Fishy

I know when a person takes a blog break, it would be kind to tell the readers that one is taking a break. What I don't know is how a person knows there is going to be a break. My breaks just seem to come upon me by some random schedule of mood.

Anyway, summer is almost over and it's time to share some of the wonderful happenings that filled ours.

Tonight, I'll just post this darling clip of Sarah and Jacob that we took one evening when LK and I were looking after them.

Enjoy - Fishy Face.

Sisters

This afternoon we went over to the Schulz's to take care of Anna and Laura while their parents went to a wedding. We had grand ideas to go on an outing - maybe a little hike or a playground, but it was just so hot and the house was just so air conditioned. We hung around home and had a great time playing on the deck and in the shady back yard.

Anna is four, the same as Eva and Elijah, Laura is one, the same as Anders and Jacob. When you are one there's a big span between those who have just turned one and those who are nearing two!

Anna thinks she looks like a teacher in the glasses. Anna's on the big swing and Laura in the one that looks like it has a tray. Anna took a some pictures of me - here's one of Laura and I. We were talking about who is silly. I asked Anna if she ever is silly and she made the silly face at the bottom of this collage. Anna and I did lots of coloring. Laura helped.

Steve gave us money to order baked lasagna in. Talk about spoiling the grandparents! We got such a charge out of Laura's enjoyment of her dinner. She started out with a fork and things just went south from there! Well, every direction actually. Traces of dinner pretty much from head to toe. She just got us laughing so much and I guess our laughing really got her laughing all the more.

Giddy giggles maybe. Sad tears appeared just after 7:00. Anna took a picture of me soothing her sister just before I put her into her jammies and got her bottle. Anna was quite the little helper. She put her sisters sleepy time music on and brought her own little chair to sit by Laura and I, who were rocking in the rocking chair. Anna patted Laura and kept saying softly, "It's OK". So sweet and helpful.

LK had to leave for an evening concert at work. I beat him home and have put away four baskets of laundry, watered the plants in the back yard, and packed for family camp. Camping again - this time no cooking!

Elijah Visits

This week we had a special treat as Elijah came out to stay with us all by himself. Lance drove him out and Elijah stayed for two nights. I think it was quite a treat for him too having so much focused attention and being able to execute his ideas sans sibling interruptions - not that he doesn't love his siblings - just sayin'.

The first evening we went swimming at Oma and Opa's pool.
This was followed by a marvelous bedtime snack of pie and ice cream with blueberries.
Why did we ever get rid of our sandbox? It seems we need one again. Having none we resorted to the next best thing - plain dirt. Elijah has now borrowed Uncle Steven's grader to use in his neighborhood.We brought Elijah's bike over to Sarah's neighborhood for a ride and then had some trampoline and swing time before a picnic that Auntie Cara had made. These swings are under a grape arbor. Sarah was telling me that when the grapes are ready, she and her friend stand on the swings and pick them.
A trip to Old Macdonalds mostly for the climbing time. You don't know about Old Macdonalds? It's what Elijah calls McDonalds. Isn't that cute? We don't correct him because we like his way better. Elijah was broken hearted to hear that adults weren't allowed to climb too. We've got to go back to Crash Crawlies again.
Cousin Maddie and Elijah were able to get together also. It was too cool and windy for a swim but these two had lots of other ideas of what to do at Oma's - like wheelbarrow and scooter racing.
Race movie.

Next time - Anna's place. This time that didn't work out between my appliance repair man that I had to wait for and their flat tire on their van. Bummer.

Yesterday

Sunday night LK and I went swimming at his parents' pool. It was so warm and lovely that as soon as I got home I gave Cara a call to see if she and the kids would like to go for a swim the next day. Yes! Jacob hadn't been in a big pool outside since last summer when he was in his mommy's tummy. He liked it quite well.

Sarah is very confident in her life jacket and swims 'round the whole pool, inventing games for us to play with eggs that sink and rides behind kick boards. She's very imaginative like her mom.

