So we are back...for now! This weekend we have a wedding in Rochester, but should be around after that! We had a great time at the cottage again and are sad we aren't going back up this year. The kids swam and played a lot outside (despite the timid weather). Zach and I both read a book and got some much needed relaxation. I would love to report that we got a lot of rest as well, but you all know how well kids sleep when they aren't in their own bed ;o) ANYWAYS...here are some pics!!!

Cooper having fun in his airplane

Kylie loved to run and jump off the end of the dock

Another beautiful Canadian sunset

What we love to do most...sit and watch the sun set on the dock!!! (this is my dad and Shawna by the way)

I will post more when I get them!!!

Snow in July

I know it has been a while since my last post. We have been at KidQuest all week learning about Jesus. The kids had a great time and I was able to teach the 4 and 5 year olds. We WILL be going back again next year!

Anyways...we got a surprise hail storm this week. Although the kids had fun...it did some damage to my plants. Not too fun for mommy. Here are some pics..

Notice my plants underneath:o(

Note: this is the hail about 30 mins after the storm...so imagine how big it really was???!!!


On another note, we are looking forward to spending the week at my parents cottage. It is always nice and relaxing there and much needed after a CRAZY few weeks!

Dance Camp

Kylie is attending Dance Camp this week for the first time. Let me tell you...she LOVES it! She is too darn cute in her little ballet outfit and watching all of the 3 year olds try and dance is hilarious. Thought I would include a pic from her first day.


And this is what Cooper thought of dance class....


A "cute" one of Ky and Mommy last Sunday before church...

NOTE: the following is NOT for those with weak stomach's....

Cooper decided to paint a picture on the stairs for me yesterday...if you are interested in the details you can ask me...otherwise, I will leave them out! Wish I could have got a picture him, but he was in the tub at this point.

Oatmeal Raisin Muffins

These are very yummy and pretty nutritious...

3/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C white flour
1 C oatmeal (uncooked)
1 Tbls baking powder
3 Tbls sugar
1 Egg
1 C milk
1/4 C oil

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Combine dry ingredients
3. In separate bowl, beat egg. Add milk and oil.
4. Add liquid mixture to flour mixture. Stir until just blended; batter should be a little lumpy. Add raisins.
5. Place mixture in muffin tin.
6. Bake 15 to 20 mins

our first cottage trip of the summer

We successfully made it to and from the cottage this past week! The kids had a great time and so did I! Cooper was a bit "clingy", but I still enjoyed the peaceful environment of the cottage. Every time I go, it is amazing how much I relax to the sound of the lake! WOW! Anyways...thought I would include a few pictures for you.

Kylie insisted on wearing her goggles in the water. She was very brave and just jumped off the end of the dock and went right under water! SO glad she isn't scared of the lake.
Kylie and Aunt Shawna on the dock
Cooper bug pretending to sleep in Kylie's bed!

There is a monster in my room

Miss Kylie Mae has had a VERY difficult time sleeping the past few weeks. She comes out of her room between 5 and 10 times before she actually falls asleep and has been waking up around midnight again for a few hours on and off! We have attempted to bribe her with a reward and have taken privillages away, but nothing seems to work. Yesterday, I did some "play therapy" with her (thanks Jocelyn) and came to the conclusion that she is afraid of monsters in her room. She hasn't verbalized this yet, but it was VERY apparent through her play that this is the issue. We will be giving her a few more night lights in her room, but were wondering if anyone else has any magical ways of ridding monsters from her room? Please feel free to leave some advice..we are desperate (for sleep)!

As you know, I tend to put ideas of cheap ways to decorate your house on my blog. Yesterday, on our walk, we found a bunch of wild roses. We picked them and made a great decoration for my windowsill.

On another note, we have been spending some time up at the lake. It is a GREAT place for small kids because it is only 2 feet deep for most of the length of the pier. Kylie loves going underwater and thinks she is a pro swimmer now. Cooper found a butterfly and just played with it for a while. Thought I would include a pic of him...a cute one this time!