Labour Day Corn Roast

This weekend may have been cold and rainy, but we still found ways to have plenty of fun. On Saturday afternoon, the whole family bundled up and drove over to my aunt and uncle's cottage for a good ol' corn roast.

My brother commandeered my camera on the way over and took some photos (most of them of trucks that we drove past....oh the woes of a 16 year old boy with a driver's license burning a hole in his pocket). He did manage to get this telling shot of me driving thr truck, while my sister searched for a decent radio station.

The second we arrived at my aunt and uncle's cottage we could smell the fire around back, all set up for the corn roast.

Thankfully we made it just in time to not have to husk any corn ;)

Although we did out job already, picking up the amazingly good smelling sliced roast beef from the local butchers. It was covered in a rich gravy, just begging to be put on nice freshly baked kaiser buns.

The fire was all ready to boil the water for the corn.

Siblings, all bundled up, looking forward to a delicious dinner and enjoying one of the last nights of summer.

One of my favorite flowers was used all over for decoration - sunflowers!

There was a great mix of friends, family and neighbours. Despite the weather, everyone seemed to be having a great time catching up.

My uncle even pulled up the old 1955 Chevy Pickup that we sold to him a few years back. This truck actually brings back one of my favorite memories. The whole family did a big roadtrip down to Dallas, Texas to pick it up and then brought it back up Route 66. If it hadn't been such a pain to drive, we might have kept it. Now my uncle gets to enjoy driving around the cottage with it, and we still get to visit our old babe every once and a while.

The pickup truck was used as a make shift bar, holding big tubs of beer and pop.

My mom and uncle. These two are the number one reason why all of us cousins are so close. I just hope that I'm still this close with my brother and sister when I'm older, but I can't imagine not having them around all the time.

As nice as the other two photos were, this is a much more realistic photo - mom laughing after my uncle has cracked some joke.

There was also a local group on hand to play some great acoustic country music. It was perfect for the mood of the evening.

But of course the highlight of the evening was getting some fresh local corn. The kids at the party really got into stacking it up into bright gold pyramids.

Seconds later this all fell down...but it was cute while it lasted.

The weather didn't stop all the kids from getting in plenty of play around the yard. There were pick up games of basketball (for old and young alike) all night.

This adorable puppy made an appearance too, much to the delight and squeals of every little girl there.

This sweet little thing's name is Bogey...as in the golf term. She takes her morning walks on the local golf course every day. Lucky pup!

Her fur was incredibly soft. I wanted to just cuddle up with her and have a nap, but she was squirming beyond belief!

My sister and I spent time with my dear friend (and cousin of a cousin) Emma. Years ago we all were on the same synchronized swimming team. Somewhere there are pictures of us wearing matching bathing suits and holding umbrellas for our "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" number. Seriously.

The entire party was decorated for a nice relaxing summer dinner. Checkered table cloths, with glowing lantern.

Plenty of fresh sunflowers everywhere too.

Years ago this used to be the cabin we'd have sleepovers in. Now my aunt has converted it into a pottery studio for when she's up at the cottage in the summer. She was happy to give tours of all her new wares and give us a sneak peek of what is coming up at her studio show. 

The backyard in the next cottage over was turned into a mini croquet court.

More beautfiul flowers at the dessert table.

Sweet and gentle Chelsea. She'd be even cuter if she stopped dropping that gross ball on my feet every time I see her.

Brother and sister enjoying the heat from the fire. Where are the marshmallows?

My favorite new car even made an appearance - the Dodge Challenger. If I could only afford one of these things I'd be spending all my time in it. I'd even have to blog from it. I wouldn't be able to convince myself to step out of it.

After dinner, I took a walk around the cottages on the property. My aunt's family have four family cottages, all side-by-side with shared water access.

The gardens are always so lush and beautiful here.

(I posted pictures a few weeks ago of another garden at these cottages here.)

Back at my aunt and uncle's cottage, I headed in to warm up before I ventured back out to the party.

Their cottage is always cozy, comfy and inviting. We often have our big family Thanksgiving here with a nice big roaring fire.

But on Saturday night we just settled for warming our hands over some candles.

All-in-all, it was a great evening spent with the family.

Even with the crazy family members like my brother.

And the just as crazy sister. I'm going to miss her when she's goes back to university this week.

It seems that summer has come and gone. Back to school. Back to work. But its memories like this night that you'll keep. (Although the same won't be said of my tan!)

Cottage Dogs

When I headed out to Six Mile Lake, I had every intention of taking Whiskey up to romp around with the other dogs, but then he developed a fear of fireworks (poor buddy!) and I didn't want him to have to deal with that in an unfamiliar place. However my friends did bring their adorable pups, and we all know how I love to take pictures of dogs (one of my favorite subjects, by far). I think its their cute expressions that really get me hooked into them.

Like Keela. Her face is just so cute, and she is the most lovable thing. She just wants to curl up with you whenever she can. I have a 3 inch scratch/bruise on my leg to prove it, from when she jumped on the bed to cuddle with me on the last night.

The one thing that is guaranteed to distract Keela from being adored by humans, is when she can play with Shauna's dog, Shelby.

I know that they are just rolling around having from "Wrestle Mania" time, but it did look like they were just hugging it out.

Shelby is the sweetest, most obedient Shepherd/Lab/Whatever cross I've ever seen. The emotions that she can emit from those gorgeous brown eyes are incredible. Smart as all get out.

Keela on the other hand is just happy to have the golf ball.

(Don't worry, I took it away from her before it became a choking hazard).

What is it about a dog that makes even guys become all affectionate?

Until they pull back their faces.

But I don't think that Keela minds every much. However she can really pull of that "Human Society commercial" look. You know the one? Where the dogs are in cages and the narrator pleads for you to donate. But don't be fooled by this look on Keela. Her tail was wagging, she was getting a lovely back rub and within a couple of minutes she was out like a light.

I'd like to call this one "Skipper and Gilligan". I just can't decide which is which.

The pups were so good on the boat - no moving around or causing a ruckus (I just love that word). They were content to just lay down and watch everyone getting thrown off the watertubes.

But at the end of the day they can just curl up on someone's lap and enjoy the sunset while getting a scratch behind their ears. What a life ;)

Jump!

While I was up at Six Mile Lake last weekend, some of the gang headed to a big rock ledge to go cliff jumping. I decided to stay behind and read on the dock, but Shauna grabbed the camera and headed out with them. She got some pretty great photos of everyone jumping in, that I photoshopped together real quickly, and I just thought I'd share them :)

Here we go!

(Doesn't he kind of look like he is standing on water in the middle shot?)

Just looking at these photos makes my stomach queezy thinking about that free-falling feeling. But the shots turned out great. Thanks Shauna!