Baby needs new shoes

What to do on a rainy day? We've been spoiled lately with lots of hot and sunny weather, so more days have been spent at the beach than inside, leading to increasing chaos on the home front. Here's Aurora checking out the shoe shelf at the cabin--she helped with organizing the work gloves, boots and shoes, then decided that the shelf space would actually work much better as a place to play. After all, we're still on summer vacation...Forget housework! Let the games begin!

A very Hardy holiday

Image stolen from Penny's facebook gallery! This "bus stop" structure on the dock at Penny, James and Ainslie's place at Hardy Island was a weekend project for the guys--as if swimming, boating, eating, drinking, and treasure-hunting weren't enough! Memorable moments included jumping off the motorboat near Harmony Islands and spectacular waterfalls, seeing a bear onshore, swimming from isle to isle, Miranda's first time kayaking, searching for pirate treasure, hunting for snakes and toads on Hardy (Island) with Hardy (the dog), quest (successful) for the world's best cinnamon buns in nearby Egmont, smores round the campfire, mega-mug G&Ts (for those over 7), roast lamb on the BBQ, and much more! Thanks to our fabulous hosts for five fun-filled days in a remote and beautiful paradise up the Sunshine Coast...with excellent company!

Berry nice

Miranda enjoys the biggest, brightest summer berry in the box! She's having a fun season with playdates, day camps, and family excursions. Strawberry fields forever...

Home again, home again

Both Nannies are safely back in their respective homes, although Nanny Lorna had to go to hospital in Vancouver after a possible stroke. Speech and vision were affected--but fortunately, recovery began within 24 hours of the first symptomatic headache. Meanwhile, Nanny Carol landed in Ottawa without mishap. Whew!

Dada and daughters

Here's a proud papa with his girls, in a photo taken at Nana's apartment. Our well-laid plans were to have Nanny Carol stay at Nanny Lorna's place while Lorna was away; however, that only worked for the first couple of days! Unfortunately, Carol was laid low with some serious health issues and ended up in Lion's Gate Hospital for over a week before joining us at our house-sitting gig. Not exactly the vacation she had planned, either...but at least it meant some extra time with the kids!