Mid-summer update

School's out for summer...

It has been a very busy summer so far. It is hard to pin point exactly what we've been doing, but we have certainly been very busy!

In spite of the weather, the summer has been very nice so far. The girls have been spending time at the pool, parks and having picnics and play days with friends.

For those who don't know, we changed caregivers in May/June, so we endured a transition period, which was difficult for work, but, in my opinion was quite nice, we got to spend more time with the girls, and they spent more time with my mom. Jane started with us in June, she is so nice, and very good with the girls. I have noticed a considerable difference in the girls, they are far more at ease and comfortable, and Natasha's behavior has improved greatly!! (Keeping in mind, she is still 3.5!) Jane works with us 3 days a week, while Grant and I take turns being home on Monday's and my mom comes over on Fridays. Having family home more, makes a good difference in behaviour.

Grant helped coach Maya's soccer team this spring. Her team name was the purple "DRAGONS"... scary indeed. They only lost 1 game all season, and won most of their games by a score of 8-1, 10-0, 10-2...I think she enjoyed it. She preferred to play goal, saying that was the best way for her to get the ball! Check our her style!!!



June 6th and 7th, Grant and I, along with Kevin, Steve and Jody, rode the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. It is a 2 day, 354km bicycle trip to Kingston and back, spending the night at Queen's University. It was very nice, all the training paid off, though I was certainly sore afterwards, it was well worth it!

The end of June saw Maya finish Senior Kindergarten. Yes, it's true! This means she will be in Grade One next year!!! Full days of school! I am not sure who is going to have a harder time adjusting, me or Maya. My baby is growing up so fast... Here is a picture of Maya and Sofia on the last day of school.



We had a great visit from my favorite uncle, my aunt and cousins from North Carolina! Ravi, Vrunda, Prateek and Praveen came up on June 27th for almost a week, and we spent several days just hanging out for hours, as the kids all played. It had been 3 years since we'd seen them, and it was so nice to spend so much time with them!

We went camping at Bon Echo Provincial Park for a few wet but fun days. From here Ravi and co, left to return home, while we spend another 2 nights camping. The kids had a great time, fishing, canoeing, going for a hike, and playing on the beach, not phased by the rain or bugs!!

Our site:


Maya on the cliff top with Prateek:


All of us at the top look-out:


Whole family shot, back at the camp site:



and Jaida, loving the beach!


The girls have been enjoying lots of time on their bikes, and Maya has been training hard for her upcoming bike trip. She and Grant are taking part in the MS Rona bike tour again this year. Maya insists on riding the tour this year on the trail-a-bike. It is a 130km round trip ride to Kemptville and back, spending the night at the college in Kemptville. This will be Maya's 3rd year on the Tour, but the first year as a rider. The ride is to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. You can support their ride and MS by making a contribution to the MS Society here.









In August we are looking forward to our trip to Calgary, to visit Cristal, Craig, Flannery and Iona. I always have a good relaxing time with the McLawson clan, and the girls are looking forwards to playing with their cousins!!!

Well, that is all for now. Obviously, the girls are growing up quickly, changing so fast, but they continue to be challenging, crazy, fun and absolutely amazing, as all kids are!!!


Cousins eating ice cream after water play:


Jaida loving the swing:


Crazy Chef Maya:


Tasha loves her braids:


My Jaida:


and even a celebrity among us!!!




Check out our full photo set on our Flickr site at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/b_and_g (Let me know if I need to add you as a contact!)


Until next time, keep FIT and have fun!!! :)