Grandchild week, Part 1

 Mike bought Avery, Maya and River, on the "red eye" (Edmonton to K-W) for a visit.

 

Almost immediately we were at the Port Dover beach and into the water,

 

playing in the sand

and sunbathing.

I alternated between swimming, wave jumping with River and just sitting on the beach enjoying the entertainment.

Back home the garage sale dollhouse was a hit with these 2 and later in the week with their cousins too. We also played Labyrinth and Skip-Bo.

Avery and Maya had the sense to retire to their beds to play on their devices, so fell asleep there.

Mike and River tried to push through. Epic fail.

Next day was a trip to the library (with a side of Leggo building)

The only one of these 5 books to get cracked was Charlotte's Web ("A classic" according to Maya whose teacher had read it to her class) which I read every night to Cigi and River.

Then we took 2 borrowed kayaks and a borrowed paddleboard on to Black Creek (Had to ferry them all there in my car and while I watched the kids Mike managed to get lost twice on a five minute route)

Avery and Maya had little kayaking experience but caught on fast. We looked for turtles. While Mike was trying to get a picture of one he dropped his phone in the river. You can see that this is not clear water. He jumped off the paddleboard and tried to feel around with his toes. Finally dove down and picked it up on the first try. So lucky! And his watertight case actually was watertight!

River found it very relaxing.

Took about an hour and a half to get to the museum docks. Walked to the Arbour for a hot dog and golden glow then back up the river.

We saw turtles, ducks with ducklings, geese, a heron, muskrats and River (awake now) spotted a young fox (we saw 2). Then of course the whole ferrying system to get all the equipment back home. Exhausting but a great day.

Sunday Mike and the kids went to Pickards. This is one of the Port Dover visit traditions along with the beach,  Arbour Dogs, Perch Dinner and Ice Cream. Aimees brother picked her up at the airport and he and his family arrived for the day. More beach time for the kids, this time with their cousins.