Tag Archive | Independence Day

July Long Past

Well, my goal of making my blog up to date BEFORE the end of January was a bit of a miss! But, amazingly enough, I have posted more than 2000 blog posts since I began this site! What a stretch! But then again, I have enjoyed pretty much every addition to it.

Now that I have posted June it is time to look at July… Canada Day, Independence Day… we manage both sides of the coin this month. You can see our Canada Day finery HERE and Independence Day HERE. We were spoiled with also spending a portion of cousin Gabbi’s birthday with her since it too is on July 4th and their vacation had stretched to meet the date.DSCN0723DSCN0538

We had amazing Pad Thai dinner with the Schwartz family… which also included time with the always entertaining Mystro (cue Echo asking ONCE AGAIN when we will get a cat, even the pictures set her off lately!).DSCN0562

DSCN0561DSCN0556We had an awesome time at Aidan’s Lego themed birthday party. Darcy went all out with the theme and Emanuel was over the moon to see at least one of his scouting buddies when they were not in session.DSCN0569

DSCN0571DSCN0588I wish I had the talent Darcy has with cakes. I am honestly more of a go to Target and order a cake kinda girl lately.DSCN0564

July was also when Grandpa Mike made his bike trip up through Minnesota. We got a whole afternoon/evening with him (minus swimming lessons). The kids were over the moon with the visit.DSCN0712

On the phone with Grandma

On the phone with Grandma

Showing him the nearby park (Echo was napping)

Showing him the nearby park (Echo was napping)

He even took us out to Wendy’s for dinner! It was the longest we ever sat there and one of the most enjoyable ever.DSCN0717

DSCN0718Sadly he had to bike on earlier than expected the next day when he got news of a need to visit family up in Ontario. But it was a good visit and the kids still remember it fondly.DSCN0721

We had plenty of time for learning and school in July with cousins back home and the weather rather fine.

Gavin is working on his art skills

Gavin is working on his art skills

Wild Kratts: fossa

Wild Kratts: fossa

DSCN0725DSCN0724Miss Echo was a laugh and a half most of the time.DSCN0731

DSCN0751But we made LOTS of time for the pool. And in turn my sewing time. After all, sunshine, warm weather and a pool in the yard… why stay inside?DSCN0748

DSCN0839Towards the end of July we were able to also make it to Alex’s birthday. Another awesome day, though we had to leave early to make it to YMCA lessons (did I ever get a lecture from the kids for that one!).DSCN0770

DSCN0766DSCN0797We lucked out with weather and free time and managed to meet up with the Novaks at one of their local splash pads. It is easier each year to go out and just relax, what with the older Novak boys and our own kids being older. A lot less micro managing. It is nice!DSCN0825

DSCN0829DSCN0831Multiple visits with the Novaks and the Schwartz family were experienced in July. Poor Trinity, so many boys!!!DSCN0761

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Extra bonus – visit with Alicia and Cousin Robbie. She is off to university in the fall!!DSCN0832

We rounded out the month with swimming lessons. I am so pleased with how well all of our kids are doing. We are going to end up with little fishes very soon!!!DSCN0842

And of course continued our archery, cooking and running classes at the YMCA thanks to Nana and Baba!DSCN0808

DSCN0807So really July was an exercise in making the most of fun in the sun! We didn’t do half bad did we???DSCN0837

This entry was posted on 09/03/2016, in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

A Lot of Red and White With a Dash of Blue

Of course with two major holidays (ok in two different countries but major to US) within such proximity to each other there HAS TO BE overflow images… so sit back and enjoy!!!

Can you spot the dragonfly at Walker Sculpture Garden on Canada Day?

Can you spot the dragonfly at Walker Sculpture Garden on Canada Day?

Just us Canadian Girls showing our pride

Just us Canadian Girls showing our pride

Lucky clover? Couldn't find any with 4 leaves

Lucky clover? Couldn’t find any with 4 leaves

O' Canada!

O’ Canada!

Where Canada and the United State meet..

Where Canada and the United State meet..

The cousins with all of their cousins (both sides)

The cousins with all of their cousins (both sides)

Rocking the addition of blue

Rocking the addition of blue

Gavin and Zander

Gavin and Zander

My baby boy

My baby boy

Trinity and her friend

Trinity and her friend

Glow Necklace!

Glow Necklace!

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Goof balls

Goof balls

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Jeffrey!

Jeffrey!

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Cows

Cows

 

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This entry was posted on 26/07/2015, in Uncategorized. 1 Comment

The Flip side – Happy Independence Day…

Well if we celebrate our homeland we must, of course, celebrate our new home’s birthday as well. However, this year not only was it the other side of the kids’ nationality, it was also the absolute opposite type of day. Where Canada Day was laid back and relaxed, full of colouring… playing in a garden and just us 7 transplanted peoples… July 4th was crazy busy and crowded and… LOUD! As Ken says (jokingly?) – it was all things AMERICAN.IMAG0219

July 4th is not only the birth of Independence and red, white and blue, but the birth of our only niece Gabriella. She turned 13 this year and due to an extended vacation (which I will talk ALL about when I FINALLY reflect on June) here in sunny Minnesota she was in state for her special day.DSCN0590

After breakfast and family pictures in the colours of the day… of course we took MULTIPLE! Poor Trinity has yet to forgive me after I had to give her sister her Hello Kitty themed July 4th shirt which had daddy running to the store the night before to get her the outfit for the day (a decidedly kitty free piece).DSCN0591

DSCN0593DSCN0597DSCN0598DSCN0601Then it was off to Cousin Gabbi’s 13th birthday party at a park not far from where Ken lived for most of his childhood (which we of course found a way to drive by). There was cake and presents and fun at the park.IMAG0189

IMAG0191IMAG0193IMAG0194IMAG0196IMAG0204Definitely a fun way for the kids to spend the morning before we said good bye to everyone… especially Aunty Faithe and Uncle Joe who would be flying back without seeing us again. Then it was home to prepare for our original plan – a family and friends BBQ at the Speltz’s (Karen Matthews and Renee Schwartz’s parents).DSCN0611

DSCN0619DSCN0624It was quite the event. The girls and I got to go LAST July 4th when the boys and Ken were camping with the family. This year not only was our whole family there but Renee and Chris there with their 3 kids. There was a bouncy house, the kiddy pool, a swingset and tons of yummy food and drink. Definitely a fun time for everyone.IMAG0227

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Chris and his cigars

Chris and his cigars

Renee

Renee

Of course we stayed long enough for fireworks! They do up quite a show every year.IMAG0257

IMAG0280IMAG0288IMG_20150705_095618So we brought home 5 VERY tired kids on our 4th of July. It was great to spend it as a family this year!DSCN0607