Most favorite day EVER!

Last week John and I were able to go on a real hike together!  I say "real" because since the time we got married almost 9 years ago, our "hiking" adventures have been limited to trails that could be done with our kids.  2-4 mile type trails, with slight incline, zero difficulty and countless games of "I Spy" and bribes for ice cream if they would "just keep climbing!"    I'm not knocking it, as that is what a hike in our family is like - and I love it.     But for a couple of years I have longed to do a big hike.  Something challenging.  Something John and I could really work at.  

My goal was to chose a beautiful trail that would provide an opportunity for me to gather some landscape photos for a contest that I want to enter.     So we hiked Crypt!  In the 80's this trail was voted Canada's #1 hike - so it had to be beautiful right? 

Boy was it.

Ten minutes into the hike and I knew that I was going to see a part of Waterton that I had never before gotten to enjoy.   It was at that point that I also knew that I was very VERY out of shape.   I didn't know it was possible to feel so much excitement and PAIN at the same time.  (without having a baby that is)

Hiking sans children was more enjoyable then I should admit.    I mean really!   For the first time in years - we both went to the bathroom without having to do it in "shifts" so that someone could stay behind and watch the kids.     As we walked we talked about intellectual things.    We talked about where "ideas" come from, and what makes someone creative.   (For the record it is our opinion, that the most creative people in life are also those "most willing to share their life and what they know with others.")   We talked about each of our kids and whether or not it is ok to have a favorite child.   Which we don't.   But if we did- it would be Nathan.

JUST KIDDING!

Not a single game of "I Spy" had to be played, and not once did either of us pipe in and whine, "Are we there yet?"    I may have come close, and I may have asked that question numerous times in a more mature and round about way - but I never whined!    It was glorious!  

We passed by several waterfalls!   Each of them beautiful.

The scenery was breathtaking!   As you hike Crypt you pretty much cover it all.   You enjoy beautiful lush vegetation as you follow a narrow trail through thick forest.   Other times you find yourself climing shale through the blazing sun.  Yet at some points you even have Snow to deal with.  

My favourite point of the hike is near the end.  You come to this 8 foot ladder that you climb up and immediately you are at the entrance to a narrow and misshaped cave.

You climb through that cave on your knees at times and exit to the most breathtaking view EVER.

Opposite to this amazing view, there is a cable in bedded into the side of the mountain.   This comes in handy as you make your way along the narrow rock wall.   Think edge of a cliff!

After 30 feet or so you are back on safe ground and pretty much finished.   The lake is just moments away and boy is it beautiful!!!  Of course John was not content to enjoy the view with the other hikers who had made it up that day.   We had to scale a slippery ledge of snow and walk around the lake to find the perfect fishing hole.

Which turned out to be "not so perfect" but that is Ok.   We sat on a rock for a couple of hours and ate, fished, talked and enjoyed the beauty around us.   

Of course, John would never make a trip like this without bringing along his bullwhip!    It made a fantastic sound as it echoed through the canyon.   

I always like watching John crack his whip!   However, the clouds moving over us were looking ominous and we absolutely had to be back at the head of the trail by 5:00 so we loaded up our stuff, took one last look, and headed back down.  Only this time MUCH faster. 

It took us 3 hours to reach the lake and only half that time to get back to the start of the trail!

To access the Crypt trail, you must cross the main lake in Waterton, and in most cases that is via the shuttle that leaves the town site only twice a day and returns to pick up hikers only twice a day.   We had already missed the first pick up, and I was starting to seriously wonder if we'd make the second pick up or not.     For some reason, the thought of spending a night on that mountain didn't sound that exciting to me. 

Luckily, we made it back in plenty of time.   I sat at the edge of the lake and soaked my aching feet while John fished, and others sat and waited on the dock.    We had enjoyed perfect weather the entire day.  No wind.   Beautiful sunshine in the morning, and overcast skies in the afternoon which offered relief from the sun.   As we waited for the shuttle to arrive we watched as a thunderstorm rolled in ahead of us, and I wondered if our luck was about to run out.

I'm not even kidding-  it was not even 1 minute after everyone got onto the boat and we headed back towards the town site that the rain began to pour!  POUR!   It was such a cozy feeling to finally be sitting, having accomplished that goal, and get to enjoy a beautiful storm while staying warm and dry.  It could not have been more perfect.

