Dundurn Castle

Today we went to Hamilton with some great friends to explore Dundurn Castle. This mansion has been restored to its glory of the mid 19th century, when it was owned by Sir Allen Napier McNab, who began his career in banking and later went on to become the Prime Minister of the United Provinces of Canada from 1854 - 1856. The castle is fabulous to explore, and the kids loved to see the staff dressed in period costume. The guided tours were also great - it really made the home seem to come alive when we were able to learn about the family who lived there, and the servants who worked there, as we toured. The admission was reasonable ($10 for adults and $5 for kids with free parking - the admission also gets you into the Military Museum on the same property) so all in all it was a great day. Here are some of our favourite photos.

Barrel Racing

I love that we live in a town that hosts barrel racing on the weekends. And, God bless him, Charlie does too. So this weekend we left Daddy and William at home and went to look at the horses together. I wish, how I wish, I could afford riding lessons. I have taken them on and off over the years and absolutely loved them, but alas the budget does not permit it these days. Either does the fact that I work, have two sons, homeschool - you get the picture. Still is was a great weekend. And William still promises to let me live on his farm when he grows up, anyway....

What we are reading today

Joanna:
Born To Buy by Juliet B. Schor
The Shack by Wm Paul Young

William:
Now I'm Reading - Playful Palls by Nora Gaydos
Sheep by Valerie Hobbs

Charlie:
Barbapapa At Work by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor
Good Families Don't by Robert Munsch

William's Big News!!

Sorry about that first photo, folks. I guess I should have warned you - If you are over the age of 12 years old, this photo may turn your stomach... This was a big week for William - his first lost tooth!! And another one to follow shortly, I think. It amazes me how much kids love to play with a wiggly tooth, and how much it makes my skin crawl. Still, it is cause for celebration. My first baby (sigh) is growing up. He is thrilled. He found a Twonie ready and waiting for him in the morning, and the tooth fairy even listened to his prayer and left the tooth so that he can show it to all his friends. Cool.

Mapleton's Organic

Today was the first fully sunny day in a very long time, so we decided to celebrate with a trip to the ice cream farm!!! Not its real name, of course, but that is what William and Charlie call Mapletons Organic. I can't imagine a better place to enjoy being outside with the kids. Of course William is happy anywhere there are animals, especially dogs...

A corn bin to play in is always a hit...

A cedar maze with a giant play ship in the centre...

My little climbing goat...

And the goats that live there...

A beautiful calf with deep eyes...

And the crowning glory...premium organic ice cream!!

Even chai flavored Ice cream for Mommy to try!

Happy summer everyone!

Charlie, on swimming

Charlie, while swimming in Pop's pool yesterday...

Mommy, I'm swimming!! Swimming like a chihuahua!!!!

Really, I have no idea.....

Crawford Lake Hike

Crawford Lake is a beautiful little lake not too far from where we live, and is always a great place for a visit. Here are a few shots of our latest visit.

The boys love this park, although William admittedly gets a little peeved that he needs to stay on the boardwalk that runs around the lake. It is a meromictic lake, and because of the low oxygen levels at the bottom of the lake, organic matter does not break down and stays there virtually forever. The park authorities are very strict about keeping things out of the lake so as to avoid a build-up. To William, this is akin to torture. As I was taking this picture above, William declared in the most obnoxious voice "Mom, see how beautiful it is? I could be exploring there if it wasn't for the dumb rules." Appreciation of nature expresses itself in many ways, doesn't it?