Here are Conor and his dad, Jim, playing the longest game of chess ever. What do all these men/baby have in common? Their middle names are the first name of their fathers.

USA opened its border to Canadians! Hooray! I can hardly believe how long the border has been closed and I'm so happy it's open again! My mom came down for a short visit and seeing her in my home with my family was joyful! I can't say we're in the most exciting or adventurous phase of our lives, but we got out and rode the carousel, visited a book store, and hiked. My mom made cream puffs with Holly and sponge toffee with Greta. We played cribbage, watched a movie, walked the dog and visited. I love my mom!

This little hike is 12 minutes away from our house and I've been meaning to hike it with my family for a while. We finally did it! Our Saturdays can be so blah (because 5 kids and babies), but Conor and I would really like to do something on the weekends. So this weekend was it! We packed snacks, bundled up and went. I'm so glad we did. It was so great to be outside and fun to explore a new spot. It's definitely one to return to.

My dear and darling Gramma passed away on September 6th. Gramma was the sweetest, gentlest person I've ever known. My daughters and I have loved visiting her when we go to Calgary and we will dearly miss that ritual. I was very grateful to spend time with my Gramma on our most recent Calgary trip. I'm going to miss her so much.

A link to her obituary.

All the cousins. All 10 of them. Complete chaos. My favorite.