Summer highlights!

We had a delightful summer with many visits with dear family and friends. For some we didn't have to travel, for others, we travelled far but so worthwhile!

June brought joy with Auntie Joyce visiting us in our new location. We hiked the mountains, saw frozen lakes, beautiful wildflowers in bloom and wildlife of various kinds!



































We journeyed to Ontario in late June for a special July 1st Celebration - Geraldine's father turned 80 years! We praise and thank our dear Lord for His preserving grace in his life all those years, despite health concerns and various trials. God has been good - His faithfulness is new every morning.













It was a joy to cook breakfast for my dear father, and what better way to celebrate Canada Day than to have pancakes with fresh strawberries and real whipping cream!

We enjoyed beautiful fellowship that day with so many family..God's goodness and blessings were celebrated as well as a warning not to reject His grace and favour (Deuteronomy 6:1-15). Here are some photos of the generations from those 80 years:


Reina, oldest child



Amy and Sarah with covenant children in their womb (two granddaughters, born in July and August)




....and the other 4 children (and spouses), 21 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren!










The boys had a great time with their cousins.













Enroute to Ontario we enjoyed sweet fellowship with Aunt Reinie & Uncle Rog in Michigan - she had to photograph Albert's car towing the Airstream to prove to colleagues that it really did pull it!










....and dear friends who enjoy sailing...the boys are looking forward to a calm day to sail, Robert!










Although noisy, the boys had a blast with Scottie playing drums and guitars. Thanks for your hospitality Jude & Tone!









Always fun to play with friends of the same age and share great food and drink and conversation with dear friends.









We were blessed also to visit Albert's only surviving aunt from his father's family and uncle. We were able to connect with friends from our previous, brief stay in Chatham.













...and dear friends from our Riverside brethren!

























We praise God for you all and your love shown to us in so many ways!

Nature Walk discoveries

Our Spring certainly has been varied in weather patterns! A fellow blogger from northern California has had snow even this week (May!).





On our typical route along the local river, we enjoyed March's chinook warmth and puddles, (thankful for rubber boots!).





Mid April brought another snowstorm. However, despite our wondering about weather patterns, our God remains faithful in that each season and created order continue despite chilly temperatures.



















Gideon was delighted to discover "Pagoo" at the local lake. We observed that Pagoo's family members hide amid the big rocks. Peter turned it over and observed that it was growing a new leg. Later on our walk around the lake, we discovered that the food source of Gulls is the hermit crab :( Some were rescued by Gideon and Peter and returned to their habitat. The nature cycle of life was once again observed.

"Pagoo" is a lovely, living book written by Holling Clancy Holling about tide pool life and the life cycle of "Pagoo" a hermit crab. It has beautiful illustrations as well. Highly recommended for 6-9year olds as a read aloud book, particularly for families living near the sea or ocean.

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!