It has been a wet one.

It has been wet, but I had no idea that we were breaking any records.

Check out this article: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/official+July+Ottawa+wettest+month+history/1841495/story.html.

Thank goodness we were exposed to so much rain on the West coast. The funny thing is, they have had record breaking heat and humidity in Vancouver and Seattle this month!

Baloo

We have waited a long time and although Baloo's behaviour isn't perfect, he is pertty close. He is sweet and lovable. The boys are learning how to behave so that he doesn't get over excited. The boys are larning to give him space and they are learning a little about forgiveness, because puppy teeth hurt, but Baloo doesn't mean to hurt them. I have found that the relationship between the boys and the dog has been better than expected. I have found Ethan more than once snuggling in a special place, just him and Baloo singing a song to his pal. Of all the kids, I think Ethan has benefitted most from having a little bit more responsibility and feeling, as he says, "more grown up". He needed that!
With some training, Baloo will be a wonderful family pet that we hope to have to many many years!

Male #3

This weekend we are heading to Little Britain to pick up our newest member of the family. We got the following note from our breeder:

Thanks for being so patient with me and waiting until I completed the final temperament test.I have watched the pups very closely over the last 4 weeks trying to figure out their temperaments and then a few days ago I did the final temperament test. When deciding which pup is best I look at how they interact with myself, other objects, animals, sounds and their mother and litter mates and also I look at the final temperament test score.I've put all this info together trying to determine which one is best for you and yes,

I've concluded that male #3 will be amazing for you guys. He is the calmest and most gentle of the litter and I think this is very important since you guys have young kids (compared to all the other families who are getting dogs from this litter) I usually but the calmer, more laid back pup with families with small kids. I find it works out better).

He also has a wavy coat which should be OK for allergies!

He is a fun, playful, loving dog that isn't to crazy or hyper but he still loves to play and is not shy or timid! He is a very social pup and a very affectionate pup. I can flip him on his back and he just lays there. He is very people oriented vs independent and would rather be with people then off doing his own thing. He adjusts very well to new situations and he is a dog you can take anywhere and he will not be shy or sketch (obviously you have to socialize him when younger) but his personality would not cause him to be like this.

Obviously as you know a lot has to do with training as well and if you read some of the book I sent you and follow all these techniques in the book a long with all the things I send you in the puppy packet you will have an amazing dog!

Let me know what you think about this pup!I will see you on the 25th at 1 pm sharp!

Sherrywww.swissridgegoldendoodles.com

We have been on the waiting list since March for this little guy and we are really excited to bring him home! If you want to take a look at Male #3, check out the Swiss Ridge website and follow the Puppies link to English Goldendoodles (not mini's).

Captain Underpants Simon!

I can't believe it, we are on our way to being diaper free!

Simon is in the process of potty training. We are at the stage when he wears underwear, but I have to carry a potty everywhere we go. So, I wouldn't say that he is fully potty trained because I still hover over him. However, he is taking the initiative and pees on the potty when I least expect it (sometimes 10 min after the last pee). He is also quite happy to sit there, read a book and do his other business.

Our garbage will be reduced and less smelly and soon we won't have to pay for diapers for nights either!

The goal was to have him fully trained before we get our puppy in two weeks. With the success Simon has had so far, we might just do it!

We are all happy to cheer Simon on. He is really growing up!

Jessica and Allen's Wedding

Pre wedding pictures.

The sista's!

Dad making Mom giggle.

Jess, Gregory and Emma.

Jess and Allen with BJ and Granny.

Dancing!

Georgia dancing with Patrick with his fast feet.

Ian fishing.

Air guitar with Lucy, Allen's mom.

Overall, it was a great night!

Canada Day In Ottawa

Every year we celebrate

Canada Day by dressing in our patriotic colours and visiting some of the local events. In Surrey we used to walk to the celebration. There was always great music on the big stage and a festive atmosphere, and we always ran into friends. . Last year we went with our friends Susan, Dan and their kids.

This year we were pretty psyched to go to Parliament Hill to watch the musical ride done by the RCMP on horses, buskers, and various groups in concert. Our big mistake was that we brought the double stroller. There were so many people that it was very difficult to

maneuver through the crowds. It was also pretty tricky to hear or see the concerts. The buskers were a big success, but I think that with kids, we prefer to stick to the smaller local venues.

We still had a great time and look forward to when the kids are older and we

can take them back to the big concerts to enjoy together.

Fishing is Gross... But Look at those Faces.

I will be the first to admit, I don't love fishing. The idea of placing a hook through wriggling worm, throwing it to the fish and then reeling in something that is hooked and living is enough to turn me off of eating fish forever.
However, I am one of those parents who seem to have this desire to make my kids happy at whatever cost. I truly enjoy seeing the boys faces when they have hooked a big one. As in-humane and gross as it may be in my own mind, I can look past it because the boys simply love it. They don't fight or argue when they fish, in fact they are quiet most of the time. They are not running around like maniacs either. Their energy is focused on where the next big one might be. I can imagine that because this is something that they all enjoy, it is not really competitive and they are happy doing it, fishing might actually bring the boys closer together! So, I will sacrifice a few worms and allow a few fish to get hooked (and released) just "for the kids", because when they are happy, I am happy. But Ian is in charge the bait.