Most often that not it's the simple things in life that give the most pleasure- gin, ice cream, chocolate.  Sorry I mean simple things with the kids, the gin and ice cream are a whole different post. 

This weekend we packed up the supplies and headed off to Elk Island.  Here a few details from the Parks Canada Web Site;
Located less than an hour away from Edmonton, Elk Island National Park of Canada protects the wilderness of the aspen parkland, one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. This beautiful oasis is home to herds of free roaming plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer, and elk. Also boasting over 250 species of birds, the park is a bird watcher's paradise. Be it for wildlife viewing, hiking, cross-country skiing, picnicking or overnight camping, there is something for everyone at Elk Island National Park.
(Click here for link)



The scenery is fab and the place is quiet- until we rocked up!  We set fire to some wood and cooked our lunch.

I love a good bargain and there is no denying that you can get a good bargain at Walmart but I do wonder if it is worth what you have to put up with when strolling the isles of this store. 

Here are just a few things I have noticed about Walmart:
1. No matter how quiet or busy there are never enough checkout staff.  There is always a slow moving cue of at least 4 people
2. The fruit and vegetables look like they have been displayed by standing at least 4 ft away and throwing them at the shelves.
3. The price displayed near the item you want to buy will not actually be for the product closest to it but some other random product (usually more expensive).  It's always a bit of a gamble at the checkout!
4. The item you want will no longer be there?  It is either out of stock or just moved to another location to make your shopping trip just that little bit harder! 
5. There are always at least one couple shopping in their pj's?

And just for a giggle check this out- I am sure I have seen some of these people!

Kids don’t understand the socially acceptable times when us grownups lie or don’t point out the obvious in an awkward situation.  Kids don’t get the subtle feelings that must be protected and the obvious things that do not need to be pointed out, at that very delicate moment!  I love that about kids.
Whilst watching a medal ceremony in the Olympic Games my son noticed that one of the Team GB cyclists on the top of the podium had no hair, except a tiny strand.  Of course he asked why she had no hair.  I explained that it was likely to be a condition known as Alopecia where a person’s hair can just fall out.  He looked at me and with a wave of sudden realisation remarked “Oh, that’s what Daddy’s got”. 


Like I said, you have got to love kids and their honesty! 

For the last few weeks our neighbours have been building a deck.  I admire their determination and hard work for taking on such a large task.  Admiration aside, enough is enough!  Who knew there was a whole section at the DIY store labeled “Annoying Tools” with sub categories of “Most Noisy”, “Most Frustrating” and “Most Likely to wake you up at 8am on a Sunday”. 

It’s hot outside and I am a lover of fresh air so like to keep windows open but the moment the power tools come out every open door and window gets closed quickly as the noise is just so frustrating, even to placid old me!  It seems like they have been screwing down wood now for an eternity and there is no sign the deck is close to completion.  What is adding to our pain is the times our neighbour chooses his power tool moments.  It’s either first thing on a weekend morning or just as we are putting the kids to bed up until our bed time.  Nothing like the soothing sound of power tools to ease your kids into the land of nod! 

Enjoying every bit of sunshine before the snowy winter takes over the grass!

Let's just hope the DIY Gods are kind to our neighbours and they finish very very soon!