This was a really sweet scene to happen upon! Maeve then went on to read Ira more books! Sibling bonds are something special to witness.

It's funny how my parenting style has changed... back when Holly and Greta were little, I was committed to a birthday party schedule of every other year with friends. I'm not sure when I threw that one out the window... but that idea has been dissolved and now my approach is embracing the parties! But also making them easy on myself. Fun memories with friends are especially important following a covid year. I suggested to Holly that we do tie dye for her birthday... she loved that idea and we ran with it! It was pretty easy. I asked her friends to bring a t-shirt to dye instead of a gift and I provided bandanas and scrunchies. This age group is pretty independent. I had told Holly ahead of time that I would do tie dye and cake and then step back and let her decide what she wants to do with her friends. They played hide and seek and other variations and had fun! And I caught my breath :)

Holly wanted Texas Sheet Cake. I had to laugh to myself, I didn't even know Texas Sheet Cake existed until I had lived in the states for a little while. Just raising my little Americans south of Canada.

We learned how to play pickle ball while we were at the lake. The sound of the paddle on the wiffle ball makes a very satisfying "thwack." I really liked playing pickle ball and I hope our family plays more of it! Some final pics of our trip. Thankful for our summertime memories.

But seriously, I have a couple of really cute babies! E liked the water and even more, he liked crawling on the dock! Little dare devil.

Chess... lots of chess games on our vacation! Maeve learned all the names of the pieces and how to move them. She really puts a lot of imagination into it!