Bye-Bye Bennetts....

Today we said good bye to good neighbors and friends. The hood will never be the same! It was a day of celebrating the new things ahead for them as a family and a day of tears for those of us left behind.
The three "cottage country" goddesses sporting new coordinating jammies from Coreen as our farewell gift so that we will always remember the many nights spent out on the front porch sharing laughter and tears and occassionally a good drink. You will be missed friend!

 

"Excuse me pretty lady"...

...is what I was greeted with this morning at the corner store by some guy wanting to pass by me and the peanuts! Oh yes, that's me! One stunning goddess all wrapped up in the guise of a frumpy mom! I had to walk away from the things I was looking at for fear of laughing in his face. Tracey paid for her stuff and when we got outside and I told her what he had said we both burts into fits of laughter not understood by the boys. He was a rugged handsome guy which I find oh so very appealing so I guess I could take it as a compliment but oh my!!!! Anyhoo..... off we trundled home where I proceeded to bake and cut out leaves for our thanksgiving tree. But for just a moment this morning I felt like someone other than me.

Sam had a haircut last week, and although he wasn't keen on it, when all was said and done I guess he didn't think it was short enough as he has taken the scissors to it himself and chopped off a good chunk in front! He looks fabulous now I must say!

Brian came by the other day and we trimmed lots of branches that were overhanging the back yard making it really shaded and wet. The yard looks so much more open now and the gardens are getting a good bit more sun. The kids were thrilled when they came home from school and realized that the truck was loaded and ready for them to jump in. Sam and Claire stacked all of the logs under the deck by themselves...Now if only I could get the rest of the jobs done that need doing back there I would be all set!

We have been enjoying fabulous summer weather for the last week, making it hard to believe that thanksgiving is just a week away.

MMmmmmm....

Pumpkin Spice Latte......

...and Mr. Mooney wrote me a note saying that ripping books is what little brothers do, and that my repair job looked great. Also he said that Claire is a delight. I guess that means I don't have to pay for the book!

National Right To Know Week...

In honour of this week of the right to know, I have a few things I'd like to know!

~ why would my son think it was ok to rip the cover off his sister's take home reading book from the school?

~ why would my husband who is away and not the one that has to tell the teacher laugh when I told him?

~ why would my daughter who had her hair done nicely for picture day decide to take it out before the pics were taken leaving a kinked mass of blond falling over her shoulders?

~ why do people not keep their word?

~ why can't people be honest about things?

~ and in the words of Andrea , why can't we all just get along?

I have more questions, but they will probably never ever be answered so I am going to save myself the time....

revelation....

two bite brownies + Nutella = ecstasy to gigantic proportions....

HELP.....

SHE'S DOING IT!!!!

Claire is actually reading books all by herself!

Last year she managed to read a bit but over the summer she worked on it and last night she sat and read a long book out loud. Not just reading it either, she filled it with expression! It was so exciting for all of us!

Back to reality...

Well, here I am at home again. Today seemed far too quiet. Not nearly enough laughter. There is something about a bunch of woman let loose that cannot be mimicked.

The plan was to catch the six o'clock ferry giving us time to get settled and just hang once we got to the island. Things were going well and although we thought we might cut it close we had no idea just how close. As we passed New Glasgow, Kate queried as to whether we should have taken the exit. No one was sure all thinking it was a little further yet. Well after driving and driving, watching the time fly on the clock someone finally looked at a map and let us in on the fact that we were way too far down the highway. After the second u turn of the day, we gunned it back from where we came. We turned around at 5:45 after planning on being at the ferry ready to board at 5:40. We had some serious driving to do. Kylie is the queen of controlled speed and she sailed us quickly through all the little unnecessary towns we had cruised through. All we could keep thinking was that we were out of luck unless the ferry was really late. We got the right exit and kept gunning. In the distance we see the ferry, still docked. Amazingly the guy at the entrance waved us down radioing the guys on the boat to open the gate! We actually made it. Laughing hysterically, we settled ourselves and the adventure began.

Eye brow plucking, comparisons of legs and their stubble or lack thereof, smoothness of skin discussions and how to obtain said smoothness, fabulous food and all the snacks one could possibly devour, makeovers and laughter, more food cause otherwise we would perish, the best seafood chowder ever tasted, great beach walks, great supper with friends, another great walk on the boardwalk in Charlottetown, sharing of joys and sorrows, all made for a fabulous weekend.

The ride home was not nearly so eventful until Lori and I got into fits of laughter in the back of the van. Belly aching, tears streaming laughter, not understood by anyone but us. Then again, I guess we all know everyone pretty well after all!!!!

