Busy busy busy...I don't really know what we've been so busy doing, but we've been busy. I can't believe that in a week and a half "summer" will be over and things will go back to "normal". I'm excited in a way...looking forward to quiet time with Benjamin. I'm also looking forward to quiet time for me. Kids at school and him napping a couple hours during the day gives me a little time to myself, which seems to be so rare lately. But I'm also sad that its over. We've had a fantastic summer. I had such a great time with the kids. It was so nice to do some things with them on my own and with Jon. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. We just had an amazing few months..I enjoyed every minute.

Benjamin, my little monkey, is just learning and growing everyday. He is now standing on his own and today he took 4 steps all on his own. Its only a matter of time and he'll be off and running. I'm so thrilled with his development. He is just right where he should be. He is also starting to get over his texture issues..although he still hates pasta. He's eating more regular food and less baby food. He loves all meat..cheese and even pizza. I was a little worried for a bit, but all is good. We also made the transition from formula ( I was supplementing a bit) to whole milk. This was pretty big for us. We new that if he was going to have issues with digestion it would be transitioning to dairy. But he didn't have any problems at all. He did great so we are incredibly thankful for that. I think that's about all when it comes to Benjamin..he is such a good boy and I can't love him enough.

Some pictures from the week

Splashing at the wading pool

Being silly around the house

Swimming at Lake Lisgar

We just got back from a great few days away. We had a fabulous time. We stayed in a hotel and visited with friends. Benjamin was so good. He keeps us on our toes, but he was good. It was just so nice to get away and spend some time together. Summer is passing so fast....but we're having a great time. This summer just means so much more to us since last summer was so tough. I've really been able to regain some perspective in the last week or so...I've been able to focus on the kids and leave behind less important things. Its funny how things change and how I have changed. Some of the things I thought were important really aren't. The last year has been full of growth and I can confidently say that I am happy where I am at as person, with my family and my friends.

We still have a lot planned for the last few weeks of summer. I'll keep you posted. I hope you are all having a great summer, staying cool and enjoying life.

Summer is passing fast, but we're having a blast. The girls are really enjoying the summer reading program at the library and the wading pool around the corner. That seems to be where we spend most of our time. We still have a few more trips planned. We're heading to Michigan for some back to school shopping and a visit with friends. We also are planning to head to clovermead apiaries and use our seasons pass to the pioneer village a little more. Its been hard to get out with unbearable temperatures. Benjamin has been great. He's extra busy these days..getting into everything. He's getting better on his feet and I'm really hoping in the next month or so he'll start walking. He's over 25lbs now and very heavy to carry around. He is such a happy kid and just enjoys life....he is defintely a mama's boy and has been more so lately. If I weaned him I think that would change a bit, but I'm not ready for that and he's definitely not ready. I think I'm going to leave it up to him and hopefully he'll decide on his own when he's done. If not eventually I'll have to make that decision, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Anyways..I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Trying to get to his sisters..he peaks under the door

We survived!!! Camping was awesome. We had such a great time. The kids were incredible!!! They had a blast with their cousins and the weather was perfect, even though it could have been a little cooler. The campground was perfect for the girls. They had free range to wander..there was some great activities and a playground and the water was far enough away that I didn't have to worry about them. Benjamin was good..he was very busy and kept me going. He just wanted to crawl around. I let him down a few times and he got pretty dirty, but loved it. The girls also loved to take him for walks to give me some short breaks. Everyone slept really well to which was nice. We spent three days at the beach so everyone was pretty toasty by the time we got home. Even with 50SPF sunscreen we all got a little pink. Benjamin loved the water. He splashed, screamed, laughed and crawled in the water. He absolutely loved it. It was special seeing him so happy. I'm so glad I decided to tackle this on my own...its not like me to try something like this with the kids alone, but I'm so happy I did. It was a great first vacation for Benjamin!!

Well Benjamin is going on his first vacation....we're heading out camping tomorrow afternoon. I am a little bit anxious about the whole situation as Jon has to stay home and work. But I will be there with my sisters and their families as well as 4 of my cousins and their families. It should be a great time..the weather looks fabulous. We're going to the campground that I camped at as a kid, so I'm really excited. Wish us luck. We'll be back Monday with lots of pictures.!!!! Have a great weekend.

Summer holidays are in full swing and we're having a great time. Our first official week has actually been busy. Canada day was great. We went to the Pioneer village and enjoyed the dominion day celebrations. The weather was fabulous and the kids had a riot. Benjamin played around in the grass and got to spend some quality time with his grandpa.

We also spent a day this week at the park and splashpad. Benjamin actually went in the water a bit..which he like as long as it wasn't to much, the water was pretty cold.

The rest of the week is going to be pretty quiet. Lots of time at the park and splash pads.

Benjamin keep us busy. He's learned to open drawers and cupboards. WE have to keep a close eye on him. He's got his fingers stuck quite a few times...but I guess that's part of the process. He's making new sounds too, so its funny listening to him babble. He's pretty entertaining.