Of course, I have to thank my Sister Jewel and her husband Kendall for even making that experience possible for us.   I'm sure watching our kids is exactly how they wanted to spend an entire day,(sarcasm intended)  but it was so perfectly awesome for me.    I laughed.  I cried.  And I rolled my ankle about 4 times.

Now as I hobble along favoring a sore leg and possibly even a broken toe, I think back fondly to that hike, which now goes down as ...

 one of my most favorite days ever!

PS:   The pictures here are Ok - but check out our other blog for some of my favorites!

Is it just me, or does it take a while to settle back in to normal life after you've gone somewhere?
After having so much fun at Bear Lake with John's family a couple of weeks ago, it doesn't really surprise me that most of this week was spent trying to recover and re-adjust.    Unfortunately, the sore eyes/scratchy throat/earache I've had for the past few weeks has reared it's ugly head and though there is lots to update and journal about- my energy levels are way too low.  


Some highlights of this week in short, are:

Nate now has ....a TOOTH!   It is a big fat tooth right in the center of his ever so delightful smile!    Every time I look at him now I am shocked that he has gotten soo big!   That might be because he is usually flashing that big tooth WHILE standing up on his own or scuttling along furniture in dangerous and haphazard ways.   Little boys are so much work -but also such an adventure!



Speaking of Adventures....I had one this week. A "Grown up Hike" with nobody else but John! It was glorious and painful all at the same time. More on that another time. (due to the whole lack of energy thing)

We enjoyed a day in Calgary riding on all of the rides that Calaway Park had to offer.   It was especially fun to have Rachel, Caleb and Malachi join us.  Everything is more enjoyable when you do it with cousins right?   That's what my kids think.   So they were over the moon excited when we made a stop in Okotoks for the world's best rootbeer floats and some fun at an equally awesome splash park!


Earlier in the week, we invited Grandpa to join us for a drive down to Glacier.  (Thanks for the pass Luce!)    We enjoyed a nice easy stroll around the Swift Current Lake just by the Hotel, and the kids even stopped to fish a bit.     Abby is getting to be quite the fisher!   It makes me both proud, and slightly annoyed.  The little stinker REFUSED to give anybody else a chance!    Sam was equally determined to claim the reputation of the # 1 fisher in the family and insisted on casting alone this time.    Normally, the thought of place a large stick with a sharp object at the end into Sam's hands would have made me nervous.   Seeing as Grandpa was with us, and I wanted to look like a good and patient Mom, I sat back and let him try all he wanted.   Well - Sam is quite the fisher indeed - because on his very first try he actually caught something!

....GRANDPA!!!!    

As John attempted to un-hook Grandpa from Sam's rod all I could do was smile to myself and question just WHO exactly agreed to let Sam operate such a tool?

It's a good thing Grandpa is such a CHAMP!

Our family just returned from a most enjoyable week with John's family down at Bear Lake.   

This year John's brother Jordan, Jordan's wife Luci, and John's sister Rachel were in charge of planning the family reunion - and they could not have chosen a more family friendly place.   

Bear Lake is located on the south-east tip of Idaho and stretches down into Utah.    We stayed in a couple of cozy cabins located high up on a hill overlooking a marina and beach below.  

Every morning we would wake up, eat, pack a bag lunch and then travel the 20 minutes to the northern tip of the lake where we enjoyed perfect sand and a lake that was warm and shallow enough for the smaller kids to wade without us feeling too concerned. 

Of course there were sand castles.   Lots of sand castles!   John's family takes their castle building very seriously.   Nothing is done small when these people are involved!   Other sand play consisted of digging sand pits, making angels in the sand, and searching for handfuls of old snail shells which the younger kids collected and treasured more than anything.

 At one point the dads brought this water balloon launcher and you can bet that kept the kids happy for a good while. 

When they tired of launching water balloons, they moved on to much more entertaining, albeit explosive, activities.    I'm not exaggerating when I say that we have never ...NEVER had a family reunion that did not involve lighting something on fire and sending it off in a multitude of directions at break neck speeds.   Of course this year it was not good enough to set off just one rocket.    Nope... at one point there were three set up at one time.

It was at this point in the reunion whern I panicked, trying to remember if John's health coverage also included travel insurance.

