This is the pic of the summer so far. I like to call him the 'naked fisherman'. Let me explain, he did not catch this fish with rod! Just a small net. It is called perseverance, determination and perhaps some luck! But he caught the biggest fish of the summer with no hooks, worms or gadgets. This pictures sums up Jack in so many ways - fun loving and happy!!

Here is our determined athlete. He is now on one ski and watch out Balsam Lake, he is ready! He tried many times but Daddy would not let him give up and he got up and kept skiing. As a ten year old he is doing so many things and what a treat to watch from the boat. Good thing my camera is my third arm!!

Our wee Samantha is almost six now and does not really want waterwings or a lifejacket anymore. She loves to play, swim and enjoy watching the boys do all the water sports. She is not quite there yet with all the skiing etc, but is enjoying tubing slowly with the boys.

The duck family that came to visit and the cheetos the kids gave them made the family continue to return - hmmm wonder why!

Oh Sara, what a delight! She loves to be in the centre of it all. After I finished taking a group portrait she remained on her own and here is the result, a lovely shot of a quiet refective moment!



Here we are at the point of the summer when school is just around the corner but the need for summer still lingers! We have had a whirlwind of a summer with many wonderful, special and difficult memories built in us all. The cottage provides memories that the kids will hold forever on this earth and for that we are thankful. God will continue to be faithful.

Our verse this week comes from Hebrews 3:6. Duncan had us look it up and we wrote it out in our journals.

"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."

We have encouraged our kids to hold on to courage and remember where we get our strength everyday. It takes courage to face the day and hurdle the obstacles that life has for us all. We can take hope because our hope is in the Lord!

Blessings to you all...