Making summer memories :)

We had a picnic at the car, and ice creams in the zoo:

We had fun on the pedal boats.  Susannah and Jacob were trying to splash us, but they weren't good at driving OR splashing, and ended up soaking themselves :)  

We went on the train which turned out to be a really sweet ride, talking about a few animals and birds you can ONLY see from the train ride - we also went under a tunnel which THRILLED Sam :)  

And the kids all loved how friendly the animals were in the petting zoo:

A really good day out and yet again FABULOUS weather :)  

Arctic shores....

The new arctic shores exhibit is REALLY nice.  

A chance to see seals, sea lions and other creatures from the north.

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo.....

Today was a GORGEOUS sunny day and although it was 29c out, to me it didn't feel too hot!  Abby struggled with the heat a little bit - but even Abby only had a few grouchy minutes!!

We picked up Susannah's friend Jacob, and headed to the zoo.  

Edmonton zoo is partly under construction - it used to be a bit of a joke of a zoo, but they are working REALLY hard to improve things there, and every time we go now there is something new and different - the enclosures are sooo nice now for the most part, and it makes for a really fun day out!

Here are some of the creatures we saw:

For today.....

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is still sooooo warm.  Leaves are starting to change colour on the trees, but it is very much still Summer, with days as warm as 26c.

I am thinking...about going downstairs to make a cup of tea.  Everyone else is asleep, but I haven't had my tea yet and I really do like a cup of tea before bed :)  I guess I'm a creature of habit after all :) 

I am thankful...for the most amazing Summer - filled with wonderful memories and experiences - and sunshine that followed us everywhere :) 

In the kitchen...not too much has been happening as we have been barbecuing so much :)  I have been making plans for meals through the Fall though :)  

I am wearing... My nighty and underwear.  

I am creating...a future for my family.  I am creating several new pieces of art.  I am creating a Fall timetable filled with classes, get togethers and activities with the children.

I am going...to be very happy to sleep in the tent this weekend.  I sleep so much better in there!  

I am wondering...if my horoscope for this week was right.  Why I am always attracted to guys who seem or ARE gay. How I got so lucky with my amazing kids :)  If I really SHOULD grow my hair long OR if I should give up and tell Amber to chop it all off again!

I am reading...a couple of books on writing for Young Adults.

I am hoping...Nadine has some good news for me this week - exciting news :)  

I am looking forward to...our weekend away camping.  Labour day weekend - camping, swimming, exploring, hiking.....and seeing my kids have a wonderful time with all that freedom :)

I am learning....to be a better Mother every day.  To know ME better every day.  My purpose - a little more every day :)

Around the house...it's Summer, the kids are on holiday.  We are rarely at home.  

I am pondering...everything the psychic told me last week.

A favorite quote for today... Someone mentioned this quote today:  'Dreamers are the Saviours of the World' - James Allen

One of my favorite things...my project 365 app on my phone.  and getting texts :)  

A few plans for the rest of the week: The zoo, meeting Tracy at the park, museum maybe....then heading off to Drumheller to go camping and meet up with friends...relax by the pool and generally chill out until Monday :)  I'm sure a few other things will be thrown in - like Farmers Market, taking Laurence to work, playgrounds, shopping for the weekend, bathing Rosie....

Monday at our place.....

We were supposed to be at the zoo today, but when Susannah woke up she felt worse than she had been yesterday, so we decided to delay our trip.  Susie and Sam stayed home, and I drove Laurence in to town to his friends house as they were all going to a pool party.  

Abby and I then had a lovely afternoon of just the two of us!!  Much needed after last week!!!  We had some banking to do, and then went to Second Cup.  We sat outside with our Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Abby picked the BIGGEST ever Turtle pie!!  

We sat and chatted and then headed over to Michaels as I needed a new paint pen.  Abby found some tattoo pens so used my coupon to get them.  