Some of the kids though enjoyed far less dangerous pursuits.   Sam was content to spend his days floating aimlessly on his Lightning McQueen floaty.   Even better was having his cousin Libby join in the excitement.

It made me smile often to see these two cousins reunited.   Sometimes you'd see them walking holding hands and it made me sad to think that it'd be months before we might see Libby again.

We rented a boat for a couple of days, which at first sent my blood pressure soaring as I felt certain that no good could come from this.   Jordan behind the wheel of a motorboat?  Really?  

All apologies to Jordan for ever doubting his abilities.  For two days, kids and adults alike enjoyed rides, tubing, and waterskiing.    Abigail especially enjoyed the boat.  She tubed for the first time ever and even attempted waterskiing.   Everybody reported that she was absolutely FEARLESS.  Which initially sent my blood pressure soaring again-  but after placing a call to our insurance agent in regards to our coverage  (just kidding)  I was able to relax  a little and actually feel quite proud of her.

I was once fearless too.

When the family wasn't enjoying the sun on the beach, everyone could be found back at the main cabin where Jordan, Luce and Rach had planned some fabulous evening activities.   A talent show one night, a Disney Family Dance off the next, not to mention slide shows and cozy evenings roasting giant marshmallows out on the deck.

One highlight for me was on the last beach day they rented a couple of sea-doos!   Oh my goodness those were fun, and I was hardly going fast at all!   Perhaps the thing that brought more happiness to my heart then anything was seeing my father - in - law jet ski.   He is usually the one found slaving away in the kitchen preparing the next meal before we are even finished eating the first one.    It was kinda nice to see him kick back a little.      

There are a few things about Max that I think deserve being pointed out.  

*  For the first time since meeting him almost 9 years ago, I saw him wear a pair of flip flops!

*  This is a man who truly seems most willing and content  making wonderful meals for his family.

*  He can cook a turkey dinner with out the luxury of running water!

*  His heart melts and his eyes absolutely twinkle when one of the grandkids show him some love

* So many times this week I watched as Grandpa snuck a treat to one of the grandkids just to get a smile.

* I think he secretly LOVES to jet ski!  Who knew?   And I'm not too happy to admit it - but I think He went faster then I ever did that's for sure!

Of course the week wasn't free of the odd frustration here and there.    You know the usual things that are bound to happen when you put 16 adults and the same number of kids into one space.   Noise, late nights, early mornings, missing shoes that show up in all the wrong places, and games that had to end too early because we suddenly remembered we were actually the parents and there were kids to tend to.    All in all though - the only complaint I had was that I was forced to endure the task of watching a grown man dance to "Kiss the Girl" in nothing but an adult sized diaper!    (I know that might sound bizarre - but that is only because it WAS!;)

It was such a great week for my kids.  They loved being with all of their cousins, and John and I loved spending time with these wonderful people that we don't get to see nearly often enough. 

I was so impressed with how well the kids played together, and I loved watching the parents as they all played WITH their kids.   It made me want to come home and connect more with my own children and enjoy playing again.  

This is a family that can play just as hard as they work!

Thanks Jordan, Luci and Rach for the very wonderful time!

I think Abby summed it up best when she stated (more like "screamed") while zooming across the lake in a tube at break neck speed: 

 "THIS IS THE BEST VACATION EVER!!!!!!"

(Check our other blog for more scenic pictures of the trip)

FOCUS

I never really knew too much about my Dad's line of work growing up. I knew that he was a private investigator, and I knew he had a lot of cool equipment... but I never paid much attention to any of that. After he died, most of his stuff was placed in a corner of a crawl space at my sister's house. Well, recently my brother learned that both of our cameras are compatible with something called an "adaptor ring." Once an adaptor is on our camera, we can then use any old style manual lens of ANY make. Suddenly that camera equipment that my Dad had once used for work is now, once again, usable!! It's been a lot of fun to play around with some old Tamaron, Nikon and Olympus lenses. My favorite one by far is the Tamaron 500 mirror lens. That thing can zoom!


A couple of days ago I went up to the south hill in town to get a picture of the temple. I couldn't see these windmills with the naked eye, but the lens picked them up without a problem. I'm not sure if these are the windmills close to Fort Macleod or the ones closer to Pincher Creek. (John says Fort Macleod so we'd better just go with that as he is always right.)



Of course, the downside to this lens is that it requires manual focusing -something that I have yet to figure out - as you can see. That blasted tree in the front is so blurry, it completely ruins the picture.



