Peter turns Eleven!

April has flown by......Peter turned eleven and the joke around here is we have a "seven/eleven" with the boys' ages.












Books were the theme in gifts - "Scout" from Opa and Oma











These from dear friends who have 3 boys and what fun these books are!









Some by Douglas Bond, Guns of Thunder and Guns of the Lion from dad and mom.






Peter used his gift money towards the purchase of an ebook reader! (also had the gift card from the practice a thon toward this goal)




Gideon was certain that Peter would love the Voyage of the Dawn Treader dvd. We enjoyed part of the afternoon watching the move.







Peter and his friend Nathan and Gideon enjoyed 2 1/4 hours in a local indoor waterpark to celebrate his birthday a few days earlier. It was a lot of fun going down the waterslides on tubes and through one that was dark!









Of course, what would a birthday be without a nature walk!

Ch...ch...ch...changes......

in nature....
March 16......
April 14!!












and .....April 24
sunshine and bare feet









and Gideon skinned his knees!












AND.......this.....

to this :)))

Winter learning experiences

Valentines Day "chinook", 12 degrees Celsius! and sunshine.












Both boys are involved in the newly formed "Hallelujah" Boys' Choir, with weekly rehearsals and concerts. (see April Concerts for photos, hopefully videos too!)









Peter participated in the local Registered Music Teachers Association 'Practice-A-Thon' fundraiser, practicing the highest amount of hours in his age category and raising the highest amount of funds overall! He won a $25 gift card for the local music store (which he graciously gave to his mother!) and a $100 Future shop gift card which he was delighted to purchase his ebook reader (with additional birthday funds -thank you Omas and Opa :)
"Now I don't have to drag all my books in the car to Ontario this summer!" exclaimed Peter.
Thanks to all who supported him in various ways.













Gideon participated in "Put it on Paper" class at the Arts Centre


















Peter enjoyed "Clay Wheel" pottery class





















Both enjoy sports programs at the YMCA: swimming lessons, gymnastics, volleyball, track and field etc. Gideon hanging on!

Skiing the Rockies!

We have enjoyed skiing in the Canadian Rockies this winter and the boys are loving it! It has been a pleasure to spend time with our friend Val prior to or after a day of skiing. Views from her windows!








Gideon stopped briefly to allow his picture to be taken, then was off again.












Peter has really progressed....past mom's skill level, so he challenges daddy on some blue runs. He's already talking about which black diamond runs he'd like to try next! Help...Uncle Henry we need you to come out and ski with your nephew next year!












When we aren't skiing the boys enjoy playing with their friend, J, making snow tunnels, toboganning and "hunting" in the wilds...

Snowy observations

Wandering again along the riverside, in the brush, we enjoyed warm sunshine, blue skies and the beauty of nature.












The fort, snow covered.



Enjoying the sunshine.

Wednesday Wanderings

Our Wednesday Nature wanderings are back and what a blessing. In early January, we wandered along the Old Man River in an area we had not yet discovered. What a delight to observe the changes on the River from the other seasons...















Continuing along the river we then went inland and made some interesting discoveries. As a result of a great deal of flooding last Spring, there are interesting finds where branches and logs have been caught.






....not sure whose home this might be - coyote? wolf?














A natural fort was great pleasure and a tradition on this nature route.













The area inland from the River is an array of small brush and birch trees revealing the importance of geography for the aboriginal peoples originally inhabitants of this area.

Christmas at home

We enjoyed a quiet and blessed Christmas here in our home. Although we missed our families from Ontario we did enjoy fellowship here. It was a pleasure to spend time with the family of God at our church Christmas eve service. The children sang and did recitations from Scripture. It was a blessing to be surrounded by the fellowship of the saints. We were blessed to be invited for Christmas dinner at friends from church. We hope your celebrations were a blessing as well.

The boys enjoyed a variety of gifts (toys, chocolate, books, gift cards...).

Uncle Scott gave the boys these "Music T-shirts" which Aunt Anita forewarned would be loud! Peter is beating on the drums and Gideon is improvising on the electric guitar. They come with a speaker and batteries! Thanks Uncle Scott!


Peter and Gideon with their gift cards from Aunt Joyce. To keep the boys in suspense, since they were expecting a Canada Post parcel....I wrapped the cards in a large moving box hoping to have the boys think it was Lego! Well...initially it was a go until Peter discovered when holding the box that it felt the same size as a moving box! (you know you've moved often when your son recognizes the size of a moving box!)

Peter used his gift card to purchase a digital camera(in his hand) and a small amount of Lego, while Gideon purchase the Fire Station Lego set with two vehicles and has a small balance for a future purchase! Thanks Aunt Joyce!


Knowing that the boys enjoy reading, Uncle Harry and Aunt Janey sent a gift card for the national bookstore. Peter purchased The Red Badge of Courage (Stephen Crane) and one of J.K. Rowling's books. Gideon purchased Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat.


We look forward to enjoying other gifts on our family ski trip in January.