Whatever that means… Echo turned 7 in August. And summer continued to happen.

The twins did the Splash and Dash at the YMCA. This was the last year they could register and the first I had heard of it. It was just a fun thing and they did enjoy it. I think this year Ken will do a fun run with them. The other three with the rest of the clubY kids who were there were around to cheer them on.

We spent a lot of time at the YMCA in August. Lots of walking in the sunshine to do what we could do there. Zander chose to do schoolwork over club as he really does get bored. They are so quickly aging out of the program really.

Don’t forget karate!

We did try to see the total (well mostly here) solar eclipse. We went so far as to make viewing boxes… but weather conspired against us. So we went from an eclipse viewing to playing in the warm rain! Not a bad trade off!

Of course we worked on getting used to our newest member of the family. She is so fun to photograph (if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you would be well aware of this already!).

Emanuel took a week off the family and went to a camp with his friend Aidan. It was so odd to only have 4 kids!

We made as many beach trips as we could on our sunny free days. Sometimes including friends like the Schwartz boys and their mom Renee.

We went to a neighborhood community event hosted by friends we made at the YMCA who were also instrumental in getting me off my butt and into the R.I.P.P.E.D. classes!

Had school in our classroom AND in the sunroom.

We did our part and sent some of our useful items to the YMCA collection for the YMCA in Houston after the hurricanes. It was so amazing to be part of a very successful drive where the two YMCAs worked together to fulfill a requested need.

Miss Echo lost her first teeth!

And I sewed up a storm.

We visited the Pixar exhibit at the science museum with out homeschool buds.

Ken and I visited the local soda shop.

And visited with Cousin Robbie. As well as baby Karissia when we were over at the Novaks. You will remember pictures of her baby shower HERE (her mom is Sophia).

We had lovely fancy ice cream out at a place near the Novak’s as well.

Snuck in some Canadian pride time at Canada Days in Little Canada. Though it was less exciting than we expected.

It was a great month in retrospect. I love that these moments flash back into my mind as I look at the pictures. I hope you enjoy them too! 

 

A new experience for our Christmas season. Renee suggested that we join them in checking out the Anoka Lights. They are held at the Anoka county fairground (which we HAVE been to, of course). So the Friday it opened we headed out in our winter gear to check it out. 

There were snacks and live music to experience, a hay ride and Santa who we didn’t stand in line for. We were there for the lights. 

They were lovely, though I think the train set you could view from a window was Echo’s favourite. 

It was worth the drive. And afterward we headed back to our house for some company and a light dinner. A wonderful end to the week!

I swear we have made a tradition out of seeing Santa multiple times. First was an early trip with the Schwartz family to their Santa display of choice at a local mall. I splurged and bought a package and the online print. So you can see it first hand right here below.

Much like Macy’s Santa trips of previous years we headed to Culver’s after for dinner with our friends. It is a little sad that Macy’s closed down but this Santa experience was excellent none the less.

Of course I took some before pictures. Not every day we get these 5 so nicely dressed. Gavin wore the blue shirt and Zander the cream. Enjoy!

Our other established (as in 3 years now) tradition is the YMCA Santa. They really do do an enjoyable evening with cookies and crafts and a bouncy house. Not to mention a movie in the activity center and the chance to see Santa and Mrs. Claus they gave out books this year!

This year we met up with our homeschool buddies. But since they wanted to see Santa and then eat we came early to play around. After all there was lots to do. Trinity and Echo both had their hands painted by Trinity’s drawing teacher Mr. Eddy.

The boys, who were not in the frilly wear were able to spend some time in the bouncy house. We also picked up some reindeer food and tried out the non paint related crafts.

After Santa, who was amazing… as usual. A thanks to Aimee for taking a group picture for us… 

We went to Culver’s for dinner. All in all TWO great evenings seeing Santa with good friends!

Oh and here is the overflow of cute!

And a bonus Santa… Home Depot !!