Monica-in-the-box!

"I think we could fit a few more toys in here."

Not much goin' on...

So, we've had a pretty "boring" week. That meaning, not a whole lot has been going on other than normal everyday life, which, by the way, is never boring.

The big news??? Yes, Monica has her first real toy box. And, judging by how quickly it has filled up, it won't be her last.

We've enjoyed visits with Andy, Gord, Donna and Megan over the past couple weeks. No pictures to illustrate these visits, but the camera was there. It must be because I hate getting my picture taken that I rarely think to use the camera.

Last evening, I sang at church with the group and it was kind of a reunion for us all. We've had the summer pretty well off and a long-lost member made a guest appearance before heading home to Okotoks. It was great to have you back in the group, Kelly! We're only singing once a month in the fall...you could make the commute, couldn't you? I'm sure Jennelle would love a break once a month...hehehe.

We also had a wonderful time at Don and Grace's, following mass. Good food and good friends. Yup, Monica even had fun, despite being very tired. It was great to see Kelly, Jennelle and little Matthew one last time!

Thus ends another, not so interesting, blog update. The next big event for us will be our annual trek up to Yorkton for the 10th annual "Dr. Brian's Friends for Life Dog Walk" on September 11th. The Yorkton S.P.C.A. holds a fundraiser dog walk every year in memory of my Uncle Brian who was a veterinarian in Yorkton. This year marks 10 years since he passed away, so we're all planning on attending. It will be nice to all be together for this year's walk.

Anyway, we're off to check out the light show at the Legislative Building, shortly. I'm sure it won't be as spectacular as they say it is, but it will be an adventure. Monica and I are going in our p.j.'s, just to save time when we get home!

Have a great week!

-Denise & Monica

"Who was silly enough to leave that ship in the middle of the mall? Was it you, Grammy?"

Monica, admiring the pretty flamingos in the WestEd.

Grammy and Mum enjoying a coffee while Monica watches the "Zoomcopter" demonstration.

The calm before the storm...

So, who out there is envious of my tan?

"Bring on the waves!"

"Ok, that's enough of getting splashed in the face."

Monica, checking out the room. I thought I had lightened up this picture...guess not.

"I love having the bed all to myself!"

Aunt Elaine, conversing with cousin Lyle and Judy before tricking us all into a family meeting.

Monica, with no time to pose, with cousins Leanne and Brenna.

More cousins...where do they all come from?

Going in for the last time.

"Peek-a-boo, Grammy!"

We're baa-aa--aa--ck!

Yup, we've returned from our trip to Edmonton, and we had a great time! The drive up was long, but we stopped in North Battleford for the night, coming and going, so that broke it up a bit. Also, thanks to the DVD player that Grampa got for us, it made the trip a bit more enjoyable for Monica. She brought along her favorite Sesame Street DVD to watch and watch it, she did. I think Grammy and I can recite every word of that show perfectly.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we stayed at the Fantasyland Hotel, which was awesome! We didn't have a theme room, but we had a huge corner room, so Monica had lots of room to roam around. Of course, we spent a lot of time in the West Edmonton Mall and spent too much money, but, hey, we had fun. Monica and I also loved the wave pool. Each time Monica would see a wave approaching, she would start clapping in anticipation. I must say, though, those waves are pretty powerful and it was hard to hold Monica and I up for each one.

No visit to Edmonton would be complete without a visit with our relatives and (you knew it was coming) an excursion to IKEA. We accomplished both of these. We enjoyed visits with Uncle Ron, Aunt Elaine, cousins Lloyd (Marsha), Lyle (Judy), Shawna (Rick), Steven, Keith (and baby Koda (sp???)), Dan, Brenna and Leanne. Did I miss anyone? Monica loved playing with Brenna and Leanne. She even ventured out onto the grass and found that it wasn't that bad after all. Yay, Monica!!!!

In closing, I'm pleased to announce that I survived driving in Edmonton. I find it to be a very confusing city. A lot of the time, I was following behind Grampa (yelling out directions, that he could not hear), but we did have some opportunities to go it alone. I know Edmonton pretty well, but I just don't like the road systems and traffic. It was amusing following behind Grampa, who was trying to figure out where he was going as he went, resulting in a few almost missed turns and one red light being driven through. Grammy, Monica and I had a good chuckle over that one. However, I did miss our hotel, both times, in NorthBattleford. I can't be "perfect" all of the time.

Well, Monica has been sitting, quietly, at the doorway for the past 5 minutes looking very bored. So, I better finish this up. We hope everyone had a good week, or so. Talk to you soon!

-Denise and Monica