Visit with Jones' Family

From July 24th to 28th, Marissa and I went to Kirkland Lake, ON to visit with Chris' mom and family. Leanna and Danielle picked us up and drove us the 1hr north to Kirkland Lake. Mike and Kristi were there visiting too from Winnipeg, along with other family from southern ON. It was quite a houseful but a really good visit! We spent most of the time at the cottage - about a 20min drive from Kirkland Lake. I admit I did a horrible job taking pictures - I kept forgetting to get out the camera to take pictures - so I don't have many pictures of our visit. Marissa especially enjoyed Great Grandpa Jones's homemade french fries, and playing with Kiara. It was Grandma Jones' birthday on the 27th - I was trying to keep Marissa from "tasting" the birthday cake with bright red icing, so I didn't get any pictures of that either!

Auntie Kristi and Marissa swimming in the lake

Grandma Jones and Marissa colouring

Auntie Kristi, Uncle Mike and Marissa visiting Great Grandma Reid in Englehart, On

Marissa and Great Grandma Reid

 

Pictures: Stevelee Party

On July 22nd, there was a joint birthday party for Steve Kramp (turning 45) and Lee Kramp (turning 40) - called a Stevelee. So a bunch of Kramps gathered at Kelly and Nancy's house for a potluck, cake, and a good time! Here are some pictures of the event - I wasn't able to get pictures of everyone who attended, but at least I got a picture of Steve and Lee!

Lee and Steve about to blow out the candles

Pictures: Vacation Bible School

From July 12th to 14th, Marissa and I attended "Son Treasure Island" vbs at three churches in New Liskeard. (There are First Baptist, United, and Presbyterian churches grouped together at one intersection in the town so they co-host the school.) Technically Marissa was too young to go (being younger than 5), but they allowed us to attend anyway (I stayed with her the whole time and tried to help out as I could).

Each day basically followed this schedule:
9:00am - big group singing (all the kids) + skit
- (change church) small group singing (little kids) + bible story
- game time
- lesson time + memory verses
- snack time
- craft time
11:30am- (change church) big group singing + dismissal

Marissa really enjoyed playing with the other kids, and they really watched out for her (helped her with her snack and directed her to different activities). The ladies working at the event always ensured I got a snack too! During the song times she danced a bit but mostly people-watched. She was pretty shy in the large group setting. There were about 11 kids in her small group - called the Turtles. Game time was also fun - on Friday the boys played "keep the beachball in the air" and the girls played "throw grass on Melanie." She also loved craft time - I am not a craft person so it was quite a change to her usual schedule. I tried not to help too much - I basically just applied glue and let her do the rest. She also used paint for the first time, but she was really careful with it.

Marissa in the snack area wearing her turtle name tag.

Marissa's name tag

The verses she "memorized" (she got a sticker if she could repeat them)

Marissa's first craft - a picture frame with green sand and shells

Wind chimes - Marissa painted the plastic pot and put the stickers on it

Sun visor - okay, I did the drawing on it

Dragonfly - well, actually I did most of this one - Marissa picked out the wings

Scrapbook - the cover is actually sandpaper; Marissa glued on the stickers

Mobile - Marissa glued yellow tissue paper to the 'sun' and coloured most of the letters (she did ask me to colour some too - honest!)

Pictures: Uncle Steve Kramp's 45th Birthday Party

Here are some pictures of Uncle Steve's birthday party on July 10th. We enjoyed chinese food and 3(!) birthday cakes...

Getting the food organized while Uncle Steve opens his presents

Brotherly love...

Marissa and Stephanie checking things out

Uncle Steve posing with one of the cakes

Cake #2


Marissa trying out a new lap...


Grandpa serenading with his pipes


Stephanie showing off her dance moves
(Marissa trying to copy her)

The rest of the family watching
(Cody, Aunt Nicki, Uncle Steve)

Pictures: Marissa at the lake

Here are a few pictures of Marissa at Nana and Grandpa Kramp's house...

Marissa driving the boat for Grandpa

Eating and driving!

Marissa modeling her new goggles

Marissa modeling with a basketball

 

Pictures: Happy Canada Day!!!!

Happy Canada Day!!!

For Canada Day, Nana, Marissa and I went to the Summer Fest held in the town of New Liskeard. They closed the two main streets in town and had booths, a stage, and some inflatables set up for the kids. We took Marissa's bike so she could ride around. We all had a good time! Marissa got a red helium balloon, and she got to try out the inflatables. Unfortunately it started raining in the afternoon, so we didn't get to see an fireworks this year. She was so tired out after the morning, she had a 3 1/2 hour nap that afternoon!

Marissa in the jumping inflatable - she was too nervous to try to stand up with the other kids jumping.

When the time was up and the other kids got out she snuck in a few jumps.

Marissa is climbing to the top of the large inflatable slide. This was definitely her favourite.

Marissa at the top of the slide ready to go down. We tried to get an 'action shot', but she went too fast!


Nana and Marissa checking out the sights.