Beaten by Mt Mansfield

We're back in Vermont for Labour Day weekend this year.  After last year's success with Camel's Hump, we were eager to try Mt. Mansfield this time around.  But we had to "abort" the attempt after almost 1 mile (and 1300 ft of ascent).  I blame:

• a late start due to a longer-than-expected drive to the trail head and a sudden thunderstorm that we had to wait out in the car (we didn't hit the trail 'til almost noon and had lost that early-morning enthusiasm!)
• a slippery, muddy trail due to aforesaid thunderstorn (and, of course, last week's hurricane!)
• hiking with a 2 1/2 year old who is MUCH heavier to carry (poor Daddy!), much less willing to ride in the backpack (good for Daddy!), and much more vocal about her opinions ("I go back HOtel") than the 1 1/2 year old we had along at Camel's Hump.  :o) 

But, it is a nice hike - interesting, challenging terrain - and we did get to stop at a little mountain stream for a little exploring (sorry, can't get the picture off my iPod right now - will post later...).

Kate-isms

A few of Kate's current (cute) words:

• hippopomolus
• bicle (bicycle)
• helpacopler (helicopter)
• teh-bear (teddy bear)
• bokalers (binoculars)

July 2011

Here are the latest highlights from our backyard and beyond...

Watching the RCMP Musical Ride



Hiking in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia


We had a great holiday in the States, spending a week in Virginia and a few days in Washington DC.  We got to see some friends and their new baby too!

Canoeing on the Rideau Canal



Using our new canoe trailer

(This got us quite a few looks going through town, I can assure you.)

Swimming at Bon Echo Provincial Park



We've just returned from a few days of camping.  Kate didn't sleep very well in the tent, but she LOVED the beach.  Hopefully she will get used to the tent! 

Now it's back to work on Monday...

OK, so spring did come...

Here are a few shots from the last month.

New tractor

 First trip to the beach

 Washin' dishes - current favourite activity

 Hikin'

What happens when you let a 2-year-old dress herself

Still waiting for spring...

Kate goes international

Hi friends,

The big news around here is that we just got back from a great trip to Belgium to visit Uncle Neil!  Kate thought the airplane was pretty exciting.  We didn't do much traditional sightseeing - just "hung out" and enjoyed the springtime weather.  Here are a few highlights...

On the plane (reviewing the safety instructions!)

 Splashin'

 Hangin' out with Uncle Neil

In the backyard

Enjoying winter

We headed out for a snowshoe excursion a few weekends ago - the weather was perfect!