So I tried again tonight and got this shot.

Again with the blur! I think it is the same darn tree, in my way every time. Considering how long it is taking me to figure out this whole manual focus thing- it'd be easier if I just cut down that stinking tree and eliminate it entirely.

But don't worry - I won't.

Life as a single parent and other Summer happenings

John spent all of last week bike riding somewhere through the BC mountains with the young men in the ward. Now does that sound like an awesome time or what? It almost beats the "horseback riding through the Rockies" adventure that he went on last summer. Just imagine all of the beautiful scenery he has gotten to see. I could be wrong but I don't think he has missed out on a Young Men's camp since we got married. You would think that I would have gotten used to him being away for a week or so each year - but I haven't.

The truth is, I kind of fall apart when he goes away. I stop wearing make-up altogether. I stop cooking real meals. (why try when the kids are happy with Lucky Charms?) The house reaches a rare state of "disaster," and don't even get me going about the nights. Those long nights when the kids go to bed and I sit up alone, rehashing every scary vampire movie that I've ever watched. I usually manage to fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning, curled up in the fetal position, but NOT until I have barricaded every entrance to our house with whatever large item of furniture I can move. Nope- I do not do well alone.

This year I tried to be a bit more productive, so I took the kids up to Calgary for half the week, and then spend the rest here at home. After battling with rush hour traffic, over priced hair salons, a cranky old man that I may or may not have called the police on (ok I did), suffering through a medical procedure I hope to never experience again and a couple of sleepless nights - I have decided that I do not enjoy the city life. I think I have grown far to accustomed to this little town without a Wal-mart. Luckily though the week wasn't all bad, we also enjoyed a lot of highlights as well.

Calaway park with my entire family was a hit, and dinner at Peters Drive In afterwards doesn't hurt one bit either. We enjoyed a hour or two at my sisters community lake one morning, as well as a nice (though too brief) visit with my sister in law Kat. The kids LOVED the sleepover at the Okotoks cousins house complete with the best bed time story ever. And what would Canada Day be without a trip to the Raymond Parade and party in the park! After all of that, I have developed a deep appreciation and respect for single mothers. How do they do all that they do.... ALONE? I barely survived it for a week! Then again, I am a admittedly a tad bit needy.

By the time John got home around 11:30 on Saturday night I was so excited to see him I could have kissed his face right off. Sure he was dirty, had a beard, smelled of sweat, and carried in his hands a sack full of laundry that would require immediate washing - but he was home. HOME, I tell ya! Oh he was a beautiful sight!

Other adventures of late:

Our youngest boy Nate is now a crawling, stair climbing, standing machine ...who apparently likes to eat Sand. (not to mention hair elastics, popcorn kernels and old shoes -but definitely Sand)





I am beginning to wonder if my oldest daughter might be a bit obsessive compulsive. I sent her downstairs to clean her room and this is how she achieved it. Every lose and random object she owns now has a specific mason jar of it's very own. A jar for buttons, a jar for her favorite polly pocket dresses, a jar for her money...and a jar that holds one eraser.
She's efficient this one!



A sweet girl in our ward took some family photos for us in Waterton a couple of weeks ago. At one point I leaned over her shoulder and snapped this shot of Sam. Which wasn't difficult considering that that he REFUSED to perch himself any other way!
To Sam's credit I actually think he was trying to be cooperative. I haven't seen the shots Haley got yet, but I'm pretty sure this "Donkey Kong" pose is a predominant theme throughout. Seriously Kid!! Every time I see this photo, I want to both Hug Sam AND Send him to his room!

Well that is our first week of Summer Holidays - Gone Already! Does any body know how to slow time down a bit?

Slow down

“There seems to be little evidence that the Creator of the universe was ever in a hurry. Everywhere, on this bounteous and beautiful earth … there is evidence of patient purpose and planning and working and waiting.”

This past week has been a week in which a lot of things have come to… an end. September and June seem to be my two busiest and most hectic months of the year. September is when so many things begin, and June is when everything wraps up.

