Canada

We just back for a quick trip up to Brad & Joan's fishing cabin in Canada. Unfortunately we were only able to stay a few days of the week vacation, but we packed as much fishing, reading and relaxation as possible into those days. Dave was also testing out our new camera lenses, so of the 400 pictures (literally), here are just a few. Of course none can capture the absolute beauty of the area.

There was of course fishing, and a lot of it. Sophie caught her fair share of sunnies, and also one bass! Uncle Brad let Sophie in on his secret - fish with a net off the dock. 

Pap Pap also imparted some knowledge on how to fish with a rod

Dave bought a wake board for the trip and it got some good use as Dan drive him around and around the island

Off the water the other most popular activity is reading. 

And of course s'mores at night! 

And Lauren made some big developmental progress while in Canada too - she is now getting on all 4s and rocking back and forth. She also cut her first tooth (7 1/2 months)! Benson is starting to get a little weary about how quickly she can move toward him, as you can see from his look in this picture.

Group shot! 

The End of Summer Camp

Sadly another summer has almost come to an end - although we're trying to fit as much as possible into what's left. Sophie went to camp at her school, so knew most of the other kids and teachers. She was with the "big kids" this summer, rather than the toddlers. It was a good introduction to being with the big kids, because when school starts in September she'll be one of the younger ones in the class.

Each week camp had a different theme. Outside groups came in to the present to the school, and the kids also took field trips that fit in with the theme. Here are a few of the highlights:

Soph touching a horseshoe crab during "sea creatures" week

 Every Friday they had swim lessons at SWEAT gym. She got really comfortable in the water, which is great. Here she is swimming around on the noodle all by herself (which I've still never seen in person)

And there was lot of fun to be had on the play deck. Notice the beautiful planter in the background that Dave helped to build.

On the last day they got their faces painted. Sophie of course requested to be a princess. 

Lauren's Getting so Big!

Lauren was 7 months last week and is turning into a little kid before our eyes! She's sitting all on her own now.

 And we had her in a highchair at a restaurant for the first time last weekend down in Rock Hall, MD.

 And yesterday she rode in the Kelty backpack for the first time. We hiked through Wissahickon and she just hung out, taking in all of the nature around her. This was also the first hike that we've done where we didn't have to carry Sophie for part of it. Before we know it they'll be be running along side of us!