Jacob liked to wave his hand in the water - sort of a little fishy move.

Near the end of swimming some cousins showed up. Maddie is showing Jacob the big truck. Jacob was very interested in it, especially the big wheels.

When we were leaving O'ma offered everyone an Oreo. Jacob was not going to have one - not having had much sugar to speak of yet. But he got to hold his mom's. At first he thought it was a toy. Then it started to dawn on him that it might be food. First he tried to feed it to his O'ma, then when no one was looking, he took a little nibble himself. His mom heard the crunch. Hmm...something new. And a little Oreo crumb on the cheek as evidence. No more sugar now until his birthday cake. Not long. Jacob's first birthday is this Thursday!

Plus Four

Aimee brought the kids down, which we thought was pretty ambitious through the slow border crossing and all. Happiness abounded when the kids arrived and explored the tent trailer. It's really nice - you should drop in sometime. We filled the days with all sorts of good things. And can you imagine sitting in your jammies in a comfy chair by the campfire with your blanket at bedtime. Nice.

One of the first thing we did, while Aimee had a rare nap, was to take the kids on a hike to the playground. The most amazing things to me was that little Anders hiked the whole way on his own two feet. He kept collecting sticks which made the narrow places tricky to maneuver. No matter, we worked together on it and sometimes he'd lay that bunch down and began collecting again. Eva was amazed to see a tree growing out of a tree stump. She also cracked us up when she "read" a warning sign to LK. "Oh, Oh. Problem, no men with Hawaiian shirts." Where does she come up with this stuff?! Of course grandpa had on a Hawaiian shirt. He continued on the path irregardless - after all he and Elijah had to bushwhack the path a bit making sure there was no stinging nettle in the way.

At the end of the path was a playground. Next to the playground there was a little store. At the store was ice cream.

There was much playing with trucks and road building. Elijah had a major breakthrough with Gracie and was chasing her around the campsite asking her to drop her toy so he could throw it into the forest again for her. It was great to see him gain confidence like that with her.

We went to Deception Pass and took the older two kids out in the canoe. We tried a little fishing but the fish were not hungry when we were there. So we had a picnic and played at the beach until Anders got hot and grumpy. I don't think I've ever looked so cute as he when I am hot and grumpy.

Stories, popcorn, swimming in the pool and eating at Applebees. Anders loved the artichoke dip and would eat everything dipped in it - chips, broccoli, chicken - his fingers. Oh - he didn't eat his fingers, just used them for scoops.

Good memories. Thanks for coming guys!

Company

Steven gave us a call one evening and asked what we were having for dinner : ) We were planning on having Mexican in Fairhaven. We changed those plans up real quick and LK made some of his famous steaks over the fire while I whipped up instant garlic roasted potatoes, corn, and salad from the deli. Pretty good fair for camping. Gracie came with and enjoyed running in the space behind our site and hanging around hoping for a treat. She got to lick the grill when LK was done with it.

Steven was pretty excited to give his dad a book about business that he had enjoyed - "Rework". It's neat to watch the men share a bond of entrepreneurship - since they are both self employed.
It was a great book and LK has already read some of it at a staff meeting!

At the end of the night, everyone came in to warm up. Gracie enjoyed some carrots and sitting on the bench with me. It was all good until she tried to give me a dog kiss on my face. I like her, but no kisses on the face please! Steve and Court try out our king sized bed. Yes, we camp in comfort after years of tenting.

It means a lot to us that our kids would go out of their way to come down for a visit. Next post - Aimee and the kids come camping. (And Steve and Courtney come back - you got a sneak peak of that already with Steve and kids on his lap.)

Camping

LK and I have just returned from two whole weeks of camping. We haven't had that long of a holiday in years! We went to Mt. Vernon Thousand Trails in Washington - again because it is our favorite. We read, swam, canoed, picnicked at ocean beaches, slept, and went for walks.

