weekend fun~ including the possibly annual "VS polar dip"

what a great day Sunday was...spring was alive and well here that day and there was a collective sigh of relief that we were actually enjoying the long-awaited warmer temperatures.  so beautiful and sunny and breezy and warm.  we went to church and then skipped over to the park and beach for some outdoor fun. 

bikes were soon on~ yes on, the play equipment as daddy had another one of his insane creative ideas~ this time riding down the slides by bicycle. uh-huh... it wasn't too busy at the park so Hudson and Adam were at liberty to explore and jump and be daring examples to their much younger brother.  AJ was all eyes, fully aware of what was taking place.  soon, he was saying "AJ's turn" so Jeff took his "bike" (not exactly, but currently his favourite vehicle) and let him ride down the sloped path of the play structure as well. 

so cute to watch.  so much excitement.  then we went down to check out the beach.  the sun was warm and feet were cold from dipping in the icy water.  below is AJ and grandpa Joe...or grandma Joe as AJ often calls him.  both sets of grandparents are all either "grandma" one day or all "grandpa" another day.  pretty confusing when you're three...

once home, Jeff pulled back the safety cover on the pool and threw out the option of swimming to any kids that were interested.  the pool is technically open, but we're obviously not removing the cover altogether, just yet.  the water is mostly clear and looked pretty inviting (if you're under 14, that is...).  well, that and the offer of loonies and toonies, depending on the feats performed in the pool was a pretty tempting proposition for some of our crew.  I don't know why i was surprised, but Hudson disappeared into the house and emerged a few minutes later in his bathing suit, wasted no time and quickly jumped in the pool.  then Joelle followed, then Adam, then our neighbour Nick and finally Layla.  for another dollar Hudson even swam a full length in the 43 degree water.  although, knowing Hudson it wasn't the money that motivated him.  he's all about the show.  and what a show it was!!! :) Hannah was smart and decided to watch from the sidelines, and AJ was happy to just cruise around in his briefs~ again, taking it all in.  speaking of taking it all in,  my family and I commented on how nice it will be to stare at the cuteness of his little brown self all summer long.  to see his bare feet and tummy and little arms and legs busily exploring in the warmth of the season.  bliss....

below~ AJ flexing, in case it isn't obvious... :)

the grand finale to the day was an ATV ride by Uncle Joe and then a few tears as i pried him away to tuck into bed.  i'm sure the dreams were vivid that night...