Jurassic Park

Could you imagine that this is your backyard? Well, that's exactly what it is for 2 retired brothers in Southern Ontario.


Not only is it a beautiful sanctuary, but it is also the home to plenty of ancient dinosaurs, mammals, and birds. (Noe's such a diva!)

Kaleb found a tall friend.

And all the boys found another gentle giant.

Noe thought this one had great lips to kiss.

Us girls liked the one with the cool make-up.

Gavin found a nice little dino or dragon? They're both pretty cute!

The little guys were nonplussed to walk under this big guy.

Teague liked this little one.

The big guys liked this grandfather aardvark.

I was frightened of this big pig, but Len was tough.

We found a pterodactyl nest.

Who has the bigger belly?

My little babes find a mama and her own little babe.

My kids are getting so big!

Well, maybe not compared to the T-Rex.

Here's one more their size.

We found some gnarly mushrooms growing that looked as old as the dinosaurs.

We had a great day (we visited the States for some back-to-school shopping and lunch too), but had to head home. Sweet little Teague finally got to nap.

We had one last pit-stop to make. (I don't know who's more cheeky, Gavin or Mommy?)

True Wealth

I think this painting is so cute and defines what real richness is!

Last Trimester

I officially have 11 weeks left until my due date, but I'm hoping there's really only 9 more to go. In a week and a half we will schedule the cesarean section. I can't wait to have the possible birthdate!!

Making a splash!

Our sweet neighbors and the kind Snook's have been so generous with sharing their pools with us this summer. We've gone swimming at least once each week.


Kaleb going off the slide. I use the excuse that I am pregnant not to go down it myself, but in all honesty I'm a little scared of it (yes, I'm getting old). Last time we went, Teague went down 3 times by himself. He is such a little daredevil!

My little Gavin has been putting his face in the water and swimming across the pool. He hasn't figured out how to use his arms yet, but his little legs just kick away.

Noe loves to do all sorts of jumps and she can do a wicked cannonball.

Teague is a little water baby and loves to float around with me.

Len was off work last week and I think this is the first time he's taken vacation without us going anywhere. It was so relaxing and so wonderful to have him home with us each day!

Me in all my no make-up and no hair-do glory.

I wish summer could last all year!

Stick Figures

Noe drew this picture of our family at church one Sunday. I thought it was so cute! Especially how she included baby #5 in my belly. Gee, if only I looked that good while I was pregnant- tee hee!

America got it right!

I just finished watching the finale of So You Think You Can Dance, and I am so happy Melanie Moore won! I mentioned her name on here back on May 27th and have been enthralled by each of her performances the past 2 1/2 months. She's an amazing dancer and has such a cute personality too. You go girl! I've got to give a shout out to my favorite male dancer Marko Germar too. They were a spectacular couple!

*5 more weeks until the Canadian finale. I love dance!

Just Curious

About who I share a birthday with.


Pope Urban VII
Catholic Pope
1521


Louis Vuitton (couldn't find a picture of him)
Luggage Manufacturer
1821


Ezra Taft Benson
13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
1899


Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Mother of Queen Elizabeth II
1900


Billy Bob Thornton
Actor
1955


Barack Obama
44th President of The United States of America
1961


Daniel Dae Kim
Actor
1968


Crystal Bowersox
American Idol Contestant
1985


Cole and Dylan Sprouse
Actors
1992


Me
Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend
1975

I know I'm going to have a wonderful day because my husband and children are home to spend it with me. I'm so lucky!

Another lazy day at the lake!

Monday was a Civic Holiday, so a group of us headed back to Peche Lake for another wonderful, relaxing day! My kids were ready to jump in the water the moment we got there, but I made them pose in their new swimshirts first.


This was my position for most of the day- sitting in the sand with my friends, watching the dads and kids play in the water.

Len (and lots of kids) made a huge medieval sand city. It was very entertaining to watch them all work together bringing water, carving out walls, and building all the towers.

After it was finished it was cute to watch the kids tiptoe through the town, until it was finally time to stomp it all down. What fun!

Kaleb worked hard at reinforcing the harbor.

Noe was so happy that her friends Emma and Brianna were there to spend the day with her.

She was so excited when her friend Mackenzie arrived! Mackenzie's family moved to Thunder Bay last year, and since it's a 20 hour drive away, this is the first time we've got to see them.

Gavin kept running up the shore and racing down to the water to jump in all day. He made me laugh because he had his bucket and shovel with him the whole time!

Teague had a blast playing all day, but he kept wandering out to the deep end and had to go swimming with daddy lots to appease him.

My darling future daughter-in-law (at least that's my dream!).

There were lots of windsurfers out racing the waves back and forth. I want to try it someday!

All the ladies (with some babies) from the group- Marj, Elena, Me, Annick, Marsha, Sonia, Donna, Jackie, Mary, Rhonda, Angelique, and Itzel. Jackie said since there was 12 of us we should have taken individual shots and made a swimsuit edition calendar. We could have made big bucks- ha ha! We're hoping the weather will be nice on Labor day to do this again!