Some of the “ENDS” we celebrated this week were:

End of Swimming Lessons:
Both Sam and Abby completed a session of swim lessons. They have been going every night for the past couple of weeks, with only a couple of breaks in the form of cancelled classes due to rain. Abby did remarkably well. She’s comfortable in the water, can now swim the entire length of the pool, and loves practicing her dives. Sam, on the other hand, is new to this whole swim lesson thing, and he was not quite pleased about the fact that lessons were not held in the kiddie pool. For the most part, (every time I was there to watch him), he spent the entire half hour stuck to the wall clinging on for dear life. Every once in awhile his teacher would PRY him away from the wall and try to get him to put his head under water, with little to no success. That said, I was impressed yesterday when Sam walked in the door after his final lesson, and I noticed that on a little part of his head, his hair was a little teensy weensy bit wet. Progress was obviously made.

End of Soccer!
This has by far been our favorite soccer season yet. Both Abby and Sam really improved in skill, and we were impressed and relieved that Sam really took to this sport and enjoys it as much as he does. That might have been because his two favorite friends, Everett AND Katie were on his team. Or maybe it was because his “Coach” was somebody familiar to him that he likes. Whatever the reason - he had fun. Another highlight were the two British Coaches who have travelled here to assist with the program. Coach “Chicken” and Coach “Spike” were SOOO much fun for the kids as well as us parents on the sidelines. They taught the kids drills and entertained at the same time. And we all know that when kids are involved, you have to be willing to entertain!

***********

End of School!
That’s right –we’re done, and the last day of school could not have come soon enough! I was quickly hitting burn out mode. Sam has beat all odds and passed preschool, Abby sailed through grade 1, and John is yet one year closer to retirement. I swear it – there is not a happier day in our home than the last day of schooll! Abigail has warned me that she plans to spend the summer sleeping in every day until noon. However, I have other plans, and they involve "not wasting a single minute of this beautiful next two months!" John is starting his summer break off right by going on a Scout trip in BC. He will be biking a long a discontinued railway trail that cuts through the BC mountains, camping along the way. It has been kinda funny to watch him tinker around on his bike and go riding more then he ever has before. In fact, until now that bike has pretty much gone UNused. But look at him now. One Scout Camp and the guy thinks he's Lance Armstrong or something! Perhaps I'm just jealous though. (I've been secretly planning a few fishing excursions with the kids while he's away-just to make him feel as though he missed out.)

**************

End of Dental Work!
Hallelujah!!! Don’t get me wrong, we like our Dentist. But this year has by far been the worst when it comes to number of cavities. I’m not kidding- if I had a dollar for every time I took one of the kids to the dentist in the last 7 weeks I’d probably have…well, about 12 dollars. I know that doesn't sound like much and that is exactly my point! It's hardly worth it for all that hassle!!! Sam had his 5th and last appointment this week, and the family is officially done! We won't have the same experience next year, I can tell you that!

*****************

End of Relaxation!
Well our little Nate has grown by leaps and bounds recently. He has been crawling for about two weeks now, which we have all gotten used to just fine. Imagine my dismay however to realize that he has somehow (completely on his own), figured out how to climb the stairs... THE STAIRS!!! Now what do we do? This officially ends the relaxing phase in which Nate was our favorite child who sat happily in our arms. He is now MOBILE! Look out.

****************

End of Jordan and Luce!
Perhaps that sounds just a tad dramatic, as it isn't really the end of Jordan and Luci, but rather the end of life with them as we've known it. As noted in our previous entry, Jordan and Luce have been planning to move for quite awhile now, and I thought I was pretty well prepared to say goodbye. I mean they are still family right? It's not like we'd never see them again. Still, I really wasn't prepared for some of the moments this week in which I realized that I was doing something with them for the "last time." On Thursday night, we were cleaning up in their kitchen and I went to put little Liberty to bed. As I laid beside her for a minute we had a little chat about where she’d be moving, and when she’d come to visit all of us. All of the sudden I could hardly contain myself as I realized I had completely missed out on so many chances to spend time with this little girl! I was getting all choked up and she was, by this time, rambling about her future birthday party plans. Every once in awhile I'd try to get a word in to tell her that I was going to miss her. She seemed completely unphased by the conversation as she asked me if I would "bake her a chocolate cake, and that could I put the white stuff (icing) on top of it if I wanted to?”

Sure kid.