After that we headed to County Clothes Line - our local thrift store.  We found the store completely empty and a sign on the door saying they had moved!  So we drove to the new address and had a look around!  Thrift stores are one of Abigails favourite ways to spend time :)  

Then some groceries and to pick up a tub of odour free garlic capsules - Susannah wants to stop her cold, and I want to make sure I don't get it!!  :)  

After that we headed home.

Once home, I decided to get some work done.  As it was such a nice day I took all my supplies outside and worked on the deck.  I added some more to the canvases I started the other day, and I started a new one too.

Abby opened her tattoo pens, and started to tattoo everyone:

I got a heart, scroll and the initials of my children:

Sam got......this:  

Then it was time to pack up and get supper started.  I barbecued again as e want to make the most of the good weather while it is here - and because the children LOVE when I make the potatoes and asparagus:

After supper I worked on a project I wanted to finish:

Then the girls watch The Hunger Games again, Sam watched The Iron Giant on my bed, and after capturing the sunset, I went and soaked in the bath and chatted to a friend:

That was my Monday!!  Hope yours was a good one!!!

X

Our Sunday....

My day started early - with a woodpecker attacking the roof!!!

I didn't bother to go back to sleep though, and instead did some art in bed - art journaling and doodling. 

I had a whole list of things I wanted to do on my last kid free day - but in the end I decided to have a lazy morning and then head out at lunchtime....

We dropped Laurence at his friends house, and then drove over to the community centre, to see the 'Art in the Plaza' show.  It could be soooooo good but instead was incredibly disappointing - only 4 artists were there and not really anyone else there looking round!  What a shame!!  The organizers really need to do more to get this up and running well for next year!  It COULD be an excellent show through the summer, but instead was just.....'sad'.

There are so many artists in this area - and art schools - and none of that was included.  There was NOTHING there to encourage people to stop by and look!  

Why not???  It needed music, marketing, childrens activities and arts and crafts....student work!!!

All kinds of things could have been included to make this a GREAT event!  

After our VERY quick and disappointing stop at the art show, we headed to the mall for a belt for me!! Desperately needed lol as I was fed up with pulling my pants up!!  

While in the mall we noticed this in one of the windows.  They had covered up the mannequin's boobs!!!  Hahahaha - how modest lol!  And yet directly across from this store is La Senza - a lingerie store with nothing but boobs and bras and sexy undies in the window :)  

After the mall we headed back to Whyte Ave to enjoy the last day of the Fringe Festival - and especially to see our favourite act - 'Il Duo'.

They are soooo great to watch!!  And one of them is total eye candy for me lmao!!!

We also caught another act there - Dr. something or other..and although a few of their tricks were very good, to be honest they had no stage presence and seemed completely unorganized.  The audience really wasn't enjoying them!!

And of course we had to have some lemonade as always - no Summer festival is complete without this magic drink :)  

We headed home and I soaked in the bath for a while until Sam and Abby got home!  

Yay, they are home from their week at their Dads :)  Sooo good to see them and I got lots of hugs this evening :)  Rosie is soooo much happier now - pleased to have everyone here where they should be :) 

We had to pick Laurence up from work at 9, so we went into town early and spent a while at Broadmoor Lake while the sun was setting :)  Abigail played at the playground while Sam raced around on his scooter, and I took pictures and chatted with Susannah.

After picking Laurence up, we headed home....but the kids are so excited and happy to be back together again, that getting them to calm down and go to bed took AGES!!!  But I'm not complaining - it's nice to have the house full of laughter and chatter again and know they are all here and safe again.

My oldest has hurt himself though - broken bones involved - not quite sure how or what...collar bone???  Arm???  He was in hospital.....he is ok though....We are thinking of him and sending love. 

Vancouver seems a long way away suddenly :(  

My family - 'oldified' :)

I used an app to 'age' us all - and this was the results :)  

Kind of weird to see us all really old :)

Of course the kids happily told me I am just 'older' and not old - because I'm already old!!!

Sigh.....   ;)