Pictured below, canoeing on Cranberry Lake at Deception Pass, our campsite B29, LK cooking. He brought our espresso maker along and we even had fresh Americanos every morning! Water flower (not a lily), Thai picnic supper at Anacortes beach (Washington State Park), and my perfect s'more.

If you know LK, you know he LOVES live music. We caught a band called the Walrus at Bellingham Bay and we dined to jazz at Skylark in Fairhaven. LK is sporting his live music smile. The dog? She sat in front of us at Bellingham bay so politely watching us eat our picnic from the Colophone Cafe. I just know she wished we would share.

This season brings back so many memories of last year at this time. The week before we left I was overcome with a paralyzing deep sadness remembering my mother's suffering last year. We had gone camping, even though it was hard to go. We'd kept in touch with my dad. My mom was being increasingly tormented with unkind voices. This was the last season of her life. We had camped at Mt. Vernon, gone to family camp, then to Whistler for LK's family reunion and as we were preparing to leave we got the call that Mom had died. During our holidays, though, we made several side trips to visit mom at her home. For this I am thankful.

This year, we camped a bit earlier. I plan to go to family camp again. LK wanted to head to Whistler too but I said not this July or August and he understood. Packing up and heading to the same places was hard and I wondered if I'd be able to experience joy on this holiday. I did. Most of the sadness was in the preparing to go.

And Anders

Anders is such a great little guy. He's all about being big these days - not to be left out of any action. He's an expert climber demonstrated below at cresting the arch of the climbing toy. Now just to navigate onto the bridge. I asked Anders to smile and got the expression second down on the right. OK - that's cute. He's moved into the bottom bunk under his brother and he is PLEASED about this - obviously.

At the park history was made as Eva viewed Anders to be big enough to be her assistant in the bakery. He'd put the cupcakes on the counter and she would "neaten" it. It's great when little brother is not seen as the pest but the assistant!

Today there is a barbecue lunch at my dad's place in honor of Father's Day. Every resident is invited even if they aren't on the lunch plan. I asked my dad if I could join him and the answer is yes. So I'm off to enjoy a free lunch with my Dad today.

Two Days

I just spent two days with the O's and came back with so many stories. I can't believe how much action three kids bring into every day.

I came armed with a project. I had it in my head to build something with Elijah out of wood. I decided a kid's picnic table would be perfect. It would be best for everyone involved if I could get one pre- cut as my measuring skills are questionable! I found a kit at Blackwood and brought it out. The only part that was already together was the top so there was a good bit of work to be done and I had eager helpers!

The first evening we took Uncle Steven's small cordless drill in the backyard and practiced with it. Elijah dragged out every piece of wood he could find and we ended up stacking up a jump for his bike too - his idea - a jump for a bike with training wheels! Turns out he's good at jumps and even when he crashed a couple of times, he was soon back at it.

In the morning we carried all the wood outside and began building. It was so interesting and challenging that both Eva and Elijah stayed focused and more than willing work partners. It was as I imagined it would be - a wonderful confidence builder and such a happy sense of accomplishment. Elijah thought it was the most beautiful table in the world. Eva said, while we were painting, that this was the beginning of a life - the table's life.

Before it was even stained we had a picnic at it. There is a hole for a childrens' size umbrella - but this big one fit jut fine too. I don't have any pictures of us painting but there is a shot of the finished project drying in the garage.

I don't know why I didn't give painting instructions - I just opened the can of stain and gave each kid a brush and let them have at it. The brushes were plunged deeply into the paint and generous lakes were spread on the table. I did point out that we needed to get paint into the cracks and encouraged smoothing the paint out - so the time was not instuctionless I guess. It probably reveals I'm more into discovery than structured learning.

We painted the picnic table early in the morning and after we all headed out to Solly's for breakfast. The whole family, plus me to meet a cousin of Lance's from Saskatoon. Here three kids kneel on stools while Mama saves outdoor tables.

