Tuesday 22 July 2014

A Summer Evening Outside



"Do not educate your child to be rich; educate him to be happy,
so when he grows up he'll know the value of things, not the price."

Thursday 17 July 2014

{Adventures} July

Summer is full-blown over here in Lindsay and we are enjoying it to the max! I am continuously in awe of the great country we live in and how beautiful it is. We've had the opportunity to get out a few times and enjoy some of the "culture" of our area. First off, a walk at our favourite local conservation area, Ken Reid:




For a weed, you're alright, milkweed! 

Examining local flora
Next, Ribfest in Peterborough:

The lines were long, but oh-so worth it!

And, Music in the Park, at Victoria Park in Lindsay:


We're only half way through, but we are having a great month so far. I also participated in Kidz Kamp at my church last week. It was busy but I had an amazing time! I was a leader for the Grade 5/6 Next Level camp, where we learned about taking our Christian faith from ho-hum level 1, to a biblical, active level. The kids were awesome (and loud) and I am certain everyone had a fantastic time! Brynn spent 3.5 hours every day in the nursery too, which was good practice for Saturday when I go back to CH for my first shift (eeep!). My mom came to visit for a couple days, too. While she was here, I scored a couple of Kijiji finds that I'm pretty excited about:



The carseat was a necessary find, since our current seat expires at the beginning of August. It only cost $30 and is in great condition, so, good, obviously. The sleep sack, however, made me really excited. I needed something for Brynn for camping in a couple of weeks, so when I saw this for five bucks on Kijiji I figured it would be a cheap way to keep her warm. When I picked it up, I saw that it is really good quality, so I checked out the brand online. Turns out these sleep sacks are made with real goose down, and sell for 170 dollars each. Score?! So yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself, haha!

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.- John Lubbock

Wednesday 9 July 2014

{5 Months}

Lately I've been having visions of babies crawling.

Not that Brynn is crawling yet, but in the last month she has officially moved from newborn to baby status (if you know what I mean). She is growing like a weed: everyone I meet tells me something along the lines of "she's massive" and  as of her last weigh-in on June 16, she is pushing the 16 lb mark and 85th percentile for growth.

This month Brynn started to roll and sit up. 
She also loves her toys and has definite favourites.
She is teething hardcore and has permanently wrinkled thumbs and fingers from having them constantly in her mouth (but no teeth yet).
She giggles and smiles non-stop and responds to games like peekaboo.
She loves anything that she can bounce in.
She also started eating her first foods, although we are still figuring out how much and when.

We are so loving this stage. 

She is such a joy to be around and is always surprising us with new things she can do. She has a sparkle in her eyes that proves she is constantly learning and understanding new things. We still comment every day about how blessed we are to have such a happy, beautiful baby. 
Every. Day.



I mean, who knew this parenting gig would be so great?

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Oma's 75th Birthday Party

On Saturday we had a birthday party for my Oma Tenhage, who turned 75. It was great to see great- aunts and uncles whom I don't see very often. My Oma is a special (read: awesome) lady who deserves the best! We all had a fantastic time, and we pray that God blesses her with many more years!
Oma is the lovely lady in the cream sweater in the middle of the picture

Of course, I am a horrible person, and didn't actually get a picture with Oma like I wanted to. I did, however, take lots of pictures of the kids playing- especially at the park.
Kendra and her beautiful blues!
Brynn liked her cereal, but it wasn't coming fast enough and it was too runny- hence the tears
Colsen 
Hayden- "I can pump myself!"

"Kids" of all ages enjoying the swings!
My favourite part of the day was watching Brynn and Kendra together. Although they are 7 months apart in age, only 2 inches and 2 pounds separate them. Let's just say my kid is a porker. They were especially adorable on the swings. It was Brynn's first time and she was shrieking with laughter. Look at the pure joy on their faces as they swung in the evening sunlight!




We had a fantastic evening. I love my Oma and am so happy I am able to know her and spend so much time with her! She has always been so much fun and is someone I can trust and talk with. Next time I see her, I vow to get a picture of us together!

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Happy Canada Day!







Happy Canada Day, all!

Have you ever thought about how blessed we are to live in this big, beautiful country? We may not like everything that happens here, but our country is among the smartest, most peaceful and most beautiful countries in the world. I am happy to live in a country of soaring pines, rustling maples, crystal clear lakes, rugged mountains and great plains. We are so blessed here.