July is, of course, a month that starts out with a bang with Canada Day and July 4th. It is also my mother’s birthday and full on summer activity. We went to the Zoo, entered in the County Fair, and I even made a Dragon. July is always a busy month.

This July we had family come to visit. Nana and Baba drove up with the cousins. So there was lots to do with them. 

Beach trips.

Baking and ice cream making.

Visits to the park.

It had been a while since all the kids were together. 

We were invited to a birthday party at a park!

Of course there was LOTS of time to get to know Neko-chan better. Seriously I am in love. And so you will be inundated with pictures of fluffy amazingness. I just wish you could feel her through the pictures. SO SOFT!!!

We visited with Cousin Robbie. Still a family favourite. Echo even got to sit on his bike! He wears all the safety equipment in this helmet optional state.

Of course we watched some soccer games.

Aidan

And walked to the YMCA … A LOT. Ken had a business trip in July and the YMCA being so close was a life saver.

Emanuel and Echo even won a colouring contest

Trinity and Emanuel have continued in their Karate adventure. 

We even saw some produce from our garden.

Found a Canadian penny on a walk!!

Bought ice cream from a passing ice cream truck.. a first for all of us!

I found time for Tim Hortons… of course!

Ken and I joined forces to create a lovely chalkboard in the front entry. He does an amazing job with ideas I come up with!

We even managed to squeak in school!

And did I mention I am obsessed with my chinchilla? Cuz…

It was a great July!

June is another busy month… our anniversary, my birthday (38 this year!), Father’s Day, summer beginning and with it our summer ClubY program. Continue reading →

We are very lucky that our state has two zoos. The one we frequent relies on donations only which is terrific since to take our whole family to the other one is over 100.00. Curse of the large family when it comes to field trips. While we meant to head over to the zoo on the 1st of July to celebrate Canada Day it was just too busy. So we took off for the beach HERE and instead went back at the beginning of the day on the 5th. Perfect!

New metal piece out front!

Close up detail.

We never quite see everything on a trip. Which is just fine, since this zoo is affordable and not that long of a drive away. But we did see some wonderful animals.

For the most part I see the relevancy of zoos as an educational tool, a breeding program for endangered and critical animals, and often the only chance we will EVER have to see many of these animals in person. BUT the gorillas are hard. I just do not enjoy visiting them at all.

They were just so … resigned to it all.

Lemurs on the other hand, are a family favourite.

And the seasonal butterfly exhibit. That is always a wonderful experience.

On Emanuel’s hat

Of course we took some time with the penguins and the seahorses. 

With our maple leaf friend

So we return often and share equally as often. Hopefully not too boring for those who check back here often. What can I say? We do love to share what we see!

Flamingos

We never noticed this before

Yup a 4 yr old, and she is almost 7 at this point!

So many statues to pose with.

She dressed to match

Zander is far right