Our First Family Canoe Trip

We headed up to Algonquin Park this past weekend to venture out on our first ever family canoe trip. What a great weekend! It was a little chilly on the Saturday and the water was a bit rough for canoeing but we toughed it out and Sunday/Monday turned out to be beautiful. The kids didn't like portaging very much...either did I for that matter... but by the time we finally reached our campsite it was well worth the hike. Cameron and Avery spent most of their time catching turtles and frogs while Tilley spent the weekend ensuring that no chipmunk was going to invade our campsite. Rielly slept.

Tilley the Adventurer Cameron checking out the bathroon facilities! Avery and three baby snapping turtles that she begged to keep as pets.

ZOO DAY

We went to the zoo August 21st with Kelly, Martin, Faith and Colin. It was again another brutally hot day and we spent the most part in the splash pad. The kids had an amazing time getting wet. The dinosaur tent was a hit with Avery. She loved looking at all the bones and skeletons of the dinosaurs. We also hit up all the pavilions with snakes and lizards (Avery's passion in life). What a great way to end off the summer holidays. Thanks Kelly and kids for a fun day......next time lets do it when its 10 degrees cooler out. LOL

End Of The Summer FUN

We went to African Lion's Safari with Grandma August 20th and other then being terribly hot we had a great time. It was amazing how the animals are so comfortable with all these cars driving right up to them. The deer scored with us...we had a bag of uneaten McDonald's french fries that Cameron and Avery were more then willing to share with them. You could barely see out the side windows when we were done with all the snot and spit on them from the animals. Cameron's favorite animal were the deer, Avery liked the zebra and I really enjoyed the monkeys (I think I liked the monkey's best because I live with two of them everyday!) It was a good day had by all. Thanks for taking us Grandma!

Cyprus Lake

We headed out to Cyprus Lake up near Tobermory yesterday. It was a great day and perfect weather for a hike. Cameron found the biggest toad I have ever seen and Avery spent the rest of the day tormenting it. My super adventurous son was dying to jump off one of the cliffs into the water but there were signs up claiming that people have died jumping and that was enough to convince him to keep his feet on the ground.

I can't believe how quickly the summer is going by and back-to-school is just right around the corner. Avery (my baby girl) is going into grade 1 and Cameron into grade 3. Can you believe that? I guess it just means that I'm getting older. I wish I could keep them this age for just a little while longer.

Officially Waiting

Well we are now officially waiting for the referral of the newest addition to our family. We have completed the seemed-to-be never ending paperwork and have received our approvals from both the Canadian and Vietnamese governments. Our agency feels confident that we should have a referral by October/November. Wouldn't it be amazing to have our little one home for Christmas! Thanks to all of you who have been so patient with us throughout his process. It has been both mentally and emotionally consuming for both us and those who are close to us. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy process and a healthy child.





As always summer is flying by. The kids are enjoying life at the beach....and have the tans to prove it. We have had prefect weather up this way. I can't believe it's back to school in four weeks.







We went camping for a few days in July and my fearless daughter found a huge snake and nabbed the poor thing within seconds. She definitely has a soft spot for creepy crawly things! She tells us when she grows up she wants to be "Avery the Snakemaster" (like the TV show). It's not quite the career choice I would like to see her pursue but I have to admit she is very good at catching things that are squirmy and slimy....it's the letting them go part she has trouble with!

Hope every one enjoys the rest of the summer.