TO with the boys

and friends.

Our trip began with a train ride. It was a first time experience for all of the kids.

And after the initial excitement and awe...

everyone settled in for our long trip to TO.

Our arrival was another thing. Everyone had their own luggage with one momma duck

in front and one at end, making sure all those little ducklings were safe.

Lockers Built

Loving that they are finally built. I added supports to the shelves. They are very strong!

Now to paint, add the hooks and all those pretties. Just in time for school to start.

Bench Project Built

Since I've been having a hard time finishing my lockers I was afraid I might have trouble with other projects as well. Well that is not the case with my bench. It turned out beautifully, aside from the one leg that is a little out in this picture. I did fix that and finished putting it all together again last night. This bench is not nailed but screwed and should hold together very well.

I added alot of screws. Why worry about that?

Because it is going to be used for my 2 boys.

Our chairs keep breaking. Apparently a good deal even at Canadian Tire is not worth it. We don't have one of those $25 chairs left.

Next step. Fill all those screw holes. Then it's time to paint.

How do I paint it? My chairs are black.

So do I go black?

Or how about a distressed finish with red and a black top coat?

Today will tell.

Crazy Brother Enjoying Life

This is a picture that I live for every year when we hit the cottage. My brother goes a little off... or just finally learns how to relax and have some fun. That is the brother I remember growing up with. Not always so much fun for me but most of the time I can say were good times. The fact that I now have a son who is soooo much like him doesn't seem quite fair. However, I loved him then, I love him now and I love how my son is growing up as well.

It appears, though, that it is no longer only my issue to live with since he is now married with a wife and 2 children to interrogate. And yes he just shooved her in the lake before jumping in right after her.

I love my family!

Bartering for Frogs

Josiah catches the FROGS.

Tyrel and Josiah listen to the reasoning of

Julianna and Jeremiah for said FROG.

Julianna wins "care privileges" of the FROG.

More FROGS that Josiah caught but were immediately released since they don't mix very well with SMORES around the campfire.

No bartering this time.

Great Fishin', Good Eatin'

The first morning out was quite a success! We had quite a feast that evening. Tyrel went for the first time with Uncle Jamie and Terry. He had wide eyes the whole time he was fishing. He may find fishing a little disappointing after this great fish biting experience.

Last year the boys got the 411 on how to gut and cut up a fresh fish. They did an amazing job with no bones in the meat at all.

That evening Terry cooked up the fish. Even though there was lots of food for supper, everyone wanted a taste, and then more, of that delicious fish.

Cottage Living

There is nothing like a week enjoying quiet time on the lake. Hearing the water hitting the shore, laying in the hammock, building sandcastles, tubing, fishing, reading, smores and all that good stuff. Once a year we head out with the whole Joustra clan and take a week to soak up the sun and spend some good "famiy time" together. This year was another huge success. I will share some of our highlights and my favourite photos in the days to come.

In the meantime enjoy this Charleston Lake sunset. It makes me think again, how amazing our God is!