A lot of this summer was spent in our backyard, at different parks, and with the family and friends that were left in Calgary. The kids have enjoyed our big blowup waterslide again, the sandbox, water guns and balloons, and the trampoline! I found a tramp on Kijiji and it took some convincing, but I eventually got Jeff to be okay with it and even go get it for me. I wasn't sure I wanted one to fill our backyard, but the size that I got fits perfectly and leaves so much space still to play. I don't regret buying it one bit because it has been the source of so much entertainment this summer, and a great way to wear out the kids!!
Jeff did his annual BBQ again in our backyard where he makes brisket and we have our waterslide going. We were a little unsure we'd be able to do it with the covid restrictions, but with it being outside many of our friends were okay with it.
We also explored a lot of different playgrounds and splash parks, and continued going to the corn maze lots. One day there were food trucks in Legacy so we walked over for some ice cream, cookie dough, and fresh lemonade.
We hired Dakota for a lot of the summer to come and babysit so I could get a break, and the kids loved it! Scarlett would come over and play lots of times too. We have seen a lot of the Loewen's and done a few play dates and sleepovers as well with Scarlett and Ryley. Bentley was missing lots of her cousins who were at the cabins, but it was nice to see the ones still in Calgary more than we normally would have. One time the Loewen's were babysitting a kitten, so we made sure we went over to play with it!
Also, Bentley is such a good reader now, she often reads bedtime stories to Leo and Deacon. My heart soars seeing that! However, the kids aren't the best at going to bed early and often end up asleep in random places like the hallway. I had to take a picture when I saw them cuddling though...they are just the best of friends!!
One thing I've been quite happy about is how well at-home church has been going. I was a little concerned when this whole thing started because Leo is so wild, and it was really hard to get anyone to listen and learn something. We've really gotten into a good system now though, haven't missed a week, and I'm really enjoying it! Bentley is getting so good at giving a talk, sometimes she even plans it on her own. I always help Deacon read a scripture. Of course we do sacrament, and I give the Come Follow Me lesson. I've found that the kids are really picking up what I've been teaching them because randomly throughout the week they'll mention something that we talked about. It is so rewarding to see! We also sing songs and Jeff is really good at conducting the meeting.
Recently we have added scripture reading and family prayer before bedtime. Bentley is actually reading the scriptures and Jeff and I just look at each other shocked that she can pronounce the words so well! It's really nice to be able to discuss the scriptures daily instead of once a week.
The church has been open for sacrament meeting for a while now, but with lots of restrictions. Everyone must wear a mask and stay with their family at all times. Unfortunately because of Leo, we felt we wouldn't be able to follow those guidelines and wanted to keep everybody safe, so we haven't returned to church yet. We're considering giving it a try in the near future though!
Well, Jeff and I have started doing some more normal date nights again and it's been so fun! One time we went to the golfing range and another time the shooting range. Both things I'm not very good at, but ended up being super fun! We love going to restaurants again too, that's always a highlight! We also started taking our kids on dates again. Bentley loves going to Cora's with me and getting the delicious crepes! Deacon went with Dad to the cupcake and candy store. We're gonna try to keep up monthly dates with them.
We've also continued hiking and spending lots of time outdoors. I did the Cat creek falls hike with some friends, and it was the first time I tried taking Leo on my own. I don't mind carrying him in my backpack, but the problem is he doesn't always cooperate going into the backpack and might cry because he wants out. If I let him out, then he won't walk in the right direction. So, let's just say we were a bit of a gong show, but thank goodness for great friends who take my older kids while I lag behind with Leo and eventually catch up! It was an absolutely beautiful trail with a cute little waterfall at the end.
We also visited Elbow Falls a couple times, went on walks in Fish Creek (not very many because Leo also doesn't like the stroller!), and visited Big Rock Erratic. I took a day to myself to got on a hike in Lake Louise with some girl friends. We did the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, which takes you up to a teahouse. I had never been on the back side of Lake Louise and it was absolutely gorgeous! We also ran through the sand and even dipped in the lake before returning home. I wasn't planning on it, but I guess that's what peer pressure does!
Another activity we love to do each summer is saskatoon berry picking. Bentley was a great help. Deacon loved it but was also really into the two caterpillars he caught and named "Shark" and "Dino." Leo was caught red handed eating handfuls of berries. Afterwards we got slurpees and made saskatoon berry scones for lunch!
No comments:
Post a Comment