Real life has hit today, but I will never ever forget the gift of this weekend....

the sunset as we were able to catch it as we left the ferry...it was sinking so very fast kylie and I preparing breakie for everyone....
out for a stroll on the beach while breakie was in the oven...
the finished product...

 

just hanging out by a light housea heron on it's nest, too far away for us to get any closer to it...
our sanctuary....

 

some fabulous dead sea treatment for your hands...we thought we might as well treat our faces too! early morning eye brow pluckage...
if I buy this cream will I really have legs as soft and shiny as yours?!? Yes Kate, it's true!!!

 

a couple of beached goddesses... toe ringed toes....
our dear pregnant Kate showing us just how flexible she still is....
waiting for lunch at Mama's Diner....

 

Yolanda being told off by the neighbors dog. He was so sure we shouldn't be there.... heading home....
yup, this is us....
one of many seals popping by to say hello...

 

Leaving on a jet plane....

Well, not really. I'm just going away with some friends for the weekend to PEI. We have "borrowed" a cottage and will enjoy just being women for a couple of days. We are all so full of anticipation it's ridiculous. Almost like we are a bunch of kids heading off to a sleep over. I guess we are in a way!!!! We head out tomorrow and I still have much to pack.

Daniel has try outs for winter soccer on Saturday and Sunday. I'm sorry I will miss it but I'm sure he will do well. He loves soccer, plays it everyday at lunch, so he is thrilled at the chance to play on a team all winter.

pet peeves for today....

big work vans parked on the street making it hard for the kids to ride their bikes safely, and making it hard for me to watch for cars...

people who leave their garbage to pile up on their porch instead of putting it out each week, allowing it to blow all over the street and into my gardens...

kids that make requests for their lunch and then don't eat it because they don't like what they asked for...

the shed being such a mess that the kids can't get their bikes in or out without major effort...

wanting to go and soak in the tub but knowing that I have another hour or so before I can do that in peace...

That just about sums it up....

Of frogs, family and fun...

Every year Gram hosts a neighborhood garden party. Yesturday proved to be a perfect day for it until the fog rolled in and we all froze. The kids didn't mind the temp or lack thereof as they were busy running around with the neighborhood kids. Most of her neighbors are much younger than her 88 years, but they marvel at her activity level, and her desire to entertain. She provides the venue, and the meal is a potluck. So much good good food. Lots of open space for the kids to run. A pond in which to find frogs, a lake on which to skip rocks etc, and plenty of space for frog races. I'm sure the frogs will be glad to know that today they will be left alone!

Craig came over in the evening for a fire at the kids request. They normally can't get enough of Uncle so we were most surprised when they were falling asleep sitting around the fire, content to be ushered into bed. Fresh air and hours of running around is great for exhausting them. Even Daniel who stays awake most nights until well after I am in bed, bailed and went inside. When Craig and I went in the house only a few minutes later, they were all snoring.


Skipping rocks.... throwing rocks...
finding rocks...
enjoying Gram's lake before the neighbors arrive

 

Just sitting...waiting to be caught! Daniel found a wee little fog
the mighty hunters....

 

Gram demonstrating her weight lifting skills.... Sam so proud at the capture of a frog for the races
And they are off...
Go frogs go!!!

 

And so it begins...

The kids started back today, and although the weather was less than desirable, spirits were good. We went yesturday afternoon to check out the class lists once they were posted. Claire got Mr. Mooney and although she is not with Autumn, she is with Lauren and a couple of other girls from last year as well as at least one of the boys. She was very happy. Daniel has a new teacher Mrs. McDonald, and is in class with three other boys who are all his good friends. Poor teacher won't know what hit her. I pity all of the teachers today as it will be indoor recess and lunch. They will be ready for dismissal by the end of the day!What a way to start! The teacher turnover this year was high and it has been said that alot of them requested a move due to the murder of their collegue at the end of December. They felt they couldn't deal with the memories that the school left them with. Sam and I are just puttering here today, and have enjoyed a visit from my friend from down the street. We made cookies this morning and are now just hanging out. In an hour we walk over to get Claire. I can't wait to hear all about her first day!

Backpacks loaded and an extra bag as well for Daniel. So many supplies to purchase this year. Happy to be heading on the next adventure....
Some of the kids from the neighborhood. Some were not ready yet, others got drives as it was raining. I couldn't be bothered to drive the car around the block!
One long street full of traffic. The brick building in the distance is the destination. There are NEVER this many cars. First morning chaos is all it was!

 

The message that the kids were greeted with this morning.... Setting up her desk
We managed to save a seat for Lauren, although they may end up separated....
two other girls from her class last year so it should be lots of fun