Thankfully, they all stayed at our house the night before they left, and I was glad to be able to squeeze in any amount of last minute time with them. As if I could make up for lost time with that final gesture. That whole day, I was filled with memories of things we've enjoyed doing together, and that is when I realized I was going to miss those things! Wiener Roasts in Waterton. Long drives looking for bears. Countless accidents and even injuries with Jordan and John's airplanes. Libby's enthusiasm about every.single.thing in life! Jaxson’s constantly dirty hands and cute head that seems to attract goose eggs like nothing else! Fabulous Mexican Meals, late night phone calls that last way longer then they should have considering we lived within blocks of each other...

We all said good bye on our front lawn Saturday morning, and then I followed them to their "old house" (gosh that sounds weird) for a final photo in front of it.

And then they left.

I raced ahead and parked up on the south hill because I wanted to get a picture of them leaving town. It was at this moment, when I saw their little U-Haul pass by Chief Mountain, that I was over come with regret. I felt like yelling to them to stop. Stop it all. Just come back and stay. I’d be a better friend. We’d do lots more together. I’d complain less about Jordan’s crazy obsession with things that potentially blow up. And when Jordan gets going about why "the world needs more businessmen" I would not roll my eyes any more. (much) Our kids would play together EVERY day, not just a couple of times a week like they used to.

If they’d just come back –

They kept going.

And that was the most difficult END of the week.

It got me thinking though about how when one thing “ENDs” it usually means something else is beginning. As I drove back home I felt a renewed determination to be a little bit better with this. To “get it right” a little more often.

The secret, I think, to having no regrets is this: No matter what you are going through, whether it is a never ending series of dental appointments, the drudgery of a school day routine, a little baby in your arms, or enjoying those you are close to - the key is to NEVER take a single moment of it for granted.

That is all.
The end.

Deported!

It was two years ago, that John's brother (Jordan) moved his family of four up here from Provo Utah to begin a new job. Even though we were excited at the thought of having them closer to us, we were all very nervous about his wife (Luci) and how she would handle life in Canada. She's an American. (This is where I would usually pause to make fun of Luci and how patriotic she really is, but I have recently heard her Dad speak about the American Constitution, and ever since then, it has been impossible for me to tease her, darnit!) Suffice it to say, she loves her homeland almost as much as she loves warm weather. Maybe more. However, I dare say Luci has adjusted quite well to the cold winters, short summers, and superior chocolate that Canada has to offer. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she now loves this place as well as the laid back pace of a small town.

So for the life of me I cannot understand why they have decided to leave? "WHY ARE YOU LEAVING????"

Whatever the reason, it is official. They have sold their home and as I speak, are packing up their belongings and preparing to head back to Utah. Naturally we had to throw them a Canadian style send off. And of course, the party had to be a Surprise!

I put a lot of thought into just how to throw a surprise party (I'd never really done one before), but I knew that two things were essential in order for it to work. 1. I had to involve the right people. People who would be fun AND able to take care of all the details. 2. I had to spend the week prior to the party, completely ignoring Luci. For some reason I think that is a mandatory step. You know, make it so that they sit back and wonder "why nobody even cares that they are leaving." It helps to makes the surprise part that much sweeter when they realize that they actually are loved. Anyhoo...while I worked on ignoring the honorary couple - Rachel, Kat, Jewel, Betsy and Jacki set to work taking care of everything else.

We all met in Waterton (where else?) for a wonderful potluck meal and visiting.
John's sister Rachel immediately dubbed it -the "DEPORTATION PARTY." I liked how that sounded, almost as much as I liked her decorations.

Jewel, Betsy, and Jacki put together a HUGE basket full of both home made and purchased Canadian Goodies. Kat supplied very decadent Crave cupcakes from the big city for all of us to enjoy, and most importantly Jord and Luce were surprised, so success all around!

The older kids ate fast, which is no surprise, and then spent the rest of the evening trying to catch one of the many gophers loitering on the field next to our camp kitchen. It was funny to watch a dozen kids run from one whole to the next trying to get one of these little things. It reminded us a lot of a live version of .

Actually, a small part of me worried that we might get in trouble by park officials for disturbing the wildlife. (but do gophers really count as wildlife?)

That is when Jordan pulled out a bunch of Rockets that he just happened to have on hand (shocker), and shot those off high above us, making everyone within a mile radius turn and stare.
Again, I worried that park officials might get mad at Jordan, for disturbing the peace. But then what could they do about it - Deport him?

