Trip to Niagara - Part 2 (August 7)

"Opa’s takin’ us to the zoo tomorrow
Zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow
Opas’s takin’ us to the zoo tomorrow
We can stay all day

We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We’re goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo"

That was the song sung around our home for the last week or so leading up to this little trip. Finally, tomorrow had come and we were GOING TO THE ZOO!!!
After weighing the options it seemed like Buffalo had the most to offer (and of course the most fond memories - seeing as that's where we went when we were little) so it was off to the US of A!
Five little boys and their mom's strapped into the van once again, passports in hand, CD cranked.
Make way for the Dodge Caravan Convoy!

Waiting for our entrance tickets, and taking a washroom break!

 Buffalo zoo is a small zoo - which makes it very child friendly.  There are still a wide variety of animals to look at, but the distances between the cages are small, making it very do-able for small feet.  Even so, it was a good thing we took strollers.  Oma even rented an extra double one - just in case. First stop was the rainforest area.

This little birdie wanted Rowans rice crackers.  It was so cute!  It walked right up to the glass to come get it.

 

The cousins all had such a good time together, for which we are extremely grateful!  So sweet:)

Richard and Lyndsay

Dad is a very good Opa, playing right along with the kids.

Snack time for the kids and coffee time for us:)

mmmm...coffee...  (Thanks Richard and Dad)

So much to look at, so much to admire!

....a cranky mom face... "Where ARE those kids now? "  hehe:)

Going out for the day was alot of work for the littles, as the picture below shows. I was driving so Thanks to Natasha for the following pictures (as well as half of the ones above)!  I hope our children grow up realizing what blessings they have received and not to take all of this for granted.  It's a good life we have.

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.