An evening at the beach with Auntie ...

Last night Auntie Erin was in town on business, a perfect excuse for a visit.

We started out with a feast at the local Chinese restaurant, followed by ice cream. We wished we had the camera handy when Ran's ice cream toppled from her cone. The look of shock was priceless (as mean as it sounds we couldn't help but laugh). The incredulous expression was quickly followed by a mournful wail. Fortunately the girls working at the ice cream shack were kind enough to reload Ran's cone.

Last, but not least, we headed down to the beach for an evening dip. The water was perfect. It was still as glass and quite warm. What a great way to end a great day.

Auntie Erin, Daddy, Maia & Ran.

Mommy, Maia & Ran.

Goofing around.

A quiet moment ...

So what's a lonely little Ranna Banana to do while her big sis is gone to camp for the day?

Why, eat chocolate pudding ...

And blow bubbles of course!

Ah, this is the life ...

While I didn't appreciate it growing up here as a kid, I now fully recognize how lucky we are to live in such a pretty resort town. This afternoon we hit a local patio for some lunch (that is the beautiful blue waters of Lake Huron you see in the background - Catherine, you may recognize this eatery!).



Tonight, if we feel like it, after the papaya's soccer game we may just wander down to the beach to build a few sand castles and dip our toes in the water. Ah, this is the life ...

Orangutans and ouchies

We are home from our mini vacation, tired, but happy (mostly). We started out Tuesday for a day of pool fun at Auntie Erin's. Wednesday we headed east for an audiology appointment for Ran and an overnighter with two of our favorite cousins Jacob and Margo (and Aunt Maria & Uncle Sean of course!)

Thursday morning we were off again. This time to Toronto to spend two nights at the "froggy" hotel (aka the Delta Toronto East). The highlight of this leg of the trip was a visit to the Toronto Zoo with Aunt Shari, Uncle Wayne, Uncle Steve, Kevin & Ian and Wendy and her kids Ryker, Reegan and Larkin. It was especially great to have the chance to spend the day with Wendy. She and her husband David were part of our travel group to China last year.

The zoo was a hit with everyone. The favorite attraction was "Stingray Bay" an interactive exhibit where the kids could actually touch the stingrays. A close second had to be Splash Island, the zoo's water play area where the kids found a welcomed reprieve from the scorching heat of the afternoon.

Dinosaur dig in the kids discovery zone.

The papaya getting acquainted with a friendly stingray.

Panama Jack, er Uncle Wayne with all of the kids on the jungle jeep.

Water play fun!

Unfortunately while we were away Ran had a couple of bad nights. Her sleep was very restless and she seemed to have some physical discomfort. While eating and drinking several times she started to cry and complained of an "ouchie" in her mouth. After four days of watching our usually good eater refuse much of her favorite foods and drinks I finally took Ran to the doctor tonight.

The verdict ... canker sores on her tonsils! OUCH! The poor thing. Now knowing the cause I am amazed that she managed to have any fun while we were away. Hopefully in a few juice and fruit-free days Ran will be herself again.

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