What a great summer so far! I can't believe how beautiful and hot the weather has been for so long. I don't remember another summer like this since, geez, I was probably still in grade school...and we all know that was a LONG time ago.

It's funny, I was just talking to someone the other day about how I used to think that 30 was "sooo old..." Not so old anymore...even 60 is looking young! I know, I've got a long ways ahead of me.

Anyway, we have been making the most of this wonderful summer. The yard is pretty well complete with all the necessary outdoor activities. Of course, now I won't get any children for childcare until the winter, so accumulating indoor activities is next on the agenda. I'll get around to that in the fall, I'm thinking.

We built the new swingset last weekend. The weekend before, Monica and I were out for a bike ride and I spotted a "Little Tikes" playhouse at a garage sale. It is in PERFECT condition...not even sun faded! I got it for $65...not bad for a house that is well over $100 brand new. Add in a new sandbox, a ball pit (another garage sale item) and, you can't forget, the elephant pool...we have a pretty rockin' backyard!

Last week, Monica and I made a trip down to Swift Current to visit great (great) Aunt Cora. We had coffee and pumpkin pie at her apartment, and enjoyed a nice visit. Monica was a little on the bored side, but you can't expect too much excitement visitng a 94 (is that the right age, Mom?) year old's home. There were toys, but Monica didn't quite know what to do with "Tinker Toys".

We stayed at the Super8 Motel, so we had a chance to visit the pool a couple times.

On Friday, (great) Aunt Marilyn came in from the farm to visit. She took Monica and I to the Swift Current Library. Of course, the visit was short lived, due to Monica's behaviour. Another minute longer and I think we would have been thrown out and banned! From there, we met great (great) Uncle Oliver (Aunt Cora's brother) at the park for a picnic.

Monica and I had a great time and enjoyed visiting with family that we don't see nearly often enough. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to make it out to the farm for a little visit, before too long.

Our trip to Edmonton is fast approaching. We will be up there August 20-26. So, Andy and Cameron, if you're free, we would love a chance to visit with you.

Well, that's about it for now. Monica has been playing outside and is now watching Blue's Clues and having a snack. I'm sure we'll be heading outside, again, once her show is over. She loves being outdoors!

Take care, everyone!

-Denise & Monica