Potluck Playdate

I had some neighbourhood friends and some former coworkers over for a little potluck and playdate.

Strangely, Mads was one of the oldest kids there, so he played with the big boys and the babies played amongst themselves.

It was fun getting together for no particular reason. Hope to do it again before I get back to work in October.

Mads and Bobs at the Zoo

Daddy took the day off and we were planning on going to Sikome Lake for a beach day. Unfortunately it was rainy out and not very warm so we headed to the Zoo.

Bobs liked the Zoo when he was Mads' age, but this time, he wasn't as interested. It could be that he was just tired today.

We went to a presentation on gorillas, but neither of our children were interested. We made it home before the rain hit hard.

Izzy's Pink 3rd Birthday Party

Bobs' friend on the block Izzy celebrated her 3rd birthday on sunday. Everyone had to wear pink. Mads borrowed a pink shirt from Kamryn. Daddy wasn't happy about it but Mommy had her way.

Izzy got a trampoline for her birthday.

Mads loves parties and had a great time. Bobs was a bit more demure.

We had pizza and juice boxes and adult drinks.

Bobs was a bit sad when Izzy got to open her presents. He really wanted to help.

Bobs didn't eat anything as he knew he was getting cake.

Izzy couldn't wait for the cake to arrive.

It was a big princess cake with a pink castle.

Mads was so enthralled with the sandbox that he missed out on cake.

The cake made Bobs' day. He was so happy to have his own plate.

Daddy found some shade and peace in the backyard.

Free Massage

Mads is pretty good at giving Mommy massages.

We love to relax in the cool basement during the summer.

Around the Neighbourhood

We have been hanging out with Izzy and Hugo in the neighbourhood at least once a week. Both boys have also taken to technology with the Leapster game/learning system.

Lillian Lake Backcountry Camping and Hike

Mads and Bobs are just fine, but Mommy took her first night away from Mads and went into Kananaskis Country with Kristin and Sarah to Galatea trail and hiked nearly 7 kms up to Lillian Lake on friday afternoon.

Mads and Bobs kept their Daddy busy while we hiked. We had to carry our own tent and sleeping bags and sleeping mat, food and water. I rented a pack from the university's outdoor centre.

We were fortunate with good weather and minimal insects. Strangely, we were one of two groups up in the campsite that night. There is room for 20 tents, and there were only 3 including ours. The other group was really nice and around the same age.

You have to book your site and get a permit ahead of time. We cooked wieners and macaroni and cheese for supper, and had bagels for breakfast.

Our site was right on the lake, although somehow we didn't have much time to look at it. We spent a lot of time setting up and making dinner. We didn't get to eat until 8:00pm.

It was a tad cold that night and hard to fall asleep. Especially after the other group thought they heard a bear grunting in the woods nearby. It was certainly possible. We had bear spray and the other group was gung ho to charge after the bear with their big knives.

Fortunately no bear encounter occurred. I felt a bit sick in the middle of the night. Ok I felt really sick and threw up twice from the discomfort, high altitude, and who knows what else. Lots of things make me throw up.

We were gone for a total of 24 hours and make it back without a scratch. Sarah and Kristin thought I would be complaining the whole time but I really think I did well and hardly complained at all. Despite what many people think, I love hiking. Maybe not camping so much, but I went for the experience of it, and I am glad I did.

Besides, we live only an hours drive from these beautiful trails. How can you pass that up?

Mads and Bobs were happy to see me when I got home. Daddy also got to experience what it is like to be with them without another parent for 24 hours so he can understand what I go through as well.

Elkwater

We went on our annual Cypress Hills August Long Weekend trip with our friends from Regina. We have missed it when we had newborns, but otherwise we have been doing it since 2005.  The reason we chose Cypress Hills is because it is between both of our cities, and it is a unique place to camp or stay in a cabin/condo.

McDonalds, as bad as it is for nutrition, really is a lifesaver when you are a parent with little ones. They know how to draw them in. The playplace, the airconditioning, the TV's... the cheap food.... you can't ask for more on a road trip. Don't worry about those drinks, they are mommy and daddy's cups filled with milk.

We stayed at Elkwater Lodge in a two bedroom condo that was quite spacious ( compared to the condo in Invermere three weekends ago with Grandma and Grandpa ).

The kids haven't seen each other for a year so it was fun to see them interact. Bobs absolutely adores Missy. They are 15 months apart.

We all took turns cooking and cleaning up. It worked out well considering the craziness of the kids. We didn't drive around the park much. We kept our days simple with a routine of breakfast, a walk to the beach and playgrounds, home for lunch. Babies napped in the early afternoon with Daddy and AMK. Noah and myself took the preschoolers for adventures like the visitor center, or a nature walk finished off with ice cream. Then when everyone was up, we would go swimming inside in the salt water pool. Missy has become an excellent swimmer this summer. She can go on her own and has so much confidence.

After swimming we would slowly prepare supper, and then go for another walk after supper.

I got Noah hooked on a game on my ipod called Angry Birds.

Ike is only two months older than Mads, but he looks so much older and he can communicate really well.

Mads learned to wave bye bye and to say Bah Bah!

Mads also learned on this trip that he likes to eat bacon.

On the way to the beach, the local firemen would stop traffic and ask for donations to a charity. In return, we got a bunch of red balloons for the kids.

Everywhere that Missy went, Bobs was sure to follow.

AMK made her delicious nectarine salsa on baguette and brie.

AMK always has a bunch of fun things to do.

Noah used Mr. Snips in his BBQing.

Mads gave us a bit of a hard time at night time. He didn't feel like sleeping much and one night he even played soccer in his playpen for a few hours. He was saying "ball ball ball!!! babababababa ball!!!" and kicking it around. What a crazy kid.

Ike taught Mads to eat yogurt with a spoon.

The last night was so hot, that after our walk, the kids were happy to have their freezies for dessert.