some July!

Who can believe it's the middle of JULY already!? Sheesh. We've had such an incredible summer weather-wise; hot days, warm nights, long days by the pool... it's been amazing. We spent the hottest week of the summer (so far) at the cottage, where Grandma and Gramps had the cooling system down pat; window-unit AC on in the morning with blinds and curtains shut all day, and windows and fans on in the evening when the temperature started to drop. Steve slept out in the tent trailer with Hendrik, and it was cooler in the night (thought sometimes a bit loud thanks to the neighbours - but it was fine!). I think the hottest day read 37.5 C (99.5 F), but that doesn't take into account the humidity. It was HOT! We did our best to stay cool (pffffffff) with lots of time in the river and lake, cold afternoon beverages, and a balance of time spent indoors and out. Jordan was beyond excited to make the trip, and some highlights for him include fishing (he caught many a fish), skinny dipping (he proudly and loudly proclaimed "I'm skinny dipping!!!!" as he barrelled down the dock and off into the water), playing cards - War, with Grandma (Jordan rules), and lots of swimming. I imagine that highlights for Hendrik included the box of vintage Archie comics I brought up (thanks Marketplace), a trip to our favourite river island - and swimming there, and "doing nothing." (He forgot his backpack at home, so missed his eye cover, water bottle and a stack of books, but did not forget his new nerf gun.) Alana also was big into the fishing, loved swimming at the sand bar (they all did), and spent a lot of time making rainbow loom bracelets - everyone was decked out!

during the Crowe Cup awards ceremony - 3rd place (me and H) and champs! (A and Steve)

On our way home we stopped in Toronto to take in the Van Gogh immersive show, and it was impressive! Loud, but very beautiful. We wore masks, kept to our circles (illuminated on the floor) and stayed for almost 2 rounds of the show. It was a warm day, but the kids begrudgingly accompanied us to the CN tower. It was fairly empty in and around the plaza there, but with the tower closed and the aquarium open to mask-wearers only, I suppose it made sense. After the kids touched the tower, we grabbed some Italian ice cream treats from Longo's and had a curbside snack before hitting the road again. We've spent the last week or so staying close to home, spending lots of time in the pool! We met with an architect and with our contractor again, and it looks like - out of necessity - we're going to tackle a front porch reno first. Hopefully we'll be able to get the ball rolling on other jobs soon too; though Alana and Jordan have been great about sharing the largest of bedrooms, they would definitely prefer their own room (I think). 

I have more to write about but if I don't post this now who knows when it will happen! More cottage pics coming soon...

this afternoon, poolside

at the splashpad post blueberry pick... such a great cool down!

blueberry picking!

LOVE this photo. Alana and I went for a trail ride a few weeks ago and she loved it!

J with his new big boy bed. It was a bit of a saga figuring it all but he's out of the Ikea toddler bed... finally!