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Morgan had talked about wanting to go camping with Leah in the backyard. I thought it was a great idea for them to do something special together so I reminded Morgan right before I went out for a run with two friends of mine.

Morgan was still enthusiastic about it and wanted to do it that night even though nothing was set up, it was already past seven o’clock and for the next forty five minutes he would be on his own with both kids and when I would get home, I would need him to look after both of them while I had a shower.

I was surprised to when I got home from my run to see this.

When I got closer, I heard some voices.

Morgan had set up the tent, brought out everything necessary for the evening and then hung out with the kids in the tent till I got home and showered. They lasted the whole night and Leah thought is was great. What a great way to make happy childhood memories.

In other news, while celebrating a birthday with our neighbour’s Joel figured out to sit up all by himself. He can last for quite a while and even reach for toys and not fall over sometimes.

He doesn’t mind the grass on his feet at all. Joel is one easygoing fellow.

Leah and I made some chocolate chip cookies for Daddy. She loved it when I let her loose with the dough and the cookie sheets. Leah did a great job scooping the dough and placing them though I did have to do some rearranging so we didn’t end up with one huge L shaped cookie.

One future baker coming right up.

Up in Oroville, we found some great water toys left from my brother and his friends. We picked out a dingy and an air mattress type floatie to blow up. Then off to the lake with Leah wearing her life jacket. Her excitement waned quickly as we approached the water and turned into fear. I talked her into getting into the dingy with me when she was standing in about half a foot of water. We rowed about the swimming area with Leah shaking because she was so scared as I was desperately trying to distract her from her fear by pointing out boats on the water and the landscape.

Every day we went in the water, she made great strides. Leah was only happy in the dingy the first day but then moved on to the other floatie where she was closer to the water. Then she would put her feet in the water and kick while holding on. On the last day, Grandma was able to hold her in the water. Doesn’t seem like much but it was a long way from where we had started and I was so proud.

After the lake experience, I decided to really try to get Leah more comfortable in the water. I would need Morgan’s help and indoor pools didn’t seem appealing in the summer. I heard of an outdoor pool near our house that was free but heard it was packed like sardines in the summer. We decided to try it out. I made some pizza, called up some friends, had a lovely picnic at the park where the pool was and went swimming. There was hardly anyone there and Leah did great.

We have gone twice now and Leah is doing awesome. I’m not sure if she will be as comfortable in the lake as in the pool but it shouldn’t take her long. I want to bring her a life jacket down from Oroville so she can try ‘swimming’ on her own.

I’m loving these summer Saturday evenings, spent with friends outdoors, enjoying each other’s company while having fun with our kids.

Leah Quotes

“I’m done swimming now so we can drain the lake”
“Can you turn on the toasters?” (air vents in the car)
“How do birds stop?”

Joel’s turn first to hang out with Grandpa in the dune buggy.

Leah got to go for an actual ride around the property.

At first she was hesitant and sat on my lap but after a couple minutes, she was okay on her own.

My dad took me into town in the buggy and let me drive home and we both got to relive some of my first driving experiences.

We’ve been up to Oroville a few times this year already and have enjoyed the change of pace. Leah loves to play with the water in the kiddie pool for hours each day. She enjoyed the addition of a few water bottles to her few water toys.

Here’s Joel hanging out in the stroller. He loves to be able to sit up now so her can see what is going on around him. Morgan had to go home early to work but it was great to still talk and see him through the computer.

At the cabin there is always lots of Grandma (and Grandpa) time.

Leah got her nails painted for the first time and loved it. She picked bright blue for her toe nails.

A few pictures from home as well. Leah loves to be in pictures with Joel.

There is lots of time to try get a few nice pictures.

A little Joel update:
He weighed 15lbs3oz and was 25″ long at his four month dr’s appointment. His hand-eye coordination has really progressed. He is getting really good at seeing a toy held in front of him, grabbing it, and holding onto it for a good time while stuffing at far into his mouth as it will go. Joel loves to stand up with underarm support. He lifts his head up and looks around during tummy time. He likes to sleep on his side and kicks his blankets off. Joel is now in 9 month sleepers. My kids outgrow sleepers because of their feet. I’ve never thought my kids had big feet but maybe they do.