Canada Trip

On the 11th, we packed up the car and headed to Raymond to visit Grandma Lil. Even though we were unable to make it up for the First, we really enjoyed spending some time with Grandma and the kids got to spend some one on one time with her.

I always air my dirty laundry in RaymondIn the one bedroom house that my father grew up in, there is a diswasher and a clothes dryer, YOU! What I really enjoy about Grandma Lil's is sitting out on the grass and taking in the fresh prairie air and the laid back, small town feel that is Raymond. This year it was even more enjoyable with the purchase of this: Aunt Linda, you are now Shawn's favorite aunt! Why didn't someone think of this sooner!! We could enjoy the homegrown corn, potatoes, squash and green beans without swatting at the mosquitoes! It was WONDERFUL!

Dive into Summer

I had Jada and Kailey take swimming lessons this year. It has been a couple years since Kailey was taking them at Lifetime in Michigan. (Oh the memories!!! Thank you April for helping me get there everyday). Kailey is very talented in the water and Jada made some huge improvements...like putting her head in the water. I just enjoyed hanging out by the pool and having some adult conversations with the other parents. I love summer!!!

Jada's Birthday party (take 2)

Jada had her "Little Mermaid" party at Grandma DD's house and had all the girls show up in their proper mermaid attire (swimsuits). We BBQ'd hotdogs, threw water balloons, slip n'slided, blew bubbles and played some other water games. It was a beautiful day and the girls had tons of fun! Here are a couple shots of the occasion.

Note to self: Bubbles destroy lawn

3 months old

What a sweet little boy that has come to our family! I am grateful for my children and really enjoy seeing them in their different stages, but I love holding my baby (if he could just stay in this stage for a little longer...)!!!

Oh say can you see?

Although I was born in Canada, I have to say, I am proud to be an American. There is something special about this land that touches my heart and brings tears to my eyes everytime I sing the "Star Spangled Banner" or see the flag flowing in the wind. And this year we celebrated all day, starting with a huge pancake breakfast and ending with fireworks at the city center! Here are a couple pics from the day!

Kailey and Kelsey Nay

Jada and Lizzie Nay (Two peas in a pod!)

Happy Birthday Jada!

Our Jada doll is now 5 and is proudly telling everybody about it! So to celebrate, we had a family birthday party on her birthday and will be having her friend birthday party on Wednesday (so stay tuned for more pictures).

Kailey explaining what should be happening next...always the big sister :>

Naina and Grandpa Mohamed

Great aunt Lori and uncle Bruce came to celebrate

Aunt Gihan came as well

My kids love aunt Kjarsta

I told Jada to pick out her favorite outfit for her party and here is what she picked...

Happy birthday to my precious little girl! Thank you for the privilege of being your mother. You bring such a sweet spirit in to our house, I love you!

Happy Canada Day!

If I were in Canada right now I would have finished a lovely pancake breakfast and would now be participating in the Raymond parade. Which would be followed up with a lunch in Grandma's backyard consisting of ham, "scalped" potatoes, rolls, and homemade Rootbeer! Here's to toonies, Big Turks, and Coyote pancake mix, eh! O Canada!