Jennifer's Birthday Part 2

 Finally Jennifer's friend could make it for the "official party". Her younger sister came along...I have learned that it is helpful to have an "extra along so that the birthday child does not have to struggle so hard to maintain their friend's attention. Sibling rivalry is spread out and thus, thinner and easier to manage for a happier birthday child. :p

We love our Jennifer. Boisterous, fun loving and noisy. We love the noise a little less than some of her other character traits. She is a very determined child and if she has any say, does not miss out on any of the fun and happenings!

 Gifts are great! And there was a gift unwrapping game and a "pin the candle on the cake" game, all made and organized by Melanie the unofficial party hostess.

Nathan wasn't part of the sibling competion. He was busy building me a compost for outside. :)

silly break

 As a break for Jennifer's bday, here are some gorgeous portraits by Mommy Paparazzi. Maybe one of these silly shots will put a smile on your face. You probably need to smile more.

I had a "relaxing" day today. No commitments to chores or school until 4pm...just puttering slowly through a few of them and not feeling any stress. I was babysitting for someone else. Funny how it's easier to be a "better Mom" when you have kids that aren't yours in your care! These pics are old. And Jennifer is genuinely threatening me. Nothing to be proud of, I am sure. The rest of us are just weird.

Jennifer's Birthday Part 1

 Take a picture of me! (and Daniel the photo bomb)

 Waiting patiently to open presents

 while Daddy gets the coffee ready. Is it done yet?

 Cards first! This one is from a couple in our "Small Groups".

 Reading siblings cards.

 Daniel delivering a hand crafted gift.

It is hard keep big brothers from helping too much with the unwrapping.

 

 Note how Evelyn is hanging tight to her own hand crafted gift from her sister that was "re-purposed" for Jennifer without her permission!

Daniel reads a clue from Nathan and Melanie's gift...which had to be found by following the clues.

 "Look in the library." We're looking...now what?

 Found another clue! Where to next?

 And there is the present, made with time and love, for our very own Jennifer!

 A bunk bed for dolls!

And as Jennifer can be easy going, I got away with a small store bought cake. :) 5 years old already! She is growing up so fast!

Around and about again

 Dress up clothes! Jennifer and Evelyn love putting on dresses...with crocs. Very fashionable. And MUCH more comfortable than heels. I'm sure.

 Officially I don't approve of the "jumping into the play room game"...but I also don't officially give any consequences to players of the game...unless they get too loud, and so they get sent outside.

 Evelyn is our gardener. She took her little patch in the garden quite seriously, and remembered what she planted and weeded. Maybe that's why her carrots did better than some other people's carrots.

 The sand box is still an attraction, though it spends many days in a row looking forlorn sometimes.

We had a membership at the Science Center...expiring in a month. So we had to go a few more times to get our "money's worth". Only $5 each time (half of the parking fee).

 When it is just me and the kids (no Philip) it is more like an indoor playground.

 Not sure how much learning of science occurred this day...but we did get exercise!

 Cycling was good exercise too! But they weren't very good at pedaling. Matthew thought the light bulbs might not be working. ;)

 We had gone on holidays in August so we could miss the terrible summer weather.

So there was a week or two of roasting weather is September, lest we think we got away without feeling the heat!

Road Trip Aug 24

 Last day on the road. Weather is gloomy. Moods are gloomy. The road goes on and on.

 We are feeling blue. Getting angry at each other.

 Almost at our final destination!

When we arrived home we were very pleased to pile out of the van! Our house was still standing. Our friend had taken good care of our veggie garden, and our beds were looking friendly and welcoming. We wandered about and checked out the place. Weird to be back, nothing looks quite right. But it sure beats a motel!! It takes us a while to feel at home...and once if feels safe and normal, are happy to be back again. Safe and sound.

Road Trip Aug 23

 Back into the Canadian shield we cruise. There doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in the sights that are to be seen. The trip is uneventful...but that is a good thing.

We see the Great Lakes! We must be almost there! 

Nope, it's still a very long way to drive. Our night is spent in White River again. This time I am careful to eat the fast food items for dinner instead of trying something that is healthier. This way dinner is edible and my stomach doesn't complain too strongly.

Road Trip Aug 22

 Kite flying cousins were running around and giggling on the deck. Camera's don't do justice when it comes capturing the joy bubbling out!

 These two seemed to not let a moment go by when they weren't thick as thieves together.

 Even Evelyn went out of her way to accommodate her cousins. It probably helps that her cousins were on their home turf, not vice versa.

 Outside the kids were busy too. Trying out the "new to Melanie" roller skates, and testing the other riding equipment. Occasionally they'd disappear around the block letting their cousin show them the local neighbourhood sights.

 The outing for the day was at the beach! And not only that, but we got to take turns on a sailboat!

 The wind was pretty calm, so the kids got a peaceful introduction to sailing.

 I'm pretty sure Nathan and Evan were discussing motors though, and going over what they'd both experienced in the realm of motorboats. Discussing the speed of the boats that were on the lake.

 The girls were less interested in boats, and far more interested in the sand!

 Still observing boats...

 The boat comes in for a switching of passengers.

What a beautiful day!

Like the motorboat waves that you enjoy, intense, exciting, fun, but over much too soon; our two days quickly pass...and the difficult business of saying goodbyes has to be done once again.