Another summer slips away...

Once again it's been far too long. Summer has almost come and gone and the leaves are beginning to turn yellow once again. But, it was a great summer for our family and I've posted some pictures to sum up the past months.
You'll be able to tell that we spent our summer camping. We went on 5 different camping trips this summer, all tenting. Ok, so maybe not my ideal situation, but we survived (well, I survived and the boys thrived)! We went to Jasper twice, Banff, Slave Lake and 2 Lakes (a great place up by Grande Prairie). Mason loved camping. Other than a few mishaps, he did really well sleeping in the tent, he rode his bike, played with his dump trucks in the dirt, dragged us to the parks, and roasted a few marshmellows.
The most memorable camping trip was our first trip to Jasper. It was great to be just the three of us. We did a few hikes, relaxed at our spot, took Mason to the 'green park' (which he still asks to go to almost every day), and sat around the fire. On our second night, we put Mason to bed and were sitting around the fire talking. I thought I saw something moving under the fly of the tent. I went to check it out and it was a little hand belonging to a certain Mr Mason. Well, the little monster was using his shoe as a shovel to fill Chris' sleeping bad with dirt! It was so hard to discipline him when Chris and I couldn't smother our laughter. We were also lucky enough to go camping with Mike, Raquel, Mom and Dad. We went to Banff for a few days (after we had spent a week in Edmonton). We had a great trip there, did a few little walks, and sat around the fire again. Of course, with Mom and Raquel there, we ate like kings. A highlight of that trip was the detour we took one morning to the Banff Springs Hotel. I thought Mike was lost (we were following behind on our way to what I thought was a hike). But, little did I know that the whole family had been involved in Chris' surprise to stop and pick up the third ring to my wedding set! It was our 5 year anniversary this summer. I am a very lucky girl! I have to take some pictures and I'll try to remember to post them.

Another one of our trips was to Jasper with Mike, Raquel, Jordan and Elaine, and Erin and Doug and the kids. Now, that was a crazy trip. We were all in one campsite and it was busy. But, we had a great time. Of course the kids would love each other one minute, and be ready to kill each other the next. But overall, a great time was had.

Mason with all of his aunties and uncles

2 Lakes

Mason with all of his Grandparents (and Wyatt)!
Our little turkey!

We're all back to work and normal routines here. Chris and I are in the same jobs this year and Mason is at the same sitter (he transitioned right back into being away from home). Mason is also about 99% potty trained now so we're very proud of him. He is registered for a gymnastics class and indoor soccer this winter. Can you believe our little man is nearly 3? I don't know where the time goes.

As for a little sibling for our man, nothing to report to you... Things are working out quite as easily as they did with Mason. After 2 long years of tests and impatience, I begin a treatment of fertility drugs (beginning today actually). We really hope that this works for us as the next step is some long stays in Edmonton or Calgary with some very expensive procedures.

But, until then, we are enjoying Mason so much and love every minute we get to spend with him. He truly is the joy of our lives.

Please keep in touch and remember, it's only a few hours north...

Love Jenn