Zion National Park

My parents agreed to come down to Vegas for a week to take care of Quinn while I went to a conference. No photos of Vegas but lots of Zion! We spent 1 1/2 days there before the conference. Should have stayed all week...

Morning light on the scenic route.

Nanny and Grandpa with Quinn at the top of the Carmel Highway.

Short hike to the overlook of the canyon.

An overhang en route to the viewpoint.

Grandpa and Quinn

Group shot

Sunrise at Temple of the Virgin

The Narrows

Sunset looking at the Watchman. There were about 40 photographers lined up on a bridge to take this shot. And they are protective of their real estate. Don't touch them, their tripod, or even talk to them. It is VERY serious buisness taking photos. Don't have any fun. Ha ha.

Overdue Update

RALPH LAUREN PHOTO SHOOT:

Quinn's first button down shirt - a gift from a friend of the family - turned out to be a hit. Luckily he didn't pee on it...

NEW FARM:

Quinn loves his farm. It is hours of entertainment for him and a bit of free time for Mom.

OH, THE BEAR HAT:

I couldn't resist

QUINN'S FIRST HALLOWEEN:

This started as a good idea. Notice there are only 5 kids (of many many more) on the couch.

Carving the squash-pumpkin with Dad. Calgary had a critical shortage of pumpkins this year. Kip felt that it wouldn't be halloween without carving something. Quinn clearly doesn't know the difference!

Admiring Dad's work.

All was good until Ethan decided that it would be way more fun to hold the pumpkin than his brother Noah...

Trick or treating with Dad.

Playing in the leaves

Fall doesn't last long in Calgary - especially when you arrive home at the end of September.  Quinn seems to love sitting in the leaves.  Maybe that is because there are so many of them to eat!

They almost look like brothers!

Ethan was showing Quinn the leaves and sticks.

Tasting the fall "produce"

My boys...

The Ranch

After we visited Toronto, we went east to Kingston.  Kip's parents live on a beautiful property 30min north of Kingston - Rancho Relaxo!  Here are a few pics from our 3 week visit.

I know it isn't Halloween yet - but how could we resist??

On the front patio after our morning walk in the woods.

Quinn looking happy about eating at Pan Chancho - mmmmm.

Wine time on the dock - note Quinn has figured out what wine glasses are for!

Quinn's first canoe ride - after we got past the screaming part, he seemed genuinely interested in the paddle.  Kip thinks that is a good sign!

Checking out the canoe with Gramma.

Evening paddle sans Quinn...

Token scenery shot taken by Kip.  Love those Ontario nights...

Quinn at the park.

Quinn learning about leaves from Dad.  Notice the row of ringlets - Ontario humidity at work!

Sneak Peak

Well, after the first 5 weeks of vacation/electives in Ontario, we have hundreds (ok, thousands) of pics to sort through.  Quinn has changed so much - he is fatter, eating everything he can get his hands on, and lets us know what he likes and dislikes!  He also loves the cottage!  Here are a few pics in advance of the multitude of pics to come!

At the park with Nanny during our morning walk.

Quinn at the cottage...

Hanging out with Aunt Ash

Laughing with Grandpa

Swimming with Dad

Apple picking at Pine Orchard Farms.

Loving food...

First food.  He learned quickly...

This was the day before Quinn started on real food - definitely ready!

Camping with the kids

Let's just start by clarifying - this is NOT backcountry camping.  After 2 days of packing, we had a car full of every possible item including pillows, a giant 4 man tent, a dining shelter, and a cooler full of food.  We were worried that the shocks on the car were bottoming out.  But we made it up the Icefields to Mosquito Creek Campground which is aptly named.  It was great to spend some time with friends and we loved the hike to Helen Lake.

Scenery at the campground

Finn and his dinosaurs

The kids.  Note the strangulation hold that Chole is giving Quinn.  

"Chloe loves Papa..."

The Hughes Storks

Quinn in the tent

A panoramic of the view from above Helen Lake

En route

Where's waldo?

Ten bug bites were acquired in the making of this photo

Love this one.  Note the bugs on my back...

My new favourite photo

Jan and Kip

Family shot

Token flower shot (Yes Jan, I took this during the photo ban....ha ha)

Quinn passed out after a long day.  It is 11pm....