I love Alberta

We borrowed my mum and dad's camper for an excursion to the mountains. It still blows my mind that in a 1 hour drive we can be set up in a beautiful area. The camping trip was a success overall, Neva was pretty excited (understatement) the first night so we didn't get much sleep.  We hiked, threw rocks, had fires, and explored the camper again and again.

First day of rock throwing

Throwing rocks at the campsite

Watching dad chop wood

First meal outside

Mum's turn for rock throwing

Beautiful sunset

Our hike up to Rawson Lake

Ontario

We had such a fabulous visit with everyone in Ontario. Thanks to G&G Laughlin, and everyone else, for taking such good care of us. Neva LOVED playing with her cousins and still talks about them frequently. The other day she was asking whether Emma and Sarah could ride bikes, and still refers to any tennis ball as a "Ruby ball." 

All the cousins playing on the lawn. Great game of toboggan in the splash pool. 

Bruce had trouble adjusting to the cooler weather ;) 

Story time with Auntie Karny. 

Bathing beauty

Shenanigans at G. Jack's. 

CORN!!

Neva really loved Ruby the puppy but was a little too excited around her so the feeling was not mutual. 

Still daddy's girl and has found a love for popsicles. 

What a place! View from the dock at sunset. 

Happy Birthdays

We were so fortunate to celebrate Neva's 2nd birthday with a number of friends and all of our family - at different times. Neva is now addicted to the happy birthday song and talks about blowing out candles almost every day. 

First was a breakfast that we hosted before leaving the U.A.E. Neva was VERY excited to see her new kitchen. 

The next celebration was with the Gindls complete with the Gindl Cat Cake. 

Lastly, we shared a birthday celebration with Neva's wonderful cousin Sara. 

Stampede!

I love this picutre of Neva watching the planes. We had a fairly good flight and it is so great to be in Canada.

















We rolled in to Calgary last weekend and are loving the weather (yes really). What does one do when jet lagged? Go to the Stamped of course.


The barns were a BIG hit.

The rides were a hit as well. We rode the carousel, the swings and the mini roller coaster. 

Here we are at the end of the morning. 

Barns - check

Rides - check

Superdogs - check

Win prizes from a fishing game - check

Exhausted child and mum - check.  

Summer Fun

As the heat rolled in to Abu Dhabi we were kept busy with festivities.  Here were some of the happenings: 

Neva's end of term for her playschool (nursery). She LOVED her teacher Ms. Chloe!

Bruce and I had a movie night and made pocket dogs...little trouble with the sizing though. 

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The latest addition to our living room. The Fat Boy. We ended up purchasing this thing on points - I was orignially against it but have eaten my words as the Fat Boy has provided hours of entertainment and comfy sitting. I always love when Neva wants to play on it - she runs up and says, "Mumma, Fat Boy."

Litte Mia turned 2. We were very happy to drive to Dubai and join the festivities. It was a wonderful party with a Monkey theme - quite appropriate for 2 year olds!

Playing monkeys on the bed. 

Neva being so kind as to help Mia with her gift. 

I ended up returning to the Gramigni's later that week for a longer visit. Coincidentally it was Canada day, so Karla made pancakes and bacon for lunch. THANK YOU!! We all had a great time visitng. 

Neva and Mia

Ella, Mia and Neva. I have a great picture of these three when they were just wee. I will have to dig it out and post it another time. 

Eric and the cutie Tea (with an accent on the e)

The beauties

Twinkle

Here it is Grandma...
I especially like how she can shove food in and sing at the same time. Talented child :)