Centre Island

Ken took the day off and we all went down to Centre Island.  The morning began with goggle testing and snorkle breathing.

Eventually we did leave the house.  After the car ride and finding parking there was of course a ferry ride!

And then lunch!

A brief pause to enjoy snaggletooth...

And then we were off to Centreville!

Sadly I haven't figured out how to be in more than one place at a time (meaning I only have pictures of half the fun)... Suzanne took Isaac and Joey on the bumper boats (Thomas wasn't tall enough) while I took Kate and Anna on the carousel. 

Next Suzanne took Isaac and Joey on the log ride, I took Kate, Anna and Thomas on the train and Ken sat under a tree with a sleeping baby and two strollers.  (Ken enjoyed himself the most as kids sitting near him were throwing bbq chips to the ducks which mostly landed on Ken's shoes)

Then it was one last ride - Suzanne, Anna, Joey and Isaac went on the mini-roller coaster. Kate went on the boats.

 And Thomas went on the Frog Hopper.

 

Next came some treats - Alice got to nurse, Kate saw farm animals and everyone had ice cream!  Then we all went to a splash pad and park on the south end of Centre Island.  Everyone cooled off and then it was time to head back.

I took a group shot with the skyline behind.

 Then Suzanne asked someone to take our picture.  Thankfully she took two... look at Kate in the first one!

  

Anna didn't want to sit in her stroller.  I asked her to make an angry face, I think she needs more practice!

Joey and Isaac!

Both our babes were asleep before we got to the van.  They had a fun day.

Swimming at Auntie Lizzie's house

The Bates' Summer 2011 Invasion is in full swing!  Suzanne (brave, brave, Suzanne) and the kiddies arrived Monday night around 10:30.  Tuesday was a hang out in Tottenham day.  Grandma came to visit.  The kids played in the backyard and Suzanne took all of hers plus Kate for an ice cream.

Today we braved the cool wet temperatures and a slightly barfy Anna and went to swim at Liz's.  She arranged a lovely little lunch for the kids, and of course they all had a ride in the elevator.  That's right, my Aunt Liz has an elevator in her house.  (And a golf hole in the backyard)   Suzanne was especially brave as she actually got in the water with all the kids.  Me, I took pictures!

This was actually Alice's first time in a pool!  YAY!  She loves water!

Family Pictures

The goal (in my mind anyway) was one picture where everyone was looking at the camera at the same time...

And well, I think this is as close as it got.  Ruth was trying to get Alice's attention but the waterfall was just too loud!

I love this one of me and my girls.

And this one of sweet Alice on my shoulder.

Considering what a turkey Kate is about having her picture taken and how little Alice is, I thought Ruth very brave to offer to take some family portraits!  Thank you Ruth!

Alice and bananas

Alice has been acting desperate to eat big people food for a few weeks now.  She is often licking and smacking her lips at mealtime.  I've given her tastes of banana before, but tonight I thought I would mash up a little banana for her to try.  I'm not sure that any of it stayed in, but she was excited anyway!

Passport Photos

I'm not sure exactly when we'll need her passport (or when I'll even take the paper work in) but I had Alice's passport picture taken today.  I think baby passport photos are pretty hilarious.  I think they look like baby mug shots!  Here are my two little criminals!

Kate - April 15, 2009

 Alice - July 26, 2011

Happy Number 3 Ava Bee!

A Plumb Party is always a fun party.  Ava's 3rd birthday party was a backyard splash party!  The weather held out just long enough for all the little ones to enjoy the pool and for the dinner to be served.  Then there was a mad dash to get everyone and everything inside before the down pour.  

Ava and Kate had fun playing in the pool.

I think the playing went so well because Ava had a ball and Kate had a ball... no one had to share!

Ruth took this picture of Alice, I LOVE IT! 

I had to take a picture of Darby, unfortunately the fact that her diaper was ready to explode didn't translate that well to print.

Kate on the dinosaur and Monique's kids on the slide.

Alice is 5 Months Old!

Bright eyed sweet girl.  Alice you are so alert and aware of everything around you.  You love to watch your sister.  You love toys - Sophie the giraffe most especially.  You love jumping and dancing in the jolly jumper.  You are desperate to move.  When you are put down you roll immediately onto your tummy and you start trying to go - you kick your legs and wave your arms.  Sometimes it looks like you're trying to swim and other times you grind your face into the floor as you desperately try to kick yourself forward.  That's usually when tummy time ends and you get picked up.  You love being carried in the bjorn.  You are a happy little lark most of the time.  When you are sad you are very very sad and sometimes it's hard to cheer you up - thankfully this is happening less and less and mostly just at bed time.  Your smile makes my heart sing with joy.  Sweet Alice!

Kate Elizabeth as Humpty Dumpty

Kate Elizabeth sat on a wall.

Kate Elizabeth had a great fall.

Along came a horse.

 He said, "Get off your back,

 return to the wall, and finish your snack!"