The rest of the evening was spent relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. The Guys ended up down by the lake and spent a good chunk of time shooting rocks into the water using home made slingshots that John had made.

The cute Mothers held their cute babies.

The children with ADD played in the water, (clothes and all) when their Mother wasn't looking.

(I'm just kidding about the ADD part, he's just a very undisciplined child)

Jordan Jr. aka Jaxson, was pretty much content playing with these Rockets. I think he wanted to set them off just one more time. This kid is just like his Dad, it's so fun to see!

It was a perfect evening in Waterton. Not a single bit of wind, and beautiful Sun. I like to think it was God's way of telling Jordan and Luci that they should perhaps stay in Canada.

I mean, a person would be foolish to leave all of this right?

At any rate- we LOVE ya and wish you the best of luck back in the USofA ....EH!

Happy Father`s Day

I met John just over nine years ago. At the time, I was serving as the Young Single Adult President in Edmonton. He had just earned his initial degree and had moved to the Great White North to pursue medicine. I thought I was doing a good job as a YSA pres, but ol' John here had a different opinion. I remember the day my YSA committee received a letter (typed. DOUBLE SPACED. 4 pages long) that mentioned a few concerns he had about some of the YSA activities. The gist of this letter was that the way the dances were currently run did not really help to facilitate the dating needs of the young single adults at that time. He quoted the strength of youth pamphlet, the prophet, and the scriptures. More importantly, his lengthy discourse contained a list of "suggestions" that we, (as a committee) might want to consider. You know, things that would enable the guys and gals to mingle better, and communicate more effectively. His suggestions included things like, selecting better music, turning down the music, oh and my favorite...offering some social dance classes!

Social Dance Classes? Really?

I remember how, at the next monthly planning meeting, I'd shared that letter with the committee and we all had a good laugh at the thought of 300 people breaking into some sort of square dance or doh-si -doh sorta thing together. None of us quite knew who this John Guy was but we were all pretty sure that he must have come from BYU. He had.

I remember the day I actually met that John Guy. It was, coincidentally, the same moment that I decided that what the YSA program really needed was a social dance class. But of course! (Looking back, I admit, his good looks might have had something to do with that decision.) Naturally, I needed his help in implementing some of his ideas, and it all ended up working to my advantage in a wonderful way.

Because nine years and one dance class later, that John Guy is the most wonderful, delightful, Dad to our four kids. The kids adore him because he will drop anything to play with them, reads to them any time they ask, teaches them fun origami, and yawns like Chewbacca. I adore him because he is steady, supportive and makes my life so, so sweet.

And if it wasn't for him, I would never have learned the Cha Cha!

HAPPY FATHER`S DAY to the most "AWESOMEST" DAD we know!

Disclaimer: I know it looks as though we took the kids on a hike in their pajamas, but there is a perfectly logical explanation for this picture. It is ...um...well... ok, we actually did take them on a little hike in their pajamas. What can I say, John is spontaneous like that. It's what we love most about him!

A Whole LOT of Rain

It's been a wet spring. I think somebody around here just might be praying for rain - and I wish they'd knock it off!!!

I love a good rainstorm, but we literally had a downpour for TWO days straight, without any break. How WET! The more I talk to people in town, the luckier I feel. Our basement stayed dry, when unfortunately, other's did not.

The following pictures were taken Thursday afternoon after a day and a half of rain. It was crazy! (and makes me nervous when I think of all the mosquitoes that will soon be here) Sure looking forward to THAT!

Really though, this is what I love about living in Southern Alberta. Never a dull moment. Well, at least when it comes to the weather.

Shining Moments

This week has absolutely flown by. I feel as though I am in one of those phases in life, when I'm just trying to stay on top of things.      So much to do in so precious little time!    Perhaps that is just how JUNE is and I should accept the fact that "busy" is my new "normal."        Between school parties, school meetings, spring cleaning, and other end of the year events, I'm really just trying to keep up.     Here is a quick recap of some of the brightest (and not so bright) happenings from the past few days.

Lets start with the best and brightest news of all.   The High School has officially finished classes and all that is left are a couple of weeks of finals.    Technically John is not finished work until the end of June, but this time without students is really nice.    He will administer a few end of the year exams, clean his classroom, prep for next year, and easily be home by 3:30 every day!      Things are winding down and it is pretty great!!!

For the kids- the focus this week has been on their teeth! On Wednesday