The summer wrap-up

Like many moms, I've felt ready for the long days of summer to end, even though it feels like we just began our physical summer in Winnipeg - in terms of actually being present  here.  We were on the road so much of it!  While home, the kids often did a great job entertaining each other or themselves, but at other times, they were on top of each other,  scrapping.  I've longed for just a little bit of quiet to myself, but photos always make it seem like it was all fun (and trust me, it wasn't!).

Here's the run-down, so be prepared for photo over-kill and some choppy writing.  

The kids were really into dress up this summer, which made me wonder why, on super hot days, they went around in warm outfits.  

Little Bo Peep just isn't quite her look, I'd say . . . 

Ai's favourite - always worn with just underwear

A snarky zebra - resistant to the idea of taking it off even though it was so very hot!

Sulking a bit at the thought of it, which is pretty cute when in Harley Davidson underwear ( hand-me-downs) :).

But then again, I'm the one who on the 34 C day last week decided to bake home-made granola, muffins and lasagne.  Very bad idea, especially as our little air conditioner unit was overheating the electrical cord that day and shutting off . . . 

We've enjoyed lots of bike rides further exploring new places and old favourites.  Our weekly trek to the Millennium Library is even better with its new "half full or half empty" sculpture to run through.  

A trip out to BDI ice cream - a must-do, apparently.
We're not fans of soft ice cream though, but at least we enjoyed our walk by the Red River

Sunset overlooking the Assiniboine River 

We managed a Saturday outing to the Farmer's Market in St. Norbert and the nearby ruins of the Trappist Monastery.  It had burned down five years after the monks had moved to another, quieter location due to urban sprawl.  The kids had a fun time running around, while S and I enjoyed the peaceful gardens and grounds.  Nice place for a picnic . . . 

This Labour Day weekend, we drove down to St. Malo Provincial Park to join up with friends, Arlen & Judith and some families from their church.   We'd opted out of camping with them for the weekend as we felt far too tired, but it made for a nice day trip.  I was a bit in shock by the fallen leaves, but the kids had fun building piles.  Even when A stuck her hand through fresh dog poop, she calmly went and washed it all off and continued happily playing.  (Can I say again what an easy-going girl she is? I might have made my parents pack the car and go home over that when I was young.  Not that they would have . . . )

Iz and her caterpillar

Kissing it before I could stop her

It was really rather chilly at the beach, but the kids still had a good swim

A had chosen her outfit well that day as she rather blended in
with the traditional Mennonite girls from the area, aside from the hair colour and other obvious dissimilarities

Turned out to be a beautiful evening and a really nice group of people

Iz not impressing her 5 year old seat-buddy by sticking out her cherry tomato!

Labour Day Monday marked the closing of all the city's free wading pools and splash pads, so that feels like the definite ending of a season.  With no oceans or beaches to offer, Winnipeg does a great job providing cool, accessible fun outlets for children of all economic levels.  It's one thing I totally love about this city.  Visiting different ones in the neighbourhood was such a great way to get through a morning.  We'll miss them . . . 

Ai swimming beside Iz in her lifejacket.  He's done so well "teaching" himself this month.
We've been surprised by his daring and how long he holds his breath underwater!

So ends August and a care-free summer . . . for them. :)  I'm looking forward to having some space starting tomorrow afternoon!