Osoyoos August 2009

Caroline on the dock. The other kids fishing at the end of the dock.

Cameron got to try kneeboarding with his new friend Z! Very exciting for him. Almost all of our kids got a ride in the boat. Maybe next August Courtney!

Courtney and I hanging on the dock.

Cameron and Z getting ready to go kneeboarding.

Sleep little bubba sleep. And she did, with her hands wrapped around my neck.

A few of the many sand toys we had! So much fun!

It looks like Cliff is in pain or something, but he was not. He was just rubbing his face LOL. A rare shot of 7 of the family together.

Courtney trying on the mask.

Cameron loved his air mattress. He loves the water!

Playing in the water as a family of eight.

Made new friends! Z and A.

Tried fishing (a lot!) A couple of fish got away!

Goofing off in town!

My shadow. Look at that gorgeous lake water!

We have been fortunate to have had three visits to the Okanagan this summer. At the beginning, near the end of August for a week. And this past weekend.

Things that I love about this summer:

The kids are awesome travellers.

We can have a lot of fun, for not much $$. Being together is amazing.

I love to watch the kids grow up, and help each other out.

We could survive in a two bedroom, two bathroom place and still be happy together.

Love goes a long way.

In fact, I think this has been our best summer EVER! Making up for all of the years without a vacation of any sort. Last time we went away was when Catie as 10 months old. And Cameron was going into Kindergarten. This time, Catie heading into Kindergarten. Cameron into grade five.

I am actually sad that summer is over this year. It was amazing!

Until next year! We cannot wait to get back.

Hottest Day of the YEAR!

Here in our town, we are experiencing a heatwave. It hasn't been this hot for a VERY long time. I think were are at 37 degrees or so. 

On went the bathing suits, and the sprinkler. Played with ice cubes, and ate freezies and strawberries trying to stay cool. I am melting today!

Happy Summer!

Cathy xo

Friday Phew!

This is after the immunization appointments for Catie (Kindergarten shots) and Courtney.

This is Courtney's first visit to the "candy drawer" and she was a happy camper.

 Catie got two, because hers was a sore one.

Caroline got one too. Our family doctor is so great! 

Catie, and her pop. 

I survived (well almost) it is still early on Friday. 

This week was filled with lots of driving. Driving my gas guzzling 12 passenger van. Monday, was summer school for two, back and forth. Back and forth. Tuesday, I had to have Cliff take the day off so we could get all of our stuff done! It was an especially crazy day! Summer school for one, a very intensive RCMP Jr. Cadet camp for two, and immunization shots for two. Catie and Courtney. Catie cried, Courtney didn't cry for the first needle, but cried for the second one. Then drop off and pick ups all day. Same with Wednesday, and then Thursday. Plus a "Graduation" for Cameron and Claire. Cliff stayed back with the others. Thankfully, because it was long and warm in the gym. And on my way home from the grad, my check engine light came on. Remember my fiasco with no van large enough for the kids? I am a wee bit concerned. So, this morning, a more quiet day (if that is possible with six kids at home?) laundry (a given) and a drive with my six to the dealership to hopefully figure out what is going on with our van. Monday, school is back in, and I need to be able to drive them all back and forth! Unfortunately to place both girls in the same school. Claire in Reading and Rec, and Carly is in Numbers 'til Noon. We could only pick a school about 15 minutes away by drive. 

Driving all of this week, I was thankful for an air conditioned van. And thankful that for the regular school year, we are able to walk. I feel better about that. Being able to walk. I realize I do not like the driving so much. 

This weekend we are off to a fun "Stampede" style BBQ with old family friends. And with family. Kids will be dressed up like cowgirls and a cowboy. I am the official photographer, so I am looking forward to do that just for fun. I am praying that this year all stay healthy, and now throw up. Last year after the Luau, right as soon as we walked through the door, July Puke Fest 2008 began, and lasted for one whole week. Healthy thoughts! Healthy thoughts. You can see why I might feel a little worried right :D

Have a great weekend!

Cathy 

In our backyard

Right now because it is summer, we have a lot of stuff out there to keep the kids busy and having fun. So this is what we have out there:

• Swing set/slide combo
  
• Mini craft table/snack table.
  
• Playhouse (getting there)
  
• Three mini tents
  
• One sandbox 
  
• One trampoline
  
• Assortment of bikes and ride toys (like the Little Tykes police car my sister gave Cameron for his first birthday--still kickin'!)
  
• Bubbles/blowers
  
• And, on really hot days I take out ALL of the ice cubes dump them into a large container and they go to town. This is my cheap and fun idea. Keeps them cool and entertained.
  

I would have to say this has been one of the best summers yet. We have so much planned for this summer vacation. I cannot wait for some of the fun stuff ahead. I have been enjoying how nicely the kids have all been playing together for the most part. This is the VERY first summer where it has felt like this. Probably because I am not pregnant, not breast feeding and I don't have a newborn around.