Gone Fishin'

In mid September, Uncle Shane came to visit from Toronto, Ontario. The first night he was here we had a family dinner to celebrate both his arrival and Collin's birthday.

The following Tuesday, Collin, Ronan, Uncle Shane and Richard chartered a boat to go fishing off the coast.

Ronan's reaction to the stinky boat bathroom.

Daddy and son with friend/guide, Dan.

Uncle Shane, Richard and Ronan with fish #1.

Captain Dan

The boys with fish #2.

I was lucky enough to enjoy the catch of the day, which was the tastiest salmon I have ever had!

Fixing the Fence

It is said that good fences make good neighbors. Well, our neighbor decided to hang his hammock on one of the fence posts that his side yard shares with our backyard and, as such, the fence was in need of repair (some people, really!).

Collin took the initiative a few weeks back to repair said fence, and of course Ronan was more than happy to help.

Ronan demonstrating his managerial skills. I've noticed that all the McLoughlins have a knack for directing others. You should see them all in a kitchen trying to make dinner; according to each one of them, everyone else is doing it the wrong way!

Ronan found the bubble in the level fascinating.

Latham was in the house with me, but the goings-on outside were just too interesting to stay indoors. How could I say no to this face?!?

Are six hands better than two? Probably not, but Daddy didn't mind the extra "help".

After the job was completed (or as much could be done until the concrete set), we had a picnic in the backyard.

Daddy finished up the project this past weekend while the boys were visting Nana and Grandpa up north. It was amazing how much faster everything went without the little helpers around!

School Days!

Ronan started Preschool on Monday at a church close to our house. He will go Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

He was so excited about starting his first day, that he had trouble standing still to get a first day of school photo! This was attempt number four, and even though he still looks goofy, it was the best of the lot. As soon as we got his coat and lunch box put away he said, "Bye Mommy!" and he was off exploring the classroom - absolutely no hesitation from that boy.

Notice over his shoulder on the right side of the picture is his coat hook, which coincidentally enough has a picture of him wearing the exact same shirt.

Baby McLoughlin #3 Ultrasound Pictures

Today was the 20 week anatomical ultrasound for Baby #3. Unfortunately, baby wasn't cooperating, however we did get some shots of him/her.

Baby's profile looking up; nose, lips and chin visible. Also notice the little hand!

Thumbs up! I like the accomodations here in mommy's tummy!

One foot or two? I really can't tell.

According to the doctor, all necessary body parts are in the correct places, and baby is in the 33rd percentile for growth at this stage. Yay for a healthy baby - can't wait to meet you!

Pasta Night at the McLoughlin Household

Every day when I ask the boys what they want for dinner Ronan enthusiastically suggests, "PASTA!", and while we can't have that for dinner everynight, we do have some form of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or linguine) a couple of times a month.

A week ago we had spaghetti for dinner, and I happen to have my camera close at hand.

Ronan doesn't want his spaghetti cut up anymore, so him trying to eat it makes for a good show. Me: "Do you want your pasta cut up?" Ronan: "No, Mommy, I want BIG pasta". That's why he is not wearing a shirt. :)

He also loves Mac and Cheese and wants me to make it for their lunch everyday; he must love carbs.

So proud of himself! Yummy!

Kelowna

Collin, the boys and I also headed up to Kelowna, BC to spend some time with my parents at their time share condo this summer.

When we arrived at the resort we found that there were some fun activities set up for the kids - Ronan was all over the bouncy castle.

Latham is our cautious child, and would only venture in once the other children left and only Ronan was inside.

They had a great time bouncing around.

Although we put them down in separate beds, Latham quickly climbed into bed with Ronan.

The pool was definately the highlight of the trip - it was hard to get Ronan out of the water.

A rare family picture.

Ronan loved jumping off Grandpa's back into the water.

Latham was tuckered out! He fell fast asleep in Nana's arms poolside.

1-2-3-Jump!

Unfortuantely it was quick trip and before we knew it, it was time to head home. Hopefully we can stay for a few more days next year!

Family Camping Trip 2010

It's been a busy summer so far, and last week was no exception. We attended a McLoughlin/Nieboer family reunion camping trip at Ten Mile Lake near Quesnel, BC. Collin and I packed up the boys, and along with my in-laws, headed north.

The boys had loads of fun. One afternoon they spent over an hour playing with each other in the dirt and gravel of our camp site. They gathered rocks, which Ronan called his "rock collection"...

...and they threw dirt up in the air and at each other.

They were very dirty by the end of the day! Daddy marched them off to the shower afterwards. Notice that Latham even has dirt in his hair.

Ronan spent some times with his aunts and cousins at the beach. He had a great time splashing around in the water.

Latham wanted nothing to do with the water, but he did look super cute in his swim shorts.

Collin had gotten Ronan a kite specifically for the camping trip, and they tried flying it one day.

Ronan showing off his kite.

It got stuck way up in a tree when Cousin Lauryn decided to fly the kite by running around and around the base of a tree. Luckily Tarzan, oops, I mean Collin, was able to rescue it.

Group picture of the McLoughlins (minus Collin, the photographer) after breakfast one morning. Strangely, we didn't get any pictures of the rest of the aunts, uncles and cousins.

We made the hour long drive from our campsite out to Barkerville, a historic gold rush town which was founded in the 1860s. I was excited about seeing it since I remember learning about it in fifth grade social studies class. This is the historic church.

The younger cousins - Makenna, Kaden, Carson and Ronan.

Daddy and Latham

The streetscape of Barkerville.

Ronan begged us for a stagecoach ride, but the prices were scandalous!

The historic post office in Barkerville, which you can still send a letter from.

The boys taking a break from all the walking on the steps leading up to the boardwalk sidewalks.

Ronan and Carson (both 4 years old) became good buddies on the trip. Here they are standing in a reconstruction of a mine shaft.

Back at the campsite, Collin took Latham on a long walk in the hiking backpack. He loved it!

It was relaxing, wonderful week. The weather cooperated and even the smoke from the nearby forest fires stayed away thanks to favorable winds. It was great to get reconnected with extended family, who, unfortunately, we see far too little of.