Snapshots of summer.

Oma and Opa organize a "grandchildren" canoe trip every other year.  It is quite the task!

Great memories are made.....THANKS to loving hardworking grandparents!

Here is one campsite out of 6 reserved for 30 people!

The Valks were the smallest family (for a change!) with just myself, Levi and Gideon.

The girls slept in the far blue tent and the boys in the tan tent.  

The Valk van was the food mobile, loading with 9 coolers and 4 totes!

Heading out for a day in the canoe and lunch at the rapids!

AND.....yours truly jumped out of a plane!

It has been a long time dream of mine....an incredible experience! (After the initial terror- see first photo!)

The next bunch of photos are from our September cottage week at birchbank.  It was gorgeous summer weather with only one day of rain.  My parents also took my Oma and Tante Greet up for part of the week.  We even managed to get these ladies in their high 80s into the boat for a ride!  

Sunrise on the morning that we left.....I snuck out before all of the packing & cleaning fun!

Another month....

....has slipped by!

Where does the time go?

We are in the full swing of summer.

And it is sure a hot and DRY one.

Many are praying for rain.

The four oldest Valks continue to have summer work.

On July 1st we welcomed back our "fresh air" friend  (Amir)

from New York.  This year I picked dates that coordinated with our already booked cottage week.

We all had a wonderful time up North.

Here's some photos...

It has been at least 3 years, but Levi got back on skis and did just fine!

Malachi thought he should try skiing too!
He wasn't successful, but later in the week did kneeboard without a problem. 
(No photos though since I was in the other boat!)

The children had a little store where they created and sold little sand, rock and leaf creations.  It was cute!  They had a currency, gift cards, and even security guards for the store!

These two were the cutest cottage pals!

Kerri made an "olympic" relay game for all the children.  It is always neat to see the older ones working with the younger.

On a rainy night, these two are off to another cottage with their friends for games!  Can't forget the snacks!

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This was a highlight for Amir, who had never been fishing!

A good size catfish!

Here is Mr. No-Fear Four year old again.