The second half of our trip out west was a little more relaxed. On Sunday we took the boys to Calaway Park, which was perfect for their age. They were able to go on a lot rides by themselves, and most others with a parent. Although the weather was questionable, a storm rolled through (conveniently) over the lunch hour, and then the afternoon was just right.

We were also lucky enough to spend some time with friends of Eric and Dave’s from university who we now only see at weddings and vacations. It was really fun to see the next generation playing together and to catch up with everyone.

On Monday we went to Drumheller to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which Archer had been waiting to do for months. Note to self: Next time you are taking a big trip, don’t tell your 2 year old a month in advance. He was buzzing with excitement and even got a little out of hand in the museum because he just couldn’t handle it all! The way the museum is set up, you can see some upcoming exhibits above or below you, and he just couldn’t wait to get to the next part. It really is too bad that he won’t remember this, because he really was in his glory.

As always, we were happy to get to spend a day with my Aunt and Uncle, who are always such gracious hosts. Archer had a great time playing with my Aunt Brenda and all of their fun toys. Unfortunately I only snapped one quick picture. 

Finally a relaxing afternoon, just hanging out and playing with the boys.

Our first day home we decided to just relax, unpack and have a movie night with some popcorn. While unpacking, Archer found his sticker book in the carry-on, and you and guess how he kept himself busy for a few minutes while I put laundry away. Poor Gryffin…

And after spending a week at Nicole and Dave’s, then Nicole and Noah came to us for a week at home. Our first evening together was spent at Nanny’s house. And like any good time at Nanny’s house, there was good food, lots of toys and some (not pictured) naked grandkids in the kiddie pool.

I hope this Monday starts your week off right!

Cheers, B.

After a lacklustre self portrait, I really tried to get creative with this week’s theme, OUTSIDE. A lot of our days are spent outside right now, between the park, the yard and the little pool we set up on the patio to cool off in. One of Archer’s favourite things to do is splash the water outside of the pool (see what I did there?). Long live summer!

Click over to Ali’s post to see how she interpreted OUTSIDE. It’s winter in Aus, so I can’t wait to see what she does!

Be sure to check back next week!

xo

B.

Our last day before heading to Calgary for a week’s vacation was jam-packed. Archer had his last lacrosse practice of the season, and he was extremely excited to see a real goalie. They had a little scrimmage at the end of the practice, and it was so adorable to see all the kids lined up in the bench and going out on the floor to play against the coaches and a few of the dads.

Our flight to Calgary was a little rough for Archer. The lead up to the trip was too much for him to handle, and we didn’t fly until 4pm so he was way too excited to sit still. There were about 4 minutes while we sat in the airport before our flight that he sat still. I also hate that they ask you to board the plane early when you have children with you. I mean, a 4 hour flight is hard enough for a 2 year old without adding an extra 30 minutes on top of it.

Our first day in Calgary was Canada Day, so we hit up a local splash pad in the morning, and had a little BBQ in the afternoon. Archer and Noah loved having each other to play with.

Archer and Noah had a blast with the hose all afternoon, filling the truck and driving it around, but I missed the boat on getting a picture with all 3 boys together in their Canada Day gear. Whoops! They finished the day without pants (obviously), taking turns jumping on and off the couch. The best way to describe this week would be “Monkey see, Monkey do”.

On Saturday we drove out to Canmore for a “hike” with the boys before Eric and I headed off to Josh + Leah’s wedding. Our hike was approximately 500 metres, and took us about 2 hours. Partly because David and I were taking pictures every 30 seconds, but mostly because the boys walk in a 1 step forward, 3 steps back pattern.

I loved these little trees, growing in the unlikeliest of places.

Archer headed back to Calgary with Aunt Nicole and Uncle David, and we headed off to Banff for the most beautiful wedding. Leah hand made the decorations, and with mountain views at the end of their aisle, it was amazing! So glad we could make it.

Phew, that was a lot! Thanks for checking it out, the rest of our trip will be in Week 27 🙂

B.

I have to admit that I struggled a lot with this week. I don’t mind doing self portraits, but I was completely lacking creativity. I feel like I can only do them when I am in the mood. But, after multiple failed and boring attempts, I had to choose one.

Meh. Not my best week I guess. Hopefully when the next self portrait comes around I will have something a little more creative to share. In the meantime, check out Ali’s post to see her SELF PORTRAIT.

And, just for fun, some outtakes:

Archer loves when we take pictures. I had to bribe him to give up the remote today and hide it so he won’t go looking for it… The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree I guess.

xo, B.

This weeks theme is MOTHER, and although I am by no means a die-hard breastfeeding advocate, it is something that has allowed me to bond with both of my babies. I cherish these moments between us, because I know that all too soon they won’t need or want these cuddles. For this week I wanted something intimate, and something that spoke to my current journey as a mother. There are many traits that make me a mother, and I know these things will change as time goes on, but for now this is one of the most dominant, and will always be one of my most treasured memories.

Click here to see Ali’s interpretation of MOTHER.

We are taking a vacation from our computers this week, spending some much needed time with friends and family, so I don’t have much to say, but here is a glimpse at Week 25 – you can tell it is summer time when all of the images are at the beach or a pool!

In case you were wondering where Gryffin was all this time…

Eyelashes, anyone?

Cheers!

B

Thanks for coming to check out our first Two x Fifty-two Blog Circle! There is some amazing talent in this group, from all over the world. Please click through the circle to see some serious eye candy!

Because Ali and I started 2 weeks later than the rest of the group, we only have 2 images to choose from for our first blog circle. But as soon as I saw her first week image I knew it was going to be a favourite. Some photographers shoot for the light, but Ali shoots for the shadows, and it gives such depth to her images. I love this shot of the vines out the windows with the light coming through, and the texture from the glass gives it all an element of mystery. Plus those tiny little sunbursts? Perfection! This is the stuff I always see, but can never capture quite right.

Click through to Claudia’s post to see her partner’s work, and from there you can head over to Ali to see which of my images she liked best!

Happy Canada Day weekend to all of you in Canadaland! 🙂