end of summer blogstravaganza

We wrung every possible moment of sunshine and fun and relaxation that we could out of these last four days of our Summer vacation.  Here is our photo salute to the Labour Day weekend!

FRIDAY - north to Couchiching

On the way to pick up Bryanna from her week at camp, we stopped for two lovely hours at a beach/playground in Orillia. Cassidy wore herself out.

Then we picked up Miz B from her first week away at camp. She really enjoyed her time at Camp Couchiching (the food was FANTASTIC, loved the archery, the rope courses, and the singing at campfires). It appears that a return to camp next year is in the cards.

Oh, and yes, this mom was very happy to welcome her home.

In front of the entry to one of the high ropes courses.
See the metal hoops on the pole?  That's what they climb to the top.



One of the counsellors.



Giving Nanny and Papa the tour.

On the way home from Couch, we took a sidetrip to a much loved place. So much so that it deserves a post of its very own.

This one is for you Auntie Kim.

SATURDAY - odds and ends and Wicked!

Nanny and Papa stayed at our place for three nights to join in our end of summer celebration.

The next day was packed. While Brya slept in (recovering from - oh yes did I mention - a case of hives all over her body from an allergic reaction to we're not quite sure what), Papa ran to Home Depot to buy all the things needed to repair a few things around my house. (Thanks, Dad!) Nanny and I took Cass to the mall to buy an animal hoodie she DESPERATELY needed for the start of school.

Then in the late afternoon we headed to Kitchener to see the Broadway tour show of Wicked - the girls loved it - Cassidy giggled at the humour all evening. Bryanna said she was holding her breath as Elphaba hit the high note during the Defying Gravity song. It was fun to watch them enjoy it!

SUNDAY - odds and ends

So many things ticked off my list on Sunday!

Lawns cut, gardens cleaned up, 5 loads of laundry done. Thanks, mom, for cleaning out the fridge and freezer! Thanks, dad, for replacing all the parts on the toilet - too bad it took 3 trips to Home Depot to do it!

As Nanny and Papa headed home (probably to recover!) the girls enjoyed more of the endless sunshine while I sat on the porch with a book.  aaaahhhh.



Painting.

 

Not too old to enjoy swinging through the sprinkler spray!



 MONDAY - back to the water

We started the summer with our annual trip to Southampton with the China Beach gang. Hours at that beach define and start summer for me, and later we spent time by pool and ocean in San Francisco with Kim and family. So, I felt a strong pull to return to the water before we bid farewell to our vacation.

 A friend had recently recommended a lovely beach only 15 minutes south of us on the lake so we rose early, packed a picnic lunch and headed out. We claimed a quiet corner of the soft, sandy beach and the girls were delighted they brought their boogie boards.

Cold water, hot sun, happy day.



And a trip to Dairy Queen on the way home!

Farewell, Summer, what a great nine weeks!