The Top 5 of August!

August is like a long Sunday for teachers.  You know it's coming, you don't want to admit it, but every time you turn around there are reminders that summer will be over before you know it.  Usually, this is true for me as well but this year our August was so jam packed that it was hard to find the time to really dwell while being so excited for life that was happening in that moment.  So lets take a look at the Krienke Top Five of August 2019. 

# 1  Gem Lakes at Narrows Hills Provincial Park

The Gem Lakes are one of those naturally breathtaking places.  There are 7 lakes in total, that were all carved out by glaciers in the last ice age.  The hike around these lakes is  a mere 5.5 km but don't let that fool you, because it's a fairly  difficult trek as the path weaves through the forest and around the  lakes, leaving you short of breath at times.  Along the hike there is much to do and see, from picking berries, meeting other hikers, watching people fish from their canoes, and stopping to enjoy the many look out points along the way.  At the end we looped back to the first lake where we had a BBQ and went for a dip in the clearest water I've ever seen in Saskatchewan.  Next year we are even thinking of going camping in a tent for a night at this location and enjoying it in new and different ways.  If you live in Saskatchewan, this is a MUST do and see.

#2  The 3rd Annual Roffey/Krienke Family Summer Extravaganza

We love all of our friends but the Roffey/Krienke summer get-together has become a tradition.  Our two families settle in for a couple of days of shenanigans, visits, and all things that are fun.  This year included yard sized Jenga, wings night at the golf course, the girls annual fancy lunch, beaching, boating, a lemonade stand and drinks by the fire.  It's definitely become one of our top favorite summer traditions.

# 3 Alen the Teen

We now, not officially, but have a kid that is learning to drive!  Yup, I took Alen for a little drive around Candle Lake.  I trusted him so much that I even let the girls buckle up in the back.  If you are new around here, Alen is my nephew, and I often refer to him as the child who first showed me what  unconditional love for a child meant.  His annual visits are now going on year 13 and it's scary to think that they might eventually stop.  Until then, we love when he comes and  we try  to squeeze as much  fun as possible with him over the short time we  have with him.  This year that included boating until it was way past sunset so he could do all of his favorites (the kid is a natural).  We also went berry picking, played new games, watched a movie and shed some tears, went to the movie theater to the Lion King and did a little bit of shopping. Oh,  and we got some nice photos of the kids with my mom and dad.  Score!

#4  Kid Free Week! 

For the second year, my girls went to British Columbia to visit my sister and family.  All three kids flew back together and the girls came home by themselves.  Here is a media post summing up how I feel about it,

Today my children came home after a week in Victoria with my sister and her family. You guys, my heart is so full knowing that regardless of the distance that separates us, that my girls have a deep connection with them . These trips encourage them to build lifelong bonds with extended family and to feel like they have a support system much larger than just Logan and I. I also am grateful that when they go there they make connections with extended family,Smilja Fazlagic, thank you for always loving them and showing them a great time. Family and friends are our best assets. 🥰

#5  Wedding Anniversary

16 years  ago  we said "I do".  Since the girls were gone we took the opportunity to celebrate by spending lots of time together.  As I've mentioned before we don't do gifts, but rather focus on quality time and making new memories.  This was also our third year since we decided that we would  take turns planning our anniversary date.  The rule is we just have to do something, but it doesn't need to be fancy.  If you followed along on IG stories, you know it was a 2 day event, starting with a river run, followed by 9 holes at a local golf course.  PAUSE.  Bragging break.  I got my first par and I finished all 9 holes by myself and without playing best ball.  Disclaimer.  By  the end of the round I was so over it!  LOL.  We explored the riverbank with our pups, went to Black Fox Distillery to pick some lovely gladiolus and have a drink, grabbed some gelato from Beppi's, and ended the evening off with dinner at Una Pizza & Wine, followed by another river walk.  All I really need and want is to continue to grow and evolve our relationship, and we can't do that if we aren't spending quality time together.  

And since it's Friday and I usually do Fashion Fridays, here are three of my favorite August outfits.  If you are interested in more cute summer outfits check out this jumpsuit, chambray maxi dress, and some pattern mixing here!

What was your favorite August 2019 memory?