Trip to Niagara - Part 1 (August 6)

Richard is staying at Mom and Dad's place with Sydney and Norah while Elora visits family in Vancouver with Judah, so Natasha and I figured this was as a good a time as ever to go for a little holiday to Vineland! 
We packed into my van like sardines, five kids in carseats in the back two rows, us moms up front, luggage, bottles, cds and strollers everywhere in between. We arrived around lunch time, and let the fun begin! 

Checking out Uncle Micah's chickens and rabbits

Tanner and Rowan, keeping close eye on the kitten

After supper we all left to visit Port Dalhousie, on the shore of Lake Ontario.  It's a must-go-to-place for tourists and locals due to the FIVE cent rides on the historical merry-go-round.   Ops spoiled us all and let us each go on 4 times.  I'm pretty sure all the children's eye's were as round and shiny as those nickels spent on the admission.  :)

 

Between rides we enjoyed the park....

 And the water... 

Shells!! Baby clams.

Sydney - oldest cousin on the Oosterhoff side! 

Picture with Opa and Oma everyone?  FAIL!  

And finally, Oma brought out the icecream.  If you want to get a childs attention, bring on the chocolate!  What a fun evening we had.  Thank you so much Mom and Dad!

Oh dear, I think Rowan spotted the colour brown!  (my little chocolate lover!)

.

SOLD!

28 Days on the market.  SOLD!  Closing date is September 26th. Which gives us 7 1/2 weeks left in Drayton. 
I never thought it would go that quickly.  ComFree was a great company to work with. Easy. Professional. Prompt.
We are relieved it is done. Sad someone else will live here.  Happy/excited to follow a dream. 
We pray for God's blessings and strength as we go from here.

...now to start packing:)

Sea Otter!

Seth went for swimming lessons in Palmerston this year! Two week session - five days per week, half hour per day.  It was good for him, and he was excited to try his best for his teacher everyday, as well as learn new things.  This past Friday was the final day, and it was extra fun since Dad came along to witness his bravery in jumping off the diving boards!  Afterwards we took the walk around the pool/park grounds and looked at the historical train yard and museum area.  It felt like a mini holiday thanks to the beautiful breeze and sunshine!
Everything is more fun with Dad around!

"This looks like it should be no problem at all..."

"hmmm... it's higher then it looks! (I will just creep my way to the end..."

"AHHHH!"  And he did it. My dear Seth who is so scared of heights!

The report card

Best Friends - Seth got two lollies from his teacher and he generously handed one over to "Tris".

Good thing I had thought they might receive a treat and had taken an extra one for Rowan, who does not want to be left out and licked his contentedly.

Watermelon Daze

According to our plates it really is the middle of summer!  I took "inventory" of all the fresh food we've been devouring as it's just all so delicious!  We're eating like kings and reaping all the benefits of fresh natural food. What more could you ask for?

 

Spicy Zucchini muffins

Zucchini Brownies

New adventures

This summer has been crazy busy so far.  Everything has happened in the first couple weeks!  I imagine that now things will slow down to a dull roar since holidays are over, wedding completed, and Oh, no big deal, our house is up for sale.  Gulp.
I really really love the house that we have made home.  But the time has come to move on.  Literally.  Although it is exciting it is also bittersweet since this is Andy's and my first home.  All three boys were born here, and they probably won't remember it.  The countless hours spent playing on the driveway with neighborhood friends and countless coffee breaks on the front porch. Dreaming about paint colours and planning the "perfect for us" backyard.  Drayton, we love you!  I really must stop being so sentimental since it's not even close to being sold yet! (who knows, maybe no one even wants it?).