Friday Fun!

Ella and I enjoyed a beautiful day together. We stopped to see the animals and picked peaches!

I think the chicks were her favorite!

Feeding the chickens!

She did a wonderful job picking peaches and enjoyed the tractor ride as well!

I really cherish these moments with her. Her joy spills out of her and it is contagious!

Stanley Camp 2011

Peter and I took Ella to camp for the first time! She seemed to have a lot of fun. Here are some of the moments caught on camera.

We stopped for a picture in the huge red chair along Highway 17.

Ella assumes her position on the pontoon boat upon our arrival to the lake!

Peter and Ella did some swimming by Ross and Jan's cabin.

There they found a froggy friend.

Ella went fishing with her new kids pole. She was the first one to catch fish. Not 1 but 2 lake trout! We were wondering if her kids pole would make it as we helped her reel it in!

The other fun activity was jumping off the dock over and over, fearlessly! It was great to see the absolute joy each time she lunged off the edge!

We also had to take a kayak ride to see the lily pads.

She thought she might take another shot at catching another fish. No fish this time.

Our final stop at the landing.

We did see a moose with her calf swim across the lake as well. An amazing site! Ella seemed to enjoy the experience, as every trip to camp is an adventure. And Peter and I were equally as thrilled to have Ella with us for this trip. She did amazing in every way, even the out-house and the long car trip home! Its a great time to spend with family as well as Peter's sister and family were there along with his dad. Good times! We are blessed!

Camping Weekend

This past weekend Ella and I went camping with the girls! The weather was absolutely perfect! Our campsite was huge with lots of shade which was nice, and it got cool at night to sleep. The only disturbance was the annoying hawk at 6am!

Ella played with her friend Carly.

They seemed to enjoy playing inside the gigantic tent for the most part. And also spent a lot of time playing at the beach. We took a nature hike which Ella said we were "walking through the jungle looking for crocodiles". Carly brought her bug house and they had a few house guests over the weekend.

The girls were also able to pet a snake. Neither one seemed scared at all

It was great to get away for the weekend, spend time with friends, and watch Ella enjoy herself as well. It went too fast.

4th of July!

4th of July!

Ella was able to spend some time with her father and his family at the cottage. She seemed to have a good time and spend time in the water! Good thing she has swimming lessons.

Peter and I celebrated our country's freedom by going to Canada! The weather was perfect all weekend! The light blue sky with scattered white clouds, the various green trees, and the deep blue water. Amazing!

This weekend was also filled with wildlife. We encountered a grouse in the road on the way in, as well as a bear crossing the road. At camp we saw an animal print, our pet squirrels, Chip and Dale, along with a snake in the grass. They accompanied the enormous mosquitos and worlds largest biting flies. Out on the water we saw a King Fisher bird, 5 loons, and an eagle. On the dock were the worlds largest spiders, a very cute frog, and a jumping minnow that jumped out of the water and onto Peters feet on the dock. Funniest thing I've seen!

Chip's head peaking around the left side of the feeder.

Peter peaking around the right side of the tree. (Dale is on the left side of the tree)

We also got to try out our new kayaks!

And I caught dinner with the help of the most excellent boat captain! Ok, I actually did catch it all on my own. He just held the net. But a wonderful net-holder he was!

My little big girl!

Ella had a busy few weeks with dance camp and swim class. Today she had her last dance class and I was very impressed with what she's learned and how she interacted with her classmates and teacher! What can I say, I'm just a proud mother :)

She ended her swim class very well too. She enjoyed her teacher and the other kids in her group. She also jumps off the edge of the pool to her swim teacher with absolutely no fear!

I can't believe how quickly my little girl is growing up!

Ella's swim class

Ella had her first swim class. She was very excited and enjoys the water very much. Parents aren't allowed to stay and watch by the pool until the last class, so it has been a learning experience for me as well. Ella seems very excited to go each time and always has a story when she's done.

Music & stuff

Thank you to all those who serve, past and present, for our freedom!

Music still inspires me. Today's song is "You and I" by Michael Buble. Brings tears to my eyes. To say that I am blessed to have Peter in my life is an understatement. It is only by God's amazing grace that I have been given such a blessing.

And the same goes for my sweet Ella as well!! Her innocent, unconditional love is something I am thankful for everyday!