Our Summer trip to Calgary and Papa and Granma T's.

Our big summer trip was to visit our family in Canada. We anticipated it for months, talking about the plane ride and all the fun we would have with Papa and Granma T. Uncle Tim and Bennett prepared to see each other with yelling matches on the phone. 

The trip up there was interesting but fun. We had a ten hour lay over in Minneapolis so we took the train to the Mall of America. The boys rode rides. A favorite of Chris' was the Ferris Wheel and Bennett's favorite was Swiper's Sweeper. Momma and Juliette shopped. After the mall we took a shuttle to a nearby hotel where the girls took naps and the boys swam. After a few scary moments when the tornado sirens went off as we were leaving the hotel, we made it back to the airport and finally arrived in Calgary at 1AM. Looong day but lots of fun memories made and oh so worth the effort. 

Papa and Gramma's is amazing. Mornings mean the little ones spend quality time with Papa and Gramma while we get a little extra sleep. Breakfasts are my favorite. Dad T stays at the stove turning out the most delicious fried eggs you can imagine, we refill coffee cups over and over and soak up wonderful time with ones we love. I am especially partial to the majestic view of the Rocky Mountains out the picture window where we sit and have breakfast. I can't get enough of that view.

There are so many things I could say, but I'll let the pictures do the talking. This is only a very small sample of all the memories made. There are oh so many more, I could go on for hours.

This picture needs only one caption - PRECIOUS!

A true Toews - hockey stick in hand.

A camp fire with Papa. It's about 10PM here. Can't get over the light that goes
on forever way up north.

Oh yes, my dear one, you are lovely.

This little girl just lights up our life - Juliette 6 1/2 months

Granma and her sweetie.

The Toews family is growing.

Our lives are full. We have each other and two beautiful children. Thank you, Jesus.

She's his princess!

LOVE!

Three Toews girls!

This took my breath away. So amazingly beautiful. A natural hot springs pool up in the mountains. The water was about 103 degrees. 

Bennett had a complete blast with his cousins, Aleah and Ethan.

4 Generations!

My trip to Calgary wouldn't be complete without a trip to Linden to see Grandma Toews and a slice, or the entire pie, of Country Cousins Peanut Butter Pie.

Uh oh! Uncle Tim is in trouble. Bennett is a die hard Flames fan. What's up with the Oilers jersey?

Snapshots of our Summer!

Summer is...wonderful, full of happy moments and adventures that are molded forever in my mind. Hot days beside the pool. Airplane rides to fun places. Long evenings where a last minute decision to go get ice cream ends up in laughter and sticky smiles with people we love. Baseball and Soccer. A boy who looks like a true California surfer with his sun blond hair and brown bear tan. A sweet bug that has a sparkle in her eye. Saturdays with family. Summer just brings on a whole lot of fun and enjoyment. We soak it all up and enjoy every moment we have knowing it doesn't last forever. 

Jules in the pool on our trip to Florida in April. 

A walk on the Peoria Riverfront and
Bennett's first time on roller skates.

Juliette loves her very own pool at Papa and Gramma's.

Swimming at Papa and Gramma Bennett's. 

He's 3 1/2. Such a big boy.

Bennett's first movie - Toy Story 3. He got Coke and Skittles and LOVED
the movie. I've never seen him as hyper as he was later that night.

Best Buds!

LOVE loves his Auntie Heidi.

These beauties just make me happy.

And here's our California Surfer.

A Day at the ZOO

Hot! Humid! July in Illinois! 

Let's go to the Zoo. 

Best Buddies! Just so much love between these two. 

The big rhinos were a little scary. "Mom, hold me, hold me."

Now there is a beauty!

Really? I have two kids! That's just crazy! I love it!

Me and my baby girl. It's a love affair.