June 29: Ashley lost a day or two in her countdown so we were able to surprise her at her evening soccer game with some unexpected company. She was easily able to spot some familiar friends amongst the crowd and quickly forgot about the task at hand...which isn't too unusual.
June 30: This was a day reserved for picking up report cards, doctor's appointments, social lunches and other errands.
Photos: (left) Grant at Hubbards Beach in St. Margaret's Bay (right) A much warmer Grant flexing his six pack at Kearney Lake.
July 1 (Canada Day): You know, the ocean really just isn't all it's cracked up to be. While the idea of going to an ocean beach always intrigues visitors, it's definitely not BayWatch... at least not here and not often. If you enjoy water temperatures of 14C with strong winds, you'll enjoy the ocean. If not, stick to the lake because at least 27C air temperature really means 27C air temperature at the lake. We planned for a day at Hubbards Beach which has a beautiful ocean view with great sandy beaches. However, the agony of watching Diana wrapped up in towels and multiple sweaters while the kids braved the cold water was too painful. We soon decided to pack up and head to the oh-too-popular but always warm Kearney Lake where she was able to lose the multiple layers of clothing.
We wrapped up Canada Day by going to DeWolfe Park at the Bedford Basin for an absolutely amazing Canada Day fireworks show. Being from Ottawa, I figured Canada's capital would have one of the better shows but this was definitely the best we've seen and the kids really enjoyed it.
July 2: A rainy day didn't dampen the enthusiasm of 5 little people who donned some rain gear and a few fishing nets and headed to the neighbourhood pond to feed the ducks and terrorize some fish. Photo: Ashley, Brock and Grant at Kingswood Pond.
July 3: Upper Clements Park (Annapolis Royal, NS). This was definitely a day to remember. The sun was shining so the decision to make the two hour drive to the beautiful town of Annapolis Royal for a day at the amusement park was made. The kids had a blast and Brock proved that he definitely has no fear. Our own little dare devil Grant experienced a lot of disappointment as he repeatedly learned he was "too small" to ride. Finally, a kind operator made his day by agreeing that he was just tall enough to ride the log ride. Grant turned to us after what must have been his tenth turn and said, "I'm big now mommy, I can ride the big rides!" Of course, Ashley, who is big enough to ride had no interest in putting herself into the seat of anything that could cause her stomach to jiggle. The kids enjoyed everything from zip cords to bumper boats and water slides. The park is located at the Bay of Fundy and hosts spectacular views and beautifully kept grounds. It's a definite must see and a great value if you're in the area.
View from Upper Clements Park overlooking the Bay of Fundy.
The kids having some rest time outside the ice cream shop.
Grant riding the zip cord (Sabrina in background).
Ashley on the kiddy bumper boats
July 4: This day was spent at the Halifax waterfront. The kids enjoyed a ferry ride across the harbour to Dartmouth. We managed to convince them that the $1.40 for the transit ferry was almost as good as the $20 Theodore Too tugboat harbour ride.
July 5: This was another really good day that found us in Lunenburg, one of our favourite places. We all piled onto a lobster boat and took a tour of the Lunenburg harbour where Lobstermen Tours showed the kids some authentic lobster traps and even let them hold the crabs and lobsters. They couldn't get enough of the tour and it proved to be one of the highlights of the week.
Ashley holding onto one of the lobsters caught in the trap.
A view of Lunenburg from the lobster boat.
Grant watches on but never got quite
brave enough to actually hold the crab.
July 6: This was a day of rest. The dads went golfing in the morning and the moms went shopping in the afternoon. For the evening the adults called in the babysitters so we could have some grown up time. We went to the Nova Scotia International Tattoo for some pipe bands and acrobats. A little long but the night off was well deserved. Diana managed to stay somewhat sober this time! Hey Steve, where'd you put the peanuts?
July 7: Ashley joined the Wilkinsons on their last day for a visit to Peggy's Cove. Peggy's Cove has become to us what Niagara Falls and Parliament Hill are to people who live in Ontario...very pretty, but been there so many times we could probably have a street named after us there.
Well, that's pretty much it. The very next morning we packed ourselves up and headed to Ontario for 2½ weeks of visiting and fun. Stay tuned, we'll have stories and photos from that as well as more from our other hosting duties coming up in August. Hope all is well...keep checking!
