The many gifts of this summer now include a visit with my sister Andrea, who with her husband Steve, their youngest son Mitchell, and granddaughter Mary Jane have come to spend time with his family in Barrhaven, just outside Ottawa. Yesterday we joined them at his brother's home for a BBQ and swim in the pool. My son Jesse and niece Audrey went along and Jesse just about lived in the pool all day and evening with cousin Mitchell and little Mary Jane. Andrea and I were joking about us having the Nablo waterbug: our father is still an avid swimmer and clearly some of his grandchildren, as well as his one (so far) great grandchild, have inherited this propensity. We just like water! Andrea played "underwater dragon" with Mary Jane for a while, carrying her on her back and diving under like a dolphin. I tried that and had to keep my head above water but Mary Jane had lots of fun. Audrey was also very good with the children in the water.

Above, you will find a photo from last year of our parents with Andrea, Mary Jane, and Steve.