It's like revisiting the summer, it feels so long ago that these pictures were taken. Lovely Riles continue to be our joy (with a little independent but oh so cute streak showing through... give us six months we'll be pulling our hair out!)
In the order in which they came up on the blog... July.
Tiges showing Riles how summer is done. It's finally here!
Was it quack or moo, nana?
I swear it wasn't me.
Ei-Awwww. NanaRogs watched Riles for the weekend while Simon and I joined Stu on the hike up the north coast trail. The first time we were both away from him overnight. I think he hardly noticed. NanaRogs took him to tractor (his first word... tagght-tgaaah) island, complete with real donkeys. Coupled with trucks and delicious meals, I don't think he wanted to come home!
Do you think I could have pulled his pants any higher?
We spent the long weekend in Vernon with the Gogo-Pops. Riles loved Gogo, well in particular her brood. Chubby Nikki (lab) is his new favorite chair, while the three-month old Papillon Pip and kitten Sophie are just too funny... he can't stop giggling in the cutest way.
Morning snuggles
why is my chair moving?
Gogo loves to read
Riles loved Pops' bike!! He has every possible acceleration and brake screeching sound down pat, yet still pretty much says just AAAH sounds (dada, mama) and tractor. Priorities, mom.
The great part of having a classy family? Never a shortage of broken down vehicles to play in!
Dad's into it too!
Yup, more sitting
Then Stu, Alex and Sam and Erica's parents joined us in vernon for two days. Wonderful to spend some time with such a lovely family. Erica was much missed. She would be so proud of what a great father Stu is and how her boys are getting through it.
This river is usually a trickle by summer... not after this june!
Sam teaching Riles the ropes (pedals?)
Oh so much energy!!
Riles absolutely adored the boys. Lots of big-eyed staring, taking in all their moves. Fortunately Alex and Sam were both great with him. So patient.
The next weekend we spent a long weekend hiking the north coast trail.. a rugged, rediculously muddy trail on the north tip of Vancouver island. I had had no clue the island was so big! We lucked with the first two non-rainy days in July, although we caught some of it on the last day just to give us the true local flavour. The trail is a few hours from Erica's house and her favorite place to hike.
She was even known to hike it wi Stu on new years eve! Can't imagine the cold and mud.
It was a special trip to honour Erica's favorite spots, and Stu said a special goodbye, scattering her ashes at her favorite beach. Erica, I so wish we could have do this hike with you. You are so missed.
Log bridge
Lots of huge spruce. Check out the fallen tree on the right... over Simon's shoulders!
Meadows
Gorgeous beaches
I love my Simon. So lucky for such a wonderful partner
Still got it. Add wrinkles.
Take a moment with the picture below.
Stu saying goodbye.
Trail was very wet. Previously the area had been settled by Danes, who laid logs on which to walk. While partially rotted, they were still appreciated. Sections where they had fully rotted were up to our knees in mud.
The shoe tree is totally unlabelled along a rough forest road. Had Stu not known to look for it, we would have passed right by. Must have had thousands of pairs of shoes.
Stu adding my smelly holey shoes. He's a brave man for getting so close! I generally just wish I had longer legs so the smell wouldn't be so strong! That's him near the top on the left.
Did I mention Riles is much more independent? He also knows exactly what he wants. As in - R opens fridge, takes out yoghurt, brings it to you babbling loudly, signing "more" "thank you" and "milk" (i.e. please pay attention, I'm saying every word I know!). Progress since this picture: he now knows that if he bites into it, he sometimes gets through the plastic and generally gets yogurt quicker.
Our garden. Peas did stunningly. Riles' new favorite food, he loves to pick them himself, snap them open and pick out all the peas. Hours of entertainment.
Now if only he would learn to leave the strawberries until they are ripe...
Last playdate with Sam and Alex
A visit with Nanny. Riles and her mutually adored each other. We are so fortunate to have family so nearby this summer.
Hugs/decapitating flowers.
Riles loves Pip. Especially since pip gets so excited he keeps jumping in the pool
Swish swish
Lounging with nan
Oh I'm just so happy mom!
Pooped. Couldn't quite make it to lunch
So yes, we are loving Riley. He also started daycare in July at a new place (vs. our disaster try last Jan) and it's a completely different experience. He LOVES it. Maybe it has something to do with the snack time, or the bicycles in the playgrounds ... not sure what it is, but he adjusted great. Such a difference, and welcome. Only concern: they provide food. Apparently their food is so much more exciting than what we make at home. He is becoming a lard. The carers said they rarely get requests for seconds, and Riles had FOUR bowls of Macaroni the other day before they cut him off. They've never seen anything like it! Tiny, I think we have a Grumble Guts Garberator the II!
Work and life are otherwise so busy as to be overwhelming. I've had two colds this month too which don't help, and Riles' teeth just keep on coming! Here's to a slower august...
