14.7.11

camping fun

finding pretty shells
testing the water
roasting marshmallows
reading books with friends (in the tent)
preparing good food
chasing seagulls

enjoying quiet time
and laughing lots!
camping with friends is the way to go!

still more to come...
(did you see 'camping friends' and 'camping scenery' yet?)
while you wait for more - check out the rest of catherine's photos!

13.7.11

lovely photo

Lovely Photo - Wordless or Not-So-Wordless Wednesday at Aspire

here is one from our camping trip that i love...what do you think?


here's the story:
we did a hike from the beach up to the lighthouse in goderich.  
there were quite a few stairs.
i picked this flower on the journey up.
when we reached the top we discovered the lighthouse, swings and bugs.
i set the flower down on the picnic table to go and give some under doggies!
the swinging didn't last too long though, because of the bugs.
by the time the other kids were done playing, selah had just reached the top with jude
(did i mention there were a lot of stairs?).
so i stayed behind to give her a few pushes on the swing 
while the others headed back to the beach.
on our way to the stairs for our trek downward, 
i noticed the flower waiting for me to take it's picture!
loving the texture of the table and the shadow...



12.7.11

a teacher, a friend and a fashion show

i'm so thankful for the teachers that my girls have had the pleasure 
of spending their time with at school.
emery had the same teacher for JK and SK (brilliant!).

her teacher's name is mrs. leis.
she has been teaching kindergarten for 20 years and is a mentor and example 
for her students and other kindergarten teachers.
sadly, this was her last year at our school.
yes, there were tears shed on the last day... 

i could go on and on about the things she has done for emery 
and her classmates over the past two years, but this story says it all:
(i get emotional just thinking about it)

emery's good friend maggie has had a challenging year.
mrs. leis has played a huge role in maggie's life during this difficult time, 
one of strength, love and comfort...

just last week mrs. leis contacted maggie, 
hoping to take her out for ice cream (yes - during the summer).
the timing wasn't going to work for that, because maggie was at a day camp.
 so maggie's mom invited mrs. leis to a fashion show that maggie was going to be a part of.
mrs. leis willingly accepted that invitation.  
she took time from her family and holidays to attend the show and brought flowers for maggie! 
how fantastic is that?!
emery was also invited to the show and they all had a wonderful time. 
i love this photo below...
a special moment captured - that will be remembered for a long time...

mrs. leis,    
you are an inspiration.  
thank you for loving your "room 4 friends" so much.
your new school and students are so lucky to have you in the fall.  you will be missed.
wishing you all the best,
          ~ cheryl


maggie,
i'm so glad that you and emery have become great friends!
based on all the fans that came out, it sounds like you were the star of the fashion show!
way to go girl!
            ~ cheryl


photos taken by maggie's mom (another inspiring woman...)

11.7.11

camping scenery

so many beautiful sights to take in each day.
that's the beauty of photography - taking the time to seek out those sights.
here are a few that i captured while camping in goderich:

sunday




monday
by jude


tuesday

wednesday - last night

which of these scenes do you enjoy the most?
can you guess my favourite?

to see our camping fun - stay tuned...



10.7.11

cotton candy


yesterday we were at the cherry festival here in town.
we had a very special treat there.


as you can see - the girls enjoyed it.
they had to share with me though - because i love it too!
blue tongues for everyone.