why i hate bugs

The location is secluded and the property huge.  We're on vacation and everyone is happy.  

Time to play outside, right?  Wrong.  

With all the science, technology and intelligence in our world, it astonishes me why somebody can't figure out a way to rid our planet of mosquitos and black flies?  Yes, perhaps they do exist for some ridiculous purpose along the food chain but seriously, let's just be honest - we all hate them, don't we?  

They're a nuisance and pose a significant challenge to outdoor enthusiasts.  My vote is to wipe them out and not feel guilty about it.  There are millions of other much more useful species that don't take chunks out of us.

We just got back from a family vacation in PEI where we were confined to the indoors for a good portion of the time because of the bugs.  Sure, we were brave and tried to ignore or deter them.  But, after dusk it was no contest.  They came out in swarms.  It was quite insane.  Quite a pity, actually. 

I hope this rant doesn't seem like a complaint.  We did have an excellent time on our vacation.  The kids slept surprisingly well and the weather cooperated.  We had a park day, a beach day, and two travel days.  We went for bike rides, played in the huge field and blew lots of bubbles.  It was a swell vacation.  

Leo and I when we first arrived.  He was so happy to be free!

The kids got in there by themselves.
I think they were excited to be going for a bike ride.

Little buddies exploring the property.

Love this.

When we arrived at the cottage on Saturday it was about 40 degrees outside and probably close to that inside.  We scrambled to get everything unpacked but by the time supper was done we were all zonked.    The next day we made an attempt for the beach but the temperature was cool and it was windy.  We played at the park for quite a while then had a van picnic which turned out to be a very special event.  Ruby thought it was so silly to be sitting in the 'trunk' eating our lunch.

Van picnic.

On day three, we had a perfectly lovely beach day.  Red Point is my absolute favourite beach in the whole wide world... so far.  :)  I'm sure I have many more beaches to discover in my lifetime.  But, this one is close to perfection and within our reach on a regular basis.  

Running towards the camera. 

Smiling for the camera.  What a cutie.  

Leo's been under the weather a bit lately.  He had a cold which turned into an ear infection and he's currently on his second round of antibiotics.  Needless to say he's pretty sleepy and was napping well on the trip (thank goodness!).  He even fell asleep on one of our bike rides so Ruby got to enjoy this park all to herself.  She also had her very first experience with peeing outside and thought that was quite something.

Pretty.

Being silly here with Ryan.

Before we left we had to get a family photo.  The bugs were hungry at this point so we only made two attempts at the shot.  It's not perfect but it's us.

The Grants.

Happy Summer!  

Can't wait to go camping!  

Details to follow..... 

beachy keen

I've always loved the beach and would consider myself a 'beach person'.  In fact, there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be on a hot sunny day.  I have many fond memories of lounging for hours on a clean towel, book in hand, soaking up the rays of the hot sun, feeling content and peaceful.  Ah... those were the days..... 

There's no such thing as a clean towel at the beach anymore and peaceful... well, peaceful is probably the last word I'd chose to describe a day at the  beach with two kids.  Packing up is the most stressful for me.  We're lucky if we get out of the house with our good moods in tact.  But.... as soon as we hit the road and the beach gets closer, everything seems.... beachy keen.  

Yesterday was Leo's second trip to the beach.  

Beach Headquarters.  

Leo's first PB&J sandwich!  Seems to love it.  

Cheese!  

Notice the tongue.  It's out all the time now.  

Me and my little buddy.  

Daddy and Ruby back from their long, long walk.

We've recently officially become "locals" at Anne's Acres beach and the one hour drive to get there is well worth it.  There's a bit of work to be done at the cottage that Ryan's parent's purchased before we can stay over night, so day trips will be our way of life this summer.  I think we're getting better at it already.  Practise makes perfect and if this weather keeps up we'll be back sooner than later.  Maybe I'll even get to sit down next time.

Peace.
-L

a fluffy canada day

Snowing on July 1st

This Canada day, similar to the previous three we've spent at 116 Hedgewood Drive, we're knee deep in fluff.  I think we've finally come to terms with the fact that we have a fluff problem and have even become rather good at fluff management.  Year after year the stuff keeps falling and because our house sits below the three most massive Poplar trees in town, we're doomed.  Fact.  

It was a balmy first day of July and I'm glad we'll be getting a heat pump installed soon.  Too bad it wasn't already here, but hopefully we'll be more comfortable for the rest of the summer.  

Our day  began with a walk on the Moncton river front trail.  

Then, after one nap and another failed nap attempt, we headed out back for some fun in the sun.  We turned on our sprinkler (unfortunately, I didn't get many photos) but it brought me back to my own childhood.  I remember vividly running through the sprinkler for hours and hours as a kid.  Ruby and Leo were in heaven.  Mostly Ruby.  She thought it was amazing!  

Leo and the silly sprinkler.

32 degrees and counting.... 

Awesome!  

Being a kid is so much fun!  

My heart goes out to all the families in Calgary and the rest of Alberta who could not spend this long weekend frolicking in the sun but rather were rummaging through the remains of their belongings.  My best friend's family has been horribly affected by this disaster and we are reminded again of how lucky we are to only have fluff bothering us.  I guess the fluff isn't so bad after all?  

God Bless.  

Happy Canada Day 2013.  

I hope next year we can be on vacation.  

-L