The Lull Between Holidays

July 2-3

I have to say, having the reason to celebrate BOTH Canada Day AND Independence Day has made our July much more interesting. Of course since one is July 1st and the other the 4th we DO have two days in between. This year was unusual as everyone (including Joe, Faithe, Gabbi and Zachary with Nana and Baba) was going camping starting on the 3rd… Except me and the girls (Mosquito allergy) and Ken (leaving the morning of the 4th after his appointments). This marks one of the VERY few civic holidays that Ken and myself would not celebrate together. As I mentioned in a previous July 4th entry HERE, we 3 girls did manage a fun time without our boys. But we did miss them!

Anyway… the 2nd and 3rd… We started with a half day of school. Mainly reflections on what it means to each of the twins to be Canadian…101_8160 101_8161

And pictures of things that represent Canada to Trinity and Emanuel.101_8158 101_8159

The boys are very serious about improving their reading. The twins are thick into chapter books and Emanuel is struggling less and less.101_8162

The kids got their newest souvenir from Nana and Baba’s travels… animal puzzles!101_8163

And then it was time for cousins and playing.101_8165 101_8166

They are set to move to Florida at the end of July. Quite the big move and a wee bit unexpected so I made sure to grab early July 4th group photos. I even dressed the kids up in their colours. I couldn’t let a holiday go by without that! (I posted an image or two from this photo shoot HERE.)101_8169 101_8173 101_8175

Especially without a group shot of the kids. Every year we do it!101_8170

On the 3rd we saw off everyone BUT Daddy, but really snuck out before the chaos and met up with Renee, Nathan, Evan, Jeffrey and Renee’s sister Karen (you will remember her from the amazing June wedding Ken was in HERE).101_8185 101_8184

This is a pretty amazing series of parks. There is a play park, then a splash pad (not a park, just a cement pad with water spraying out) and then the manicured and lifeguard included beach!101_8187 101_8186 101_8188

Ken was odd man out as usual but the kids had a blast, and it was so fun to get to see the sisters together. Now that Ken is healthier and working on becoming the healthy and HAPPY man we always knew he could be he is the first out the door to allow for the possibility of us expanding our social life. Karen and Renee are such a welcome addition to the list of people I have locally to hang out with. I feel so lucky that they include us on outings and time with the kids! (Karen is an amazing math teacher as well! And so interesting to talk to about possible school ideas… something I have been missing here in Minnesota what with all my librarian friends up north!!)101_8193

101_8207 101_8210The girls didn’t even miss their wayward brothers and even made up for the lack of boys by playing with Nathan and Evan.101_8208 101_8190 101_8191

I was amazed at the absolute confidence Miss Echo showed. We didn’t have to convince her into the water or even follow her around!101_8214 101_8195 101_8189

Of course we brought lunch!101_8217

After our playdate it was off to Joann’s to spend the amazing gift card my sister in law Holly sent me for my birthday. She sent it with the direction to “buy yarn” so I went all out random.  And since it was clearance time spent way less than expected!!101_8222 101_8223

With just the two girls and then Daddy gone to appointments was our afternoon and evening ever QUIET!!! So weird, not only having just girls but only 2!!!! But a nice break before the next special day!101_8220 101_8221

Enjoy the beach filled overflow!101_8215 101_8216 101_8218 101_8199

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