August Adventures

I am typing to the sound of a happy hamster in her wheel.  The kids are looking after Ginger for a few days while her owner is away.  It's lovely to see them excited to play with her, happy to crawl all over the floor after her.  I was a little hesitant to become friends with a rodent but she was too cute to resist.  

Somehow, August has come and gone.  Graham had the first two weeks off.  We enjoyed some day trips the first week including visiting family at their cottage, time with friends at a park, and a fun trip to Bingemans water park (a gift from a wonderful neighbour!)  

After a fun day at the water park

Bottom hair colour compared to top

Post-Haircut Braids

During the second week we rented a cottage in Oliphant (roughly equal distance between Sauble Beach and Wiarton but just a short walk from Lake Huron).  We had fun at a few different beaches and also visited Storybook Park in Owen Sound which we had never heard of.  Kohen went on every ride there and Isaac wouldn't stop going on the water slides.  I think Lily-Anna liked the splash pad the best as well as the playgrounds and the little houses with storybook characters.  Graham and I definitely appreciated all the shade.  I went on the little roller coaster with Kohen.  He sat beside me and told me he was going to be sick but then he ended up going on it three or four times.  One time was more than enough for me.  I don't mind the spinning rides and I used to enjoy large roller coasters but now I'm not so sure.  

The boys were delighted to be introduced to a beautiful starry sky.  We let them stay up late and then we lay down on the lawn and downloaded an app to show us the constellations.  It was wonderful to hear the awe in their voices as they looked up at the heavens.  Lily-Anna was a little sad to miss the show but I was able to use the app on my phone in her bedroom before bed and she could "see the stars" above even though it was light outside.  She was happy.  

We downloaded all of the Ramona audiobooks by Beverly Cleary from the library when we started our holiday.  We ended up listening to all of it - just shy of 19 hours, mainly while driving and at some meals.  I am a fan of audiobooks!

The following two weeks included swimming lessons for the boys at an outdoor pool.  Due to Covid, I need to be in the water with Kohen.  There weren't any openings for Lily-Anna but I was able to sign all the kids up for some fall lessons which means that both Graham and I will also be in the water.

Last week, Kohen had a special Daddy-date to go and see The Paw Patrol Movie.  This was his first time going to a theatre to watch a movie.  I then had a Mommy-date with Isaac and we saw the new Space Jam movie.  Lily-Anna is not ready for a movie theatre but she was excited to watch some Paw Patrol episodes and stay up later on a Mommy-date at Grandma and Grandpa's home along with popcorn and treats that we picked out earlier in the day.  

We have some new shoes so the kids are almost ready for school.  Kohen just needs a haircut.  Isaac is very excited to get back to school to play soccer with his friends.  Kohen and Lily-Anna are also looking forward to it.  I'm praying they will both make good friends.  

I like how Lily-Anna talks about unwrapping gifts:  "Let's wrap out the presents."

It's time to post this but it's also time to head to bed, sadly without any pictures.  For some reason this computer does not make it easy to add photos but I will add them ... but not tonight.  We are heading to a splashpad with friends tomorrow so I need some sleep.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Psalm 31:2

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.