Finally!

Arabella had been talking about getting her ears pierced for a long time.  And this Summer we finally did it!!  She was so excited and did a great job.  She cried right after they were pierced and she hardly shed any tears.  I think the noise of the piercing gun scared her more than the actually pain.  She was so happy to get them done and they look beautiful! 

Beauty of Summer

I just love the way flowers look in the Summer sunshine.  You can really see their true beauty stand out.  I planted some lily bulbs in the yard and they are just amazing.

I also was able to grow beautiful geraniums this Summer.  The pink was so bright!

 Our pumpkins were growing like weeds...

And the clouds were perfect!

Butterflies and Birds

This Summer, we have been feeding the birds in our backyard...as well as a few chipmunks and squirrels.  Arabella loves seeing all the birds come to the feeder.  We have to be very quiet.  We even had a next or two in our backyard.  It is so nice to hear the birds chirping, we just love it.  Arabella's favorites are the cardinals.  They are very pretty.  We even had a momma cardinal who let us get pretty close to her one night....

But I think the butterflies in our yard have stolen the show.  They are all over most of our plants and there are so many of them.  Arabella loves it.  As soon as you walk out our back door they flutter all around you.  She even had fun one day this week trying to catch one or two...but she scared them off for a little while so she gave up!

Arabella's Photos

Arabella got a hold of my camera  a few times...much to Jay's dismay...and she started to snap away.  I think it is funny to see some of the pictures she has taken.  Some of them are pretty good and artistic and they are in focus.  Maybe she is a budding photographer...

Canada Day Celebration

Happy Canada Day....over a month ago!  Yikes, I am really behind on this blogging.  Canada Day is celebrate on July 1st and in much the same manner as the 4th of July!  We went to a BBQ at our friends, June & Mike.  They always have the fun bashes!  The guys played golf in the morning then in the afternoon it was time to join up with the rest of us for some fun pool time.  We enjoyed hanging out, playing in the pool and eating yummy food!  However, we didn't make it to the fireworks...since it gets dark here so late in the Summer (after 9:30 pm sometimes), the fireworks don't usually start until 10:30!  At that point, Arabella was way tired so we called it a night and went home after a great day!  Thanks again June & Mike for a fun filled day to celebrate Canada!

Expanding...

It's official....we are adding another member to our family!!

This was taken way back in May...so YES, that means I did the Spartan Race 8 weeks pregnant.  I know, crazy, but I felt good and took my time.  If I had any issues at all, I would have stopped.  Now that is one story we are going to be able to tell the baby! Arabella is so excited that she is going to be a big sister! She can't wait for January to get here!

So far, things are going good.  I am 17 weeks and not having any issues.  I'm still working out and and eating well.  The only real adjustment is to the different in maternity care here than what I was used to in the States...that and not being able to sleep well!

Birthdays, Birthdays, And More Birthdays!

There was a part of the beginning of Summer that every time we turned around it seemed like there was a birthday party!  First was Allyson's, then Kiera's, then William's, then Emma's...there were even a few that we missed!  We had so much fun at all of them.  It was great to spend time with friends (that seem a little more like family) and to enjoy the fun, food and festivities.  Since the weather was warm, many of the parties involved pools and bounce houses and being outside, which is always welcome since our Summer can be so short here! 

Allyson's Party...

And Kiera's...

And Emma's...

And finally William's...