Cousin Mike and Lance.
Elijah and his cinnamon bun.
We left Solly's to walk down to a market for snacks for Mike's road trip. I had two kids in my cart, Anders and Elijah, and we gathered things for their home. Random things like two curiously shaped yams, dish soap, apple sauce and cheese. I bought Lance some chocolate to replace his chocolate that I ate and some M&Ms for Elijah and Eva to share. Eva saw Elijah with his candy and thought she'd like one of her own so Aimee gave her some money and she made her first purchase all by herself. She was quite ticked at receiving her own receipt.

What should we see once outside but a ladder fire truck parked on Main street. The friendly fireman invited the kids to sit inside. Elijah was cautious but Eva took him up on it right away. She also chatted up a storm with him about the cut on her chin, that she had cried a long time about and that the doctor glued it. Also she showed him her M&Ms and her receipt and told him about her shopping experience. Quite the talker. I think she had him at hello.

Anyway - the family is invited to come down to the station any time to visit. Cool. The other two firemen came back armed with groceries and the fire truck took of down the block. Elijah came to LIFE. He hit the ground running, yelling and chasing the truck, "Catch that fire truck"!!

Anyway - the family is invited to come down to the station any time to visit. Cool. The other two firemen came back armed with groceries and the fire truck took of down the block. Elijah came to LIFE. He hit the ground running, yelling and chasing the truck, "Catch that fire truck"!!

Eva in the truck showing off her M&Ms.

And that's just part of the news. I didn't even mention the part where all three kids were wrestling me in the living room and I was yelling, "You're making me into a pancake - a PANCAKE I tell you!!!" Well, I guess I told you now ;-)

Summer Camp

On Hatzic Island, outside of Mission, there is a lovely little camp with a big heart called Camp Luther. I first became familiar with it when I was attending Bible school in Alberta. The summer director that year was a classmate of mine and was recruiting staff at Bible school. I became a counselor that summer.Since then many property improvements have been made and the program has just gotten better and better - for kids and families. Oh, all my kids have worked at Camp Luther, and two of my son-in-laws, some for multiple summers!

Saturday was the annual bike/walk/canoe-a-thon. Or I should say ARR THON since the theme this year is a pirate one. We met the main character for this year's camp. Last year he did a great job playing a detective, this year he's a pirate.

I recommend Camp Luther for people of all backgrounds. It's a welcoming grace filled place where a lot of fun is had, where people can grow in knowledge and faith from whatever place they find themselves in.

We played games. I lost this one by just a smidge. It's about pumping the most air into a balloon the fastest until the balloon hits a pointy thing in the frame that pops it. No matter that I lost, I had lots of fun trying to hip check LK out of the way and creating a general nuisance of myself.

I plan on being at family camp again. You don't have to be in a family to come - it's just an all ages camp. Lance is teaching a morning study. Then there is an adult option of some sort - ie sports, scrap booking, photography, water color painting lesson. Something like that. Good food, all afternoon free time, beach, evening session and end of day campfire. It's lovely and I invite you.

http://campluther.ca/index.php?q=home.html

PS I didn't get paid for this ad - but I am on the board! :-)

Number Four

Happy Fourth Birthday Elijah and Eva!!

Jesus loves you very much and so do we!

Love Grandma Kathy and Grandpa LK

Yesterday

Yesterday the sun came out, then Cara called me and invited me to the lake. I did not hesitate one second. First we played at the new playground for awhile - one I had never been to yet. I enjoyed Sarah giving me a tour of the things she likes best - climbing. Also, there are some drums to play. Sarah and I, along with another little girl got quite the groove on if I say so myself. Jacob had a good time in the swing and playing assorted games of 'gotcha' every time he came forward in the swing.

After the playground we continued around the lake. I always look for the turtles sunning themselves on the log - usually quite far from the people. BUT look! Someone is not shy this summer and suns himself right nearby the dock. We got a charge out of him and then came a group of kids running. When they spied him a shout went up, "OUR MASCOT!". So we new he's been close by before. When the kids all rushed over to one corner of the floating dock that corner sunk and the kids shoes were getting wet. I wondered if the dock could bend and break but mostly it seemed funny to me.

Cara handed me a home baked muffin that I ate on my walk home and it was FABULOUS. Restaurants should serve such great baking.

Near supper LK called to say he had a bit of a headache. I thought, oh well, our plans to go see the play "Chickens" tonight wont work out. Still though he felt like going out for a nice dinner. The next part is funny to me. I had gone to Shane and Angela Wiebe's concert the other night. Shane was thanking their sponsors and highlighted one called Mike's Steakout. Often serving fresh and local food. At least that's what I thought I head. Also, he mentioned that they had recently changed the name - from what I couldn't remember.

I looked on the internet but only found what seemed to be a store. I gave Angela a call and she gave me directions. Well, I was first out of the car and when I walked into Mike's I laughed out loud. Mike's Steakout is a STORE not a restaurant. I explained to the staff person why I was laughing and LK and I took a tour of the beautiful shop - a party in the making especially if you like to barbecue. Quite a big of fresh and local meats. We left with two steaks and turkey dogs that they make themselves. There were tonnes of interesting condiments, spices and dips too along with precooked wings, stuffed mushrooms and other goodies. This is good news to me because party prep overwhelms me - but I do like parties!

Then we went to Milestones which is a restaurant and we enjoyed a lovely meal together, during which my date's headache left him.

Growing Up

Anders is growing up. He and his siblings stayed overnight on Sunday and he demonstrated repeatedly how much he thinks he is a big kid now.

Number one - Don't leave me out. If you leave me out I will be very unhappy. See top center photo where Elijah is protecting his Duplo project from his little brother.

Number two - NO MORE BABY CHAIRS. Little fellow would not sit in a highchair any more. He cried and stiffened his body while clearly pointing at a big chair. of course this left more room for antics including science experiments involving liquid combinations, belly show offs and yogurt hair.

Number three - I climb!

And climb. Check out the clean dishes in the dish drainer. And you might be interested to know that when I needed to squeeze the water out of the dishcloth I crushed it to my chest with both hands. It works good - except my shirt got kind of wet. And yes, I hauled the chairs over all by myself.

And a little movie of a kitchen climb. And if Grandma Kathy complains about the work quality, well hey, I make up for it with enthusiasm.

Jana and Jason

Isn't it neat that every wedding has it's own personality? My niece, Jana, got married last Sunday to a boy named Jason. I know I called him a boy! As I get older these couples seem younger and younger. Shoot, when I look back at my own wedding pictures I exclaim, "We were just kids!" Ah, the beauty of youth and new beginnings.

These two got married on a river with Mt. Cheam as a backdrop. The parents and bridal party arrived via vintage trucks and cars. The grandpa of the bride preformed the ceremony.

Happy and dancing.

The dinner was delicious. It's great to celebrate with family and friends.

Blessings Jana and Jason.

Lodge Decor

Time for a little decor update. My dad is pretty settled in. I think the only remaining tasks are to put a shelf up over the computer and for him to decide where he wants to hang his calendar. Pretty good eh?

I was thrilled to find lodge style tapestry bedspreads to replace the older style floral ones. One has a cabin featured in the middle and the other a black bear. I painted the brass and pink lamps with a metal type paint and put new square shades on them. Totally different look!

And here's my dad. Doesn't he look settled? It's still a big transition, but it is going so well.

One day I was in the elevator with a staff person. I said I was there to visit my dad and bring him some shelves. She asked me who my dad was and when I told her she exclaimed, "He's delightful! I'm just getting to know him". I was happy to report to my dad that he's already earning a reputation for himself and it's a good one!

The fish, a northern, was caught in Ontario - so it's a Canadian fish.

I'm recovering my energy bit by bit. The other day I laid down for a nap and woke up FOUR hours later. Oh my goodness. I took this as an indication that my body is finally relaxing from being in overdrive for so long.

I'll try to catch up with some other fun posts over the next few days.
Thanks for reading.