Big and Small

{The scene in front of our house for much of the summer.}

It's been a little guy's dream to watch the 

construction equipment come and go.

Alekzander's dump truck has seen a lot of action too

and may have required a truck wash or two.

Southwick Beach :: Fireworks

A beach bonfire, 

an assortment of fireworks and sparklers, 

and the promise of a s'more

made this night one of the "best ever".

Alekzander and Andrew worked hard digging a fire pit,

setting up fireworks, lighting fireworks, and

cleaning up debris in the dark.

Bedtimes are meant to be broken on vacation

when memories insist on being made.

Southwick Beach :: A Happy Place

After all our adventures of the day,

concluded by peaceful, deep snoozes in the car,

we made it back to Southwick Beach in time 

for dinner and a cloudy sunset.  

The sand between our toes and the warm lake water 

made us happy, happy, happy.

A-Bay :: End of the Day

One more boat ride, 

some snuggles and sillies,

and a delicious ice cream treat

topped off our day in A-Bay and the 1000 Islands.

Heart Island :: Evolution

Evolution of a photo concept ...

Brought to you by

one silly four year old

and a creative daddy

Boldt Castle :: Explorations

After our lunch cruise, we got to explore 

Heart Island and Boldt Castle.

The story behind the vacant, unfinished castle is sad,

but it was hot and we got a little delirious and silly...

The kids {and adults} enjoyed pretending like we owned the castle.

There'd be plenty of room for us all to live there comfortably

and still have room for visitors!

The kids would even have their own turret,

complete with an ancient bowling alley and pool.

Living in the power house wouldn't have been bad either.

Kid's castle 

The main castle 

The Power House

{Proof that Anderson was actually part of our explorations} 

1000 Islands :: Family

 Three generations of Swistaks

Alekzander adopted this family on vacation.

We love them too!

Anderson's perch for the day

On the US side of the International Bridge

Happy Grandparents

{Rachel :: 11; Alekzander :: 4; Jeremy :: 14}

 Sons and Father