Fall family pictures

We spent this weekend on Mayne Island with Sylvia and Sid at their "island home". We did this last year in October as well and had a great time. Sid took some family pictures for us last year and was willing to try again this year. It was almost lunch time when we did them so our window of agreeable kids was quite short but we managed to get a few. Once I got home, I played around a little with my computer program to try some new colour looks.

Visit to The Apple Barn

We enjoyed a beautiful fall day out at "The Apple Barn" this morning. We were able to go into the petting zoo to see the rabbits, goats, sheep and pigs. The baby goats were very cute!! The kids enjoyed a new playground and checking out all the pumpkins. What a great way to spend the morning!

Kendra could have sat there for hours, just petting and talking to the goats.

The goats were very calm and allowed the kids to pet them and pretty much do anything else that kids do to them!

Owen was much more interested in climbing up the rocks than petting the goats! The tractor, however, was quite a hit!

"Oh, which one to choose?!! Maybe I'll try to lift the biggest one I can see!"

Kendra really wanted to hold a rabbit but when we went in the first time, there were too many other kids in the pen and the rabbits were quite wild. So, before we left, we tried again and this time they were much calmer, much to Kendra's delight!

Kids' room project

I had been thinking for the past little while that I wanted to add a little something to the kids' room. They share a bedroom so I knew that it couldn't be too girly or boyish. It is also already quite a full and busy room so I didn't want to add too much. So, my plan was to paint several stripes of colour along the top of the room. However, when I got to the paint store, the lady there introduced me to these vinyl strips. I just had to cut them to the width I wanted, measure a few places around the room and stick them on. It was much easier, faster and less messy than painting. And the great thing is that they just peel off when you are tired of them and can be re-used again! They came in all kinds of colours and also in different shapes and patterns. I'm quite happy with the new look!

Little People find

We have a thing for Vintage Little People toys. Actually, Kevin started it by finding them on e-bay and at thrift stores and I just kinda got hooked too. Yesterday we were at the MCC auction and we spotted a Sesame Street Clubhouse with all the accessories at the toy table. (We saw a few other sets for sale too but we had those already!) The seller was open to offers and she took what we offered her. So after a good clean, it was presented to Kendra and Owen. Well, lets just say we have had quite a good day at the deWolde house because they have spent ALL day playing with their new toy! There are lots of slides and merry-go-rounds and secret exits to keep them busy. I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon enough but for now, it is great fun!!!

Day at Rolley Lake

We decided with all the beautiful weather we've been having, we should get out for the day and enjoy it because the rain will come again soon enough. So, on Saturday, we packed up a picnic lunch and drove out to Rolley Lake, just north of Mission. It is a beautiful place with a very nice, flat walk all the way around the lake. Some of it is boardwalk but most is through the trees, just along the lake. It was so neat to see and listen to Kendra as she asked questions about everything she saw: "What kinds of "aminals" eat mushrooms?", "Who made all the holes in the trees?" "Can we find some bugs or frogs or turtles in the water?" She loves to explore new places and discover new things.

There were lots of little "seats" from fallen or cut down trees that were perfect for taking a little rest!

Owen wasn't too thrilled to have to be in his stroller but once we started moving and bouncing along the path, it was all okay! We did let him out running later and he had a blast playing in the sand and water after lunch!

My little ballerina!

We were looking through the cupboard this morning and I found a hand-me-down set of ballerina slippers and Kendra's tiara from our family reunion last year. We put on the little dress-up skirt we had and "voila" - Kendra was a ballerina! She went spinning around the house doing pirouettes and standing on her toes. It was pretty cute - almost as cute as watching Owen try to copy her!!

Rainy day fun!!

For the past week, we have been experiencing lots and lots of rain. Not the greatest weather for the end of August but what can you do? The kids have been doing quite well cooped up in the house. It is amazing the things that they find to do! Here are just a few shots of life in the deWolde house over the past week!

Kendra and Owen being silly in their toy tubs!

Kendra usually has a nap in the afternoons but every once in a while she decides she doesn't need one. So, then she gets to scrapbook with me!! I have been working on our Lithuania scrapbook and getting lots done due to the rain! One this day she spent over an hour just cutting up scraps of paper into tiny little pieces!!

Owen playing with the "new" tool set I found at a garage sale on Saturday. They have found lots of things around the house that need "fixing"!!

Owen loves to do puzzles. I pulled out some alphabet ones for him that I had stored in the cupboard. This kept him busy for quite a while. Now if we could just train him to not throw all the pieces everywhere when he is finished!!