I complained to Yen that monthly photos is just too much to handle, so here’s another batch already! Of course it’s still going to be full of photos of us hiking.
Hm. I’m not as good at photography as Yen.
We usually make it halfway around this particular loop before Linus starts lobbying to be carried. I can keep him at bay only so long.
It’s a pretty good workout, as I’m scared out of my mind that I’ll stumble and drop him in the water.
These crazy kids! I don’t even remember where this cardboard tube came from originally, but they’ve found a thousand uses for it.
Our big field trip for June was a weekend visiting Yen’s friend in Montreal. She’s got a hammock on the back deck, and the kids were smitten. I can’t believe they haven’t asked for one at home. Yet.
Just how many Trans can you fit in one hammock?
It was incredibly hot even though it’s so far north. That didn’t stop the kids from demanding a visit to the park down the street.
These shorts just kill me.
Mina is revealing herself as a true monkey a little more each day. One with no fear of heights. Look at that determination!
I kept warning the kids not to bounce on the bed because it isn’t ours – they shouldn’t destroy other people’s furniture! Now with this video I can see why they were ignoring me: Yen was encouraging it!
We didn’t spend a lot of time playing tourists in Montreal, as everyone was having so much fun just visiting. We did make it to the botanical garden, though.
Here we are! The lovely woman in the middle was Yen’s high school English teacher in Vietnam. They found each other on Facebook a couple of years ago, and we’re all so happy they did. The kids simply adore her and her husband. Linus told me, “When I’m a big man and don’t have to live with you anymore, I’m going to go to Can-ah-dah and live here.” They’ve forgotten all about the seven-hour drive home and keep asking to go back.
Did you know botanical gardens have playgrounds? Of course they do!
The botanical garden in Montreal has a pretty substantial bonsai collection.
Azaleal bonsai! Who knew?! It’s incredibly lovely.
This was my favorite: bonsai forest!
Snacking next to a peace gardne.
Did I mention it was brutally hot? I thought I was going to melt, but the kids were nice and cool despite long sleeves. Later (not pictured), though, they stripped down to play in a water fountain.
Relaxing in the shade under an awning. This is right before the shirts came off.
The very best way to cool down, though, is with ice cream! We randomly chose a place based on its location across the street from where we had an outstanding dinner (sort of an upscale seven-course beef!). It was a terrific choice! I’m not usually a fan of soft serve, but it tasted like frozen whipped cream! Linus obviously approved.
We had almost no cash, so we got them a teeny cone. But of course their new “auntie” thought they needed more and bought them each a cone dipped in chocolate.
I wonder how many people stopped for a cone of their own after watching this show the kids put on out front?
We decided to walk up St Catherine St a little while. It wasn’t full of its usual evening population, but was instead hosting a music festival. We ended up in this mall, which has a giant fountain at the bottom.
We pulled up seats for the kids and let them watch for a while.
Back at home the next day, we relaxed. And were affectionate with each other.
And immediately went hiking.
What, haven’t you ever seen a cat eat dinner?
The next weekend we headed out to Shrewsbury for a birthday party. Linus got a face tattoo painting.
Here’s the birthday boy, watching as Linus demonstrates the gift we got him. It was a big hit!
Mina decided she wanted her face painted too. “Flower yellow, please,” she said.
And I figured, “What the heck?”
Here I am, covered in kids!
Back at home, Mina sang some songs.
And the next day, it was her turn for a haircut!
