Canada Day Weekend

Canada Day celebrations started with a parade in town.

Expectations were low. But we were pleasantly surprised...

There were horses, dogs, shriners in miniature cars and several familiar characters including Spongebob, Blue, Dora, Strawberry Shortcake and Elmo.

Even Mickey & Minnie came through in their carriage.

Oh. And big tractors.

This is a prairie town, after all.

But no parade would be complete without some candy scrambling!

Silas held tightly to his special bag - a gift from Smokey the Bear. And as per usual, his commentary of events was in full volume. His raspy voice could be heard calling out, "I see Elmo!" "I get da can-y!" "I see da big big truck!" He is generally entertaining for all people who are within earshot - which is quite a few considering his vocal range.

On Sunday we headed to Lake Metigoshe with some of the Harder family to enjoy a hot afternoon at the beach.

The kids bravely donned their life jackets and had no fears about jumping into the lake.

Even after Micah was bit by a turtle and had a bit of a panic attack, he still went back in. And that was actually the 2nd turtle incident that day. Erik got a nibble on his toe as well.

They don't call these the "Turtle Mountains" for nothing.

(Those are Smokey the Bear tattoos on Keziah's legs... just in case you were wondering :)

Silas loved the water.

We headed to the cabin for a BBQ supper. Here is the back view of the cabin where we drive in. This roof will be getting replaced very soon!

Here is some of the work that Erik completed on the cabin when he came to MB and left me as a single-mom for 3 weeks last September.

Here's the same view of the cabin taken about a year ago when renos had just started.

Crowded on the deck... and it was H-O-T.

Then it was time for the annual fireworks over the US side of Lake Metigoshe - celebrating the 4th of July. It's a highlight for everyone, but it takes forever for the sky to get dark enough for them. The kids were up until midnight that night.

Licorice "smile".

Josh.

The ever-animated Judah.

Kailyn - the boat-decorating co-ordinator.

And you all know this girl.

Not sure what the expression is for...

Besides these events, we celebrated Erik's 31st birthday, caught the Boissevain fireworks on the 1st, and did both the worship music and children's feature in church on Sunday morning. It was a FULL weekend!