Meet the newest member of our family, Fighter.  Caileigh and Aiden bought him with their own money and seem really excited about caring for him.  I should note we've only had him a few hours.  Hopefully their enthusiasm continues.

We finished up golf camp last week.  Initially, Caileigh was unsure if she wanted to sign up.  She told me that she didn't mind golf camp but she just wasn't sure if she liked golf!  At the end of the session she is now saying she thinks she would like to try it again next year.  Aiden enjoyed himself and would like to do it again.

I think they both like the prizes of pop that they could earn each week:)

We had a little "campout" this week.  A campfire in our yard, then sleeping in the motorhome.  It was our first time as a family of 7 sleeping all together.  The kids are hoping to do it again next week too.

Caileigh requested that we hike Begbie Summit again.  Such a pretty short walk.  I'd like to look for more trails that we can explore regularly.

Swim lessons were a huge success!  The summer lessons were led by a young 16 year old visiting from the coast.  He was extremely energetic and perfect for the boys!  Even more perfect was the fact that they were the only two in their class.  They gained a lot of confidence and have no fear in the water.

Mikayla went through a stage back in June where she was suddenly afraid to put her face in the water.  This led her to fail her swim class.  After a summer of frequently going to the river/lake, she gained a lot of confidence and can now swim independently and swim underwater!  Such a change!

While the younger three were in lessons, Aiden and Caileigh would swim on the other side of the pool.  The last day Sean and I went swimming with them.  Before he arrived, I was able to be in the pool with all 5 by myself!  Four years ago I never envisioned the day where I could swim with all the kids alone so it was exciting to reach that stage!

All 5 and the swim instructor.

I'm trying to find ways that Aiden can show more responsibility and learn some new skills.  I'm hoping Sean and I can come up with some areas that he can grow in.

His newest endeavour, mowing the lawn.  This is a big deal because this is my favourite job.  I don't even let Sean mow the lawn!!  I am, however, willing to sacrifice my lawn mowing joy to see my son learn responsibility:)

Coffee break while running errands.  Love hanging out with my sweeties.

Some Camping Photos

1st missing tooth!

Mikayla lost her first tooth.  She was so excited!  She said, "this is the best day of my life!"

Camping

Nanee and Bupee are currently visiting and camping out at a lake.  We all went out for lunch yesterday and enjoyed some time with them.  We left Aiden and Caileigh out there for a sleep over and the younger three will get their turns over the next couple of nights.

Back in the swing

The beginning of August had us spending lot's of time at the river or lake.  There was such a stretch of beautiful hot days.  The river has become our favourite "go to" as the water is shallow, there is the fun of sitting in tubes and so much sand for the kids to enjoy.

{Meeting new friends}

A walk to Bridge Creek Falls.

Sean spent some time out of town but the kids and I kept busy starting school.  I decided to add back 50% of our studies so that we could begin to work on our routine for a few weeks before adding everything back full swing.  I made the choice to start early as Sean hasn't been able to take any of his scheduled time off this summer so we're hoping he can take some time off in September/October and then we can take time off school then.

I love having a bit more routine to our day and still having plenty of time to enjoy the remainder of summer.

Still lot's of time for playing in the dirt!

Helping feed and care for our neighbour's chickens.

Making ice cream with my new kitchen aid attachment.  Love this!!!

We had a short, yet lovely visit with two of our favourite Zalinko boys, Max and Marty.  We missed Rachel and Jax but were thinking of them!

These two girls met their goals for our "running club".  

The youngest three are in swim lessons for the next couple of weeks.  Alex and Jordan love it!!  They are fearless in the water and are doing fantastic.  Mikayla has improved so much this summer with regular swimming that I see a huge improvement in her confidence.

 Library day is still one of my favourite days of the week:)

Aiden got a new CD player for his birthday and it also has a cassette function.  It made me smile to have to teach my son how a tape cassette works.  He loves to remind me that we used them regularly back in the 1900's.

Like big brother like little brother.

And this week Nanee and Bupee are visiting.  More adventures to come............