Lane and the wedding party.
 Later that afternoon my nephew also got married...Josh & Rachel.  We attended both ceremonies, but were only able to make it to one reception.  :(
 We spent time entertaining, and enjoying the beautiful weather out on our deck.  Ben & Alison and Andrew (my brothers), came up from BC and we spent as much time with them as possible.
 My family headed to Smoothstone lake for 4 days.  Everyone, except Dan & Darlene & family, and most of the older nieces and nephews, came to the lake, making for a crowd of about 40.  Smoothstone Lake Lodge is the perfect place for our family...cabins, lodge, beach, fishing, quading trails and even a play fort for the kids. 
I HAD to post this picture...Raina is STANDING!!!!  I can hardly wait till she walks!!  My back is killing me!
 We play soccer and prisoner's base every time we are at Smoothstone, which results in some serious  competition, many sore muscles, and many great memories!

 Our girls received lots of attention and loving...Ben trying to get Raina to sit with him...not likely to happen...he has facial hair and Raina does not like facial hair!
 Rubbing sand in already tired eyes.
 This became a regular site...first came the quading, then the washing of the quad in the lake, and then getting stuck and everyone helping...
 Martin took  Alex  fishing.  He caught a 4 1/2 pound jack!  He was very proud of his catch!!
 Yummy food...and I only had to make one meal!!!
 More fishing...they all caught a fish and had a blast!

 Canoeing...
 Back home...our kids had to settle for water fights.  We still do not have our pool up...:(  BUT it is coming...bigger and better than before!

 And of coarse...playing Settlers of Catan!!

1 comment:

Paige said...

Looks like you are keeping very busy this summer, but the best kind of busy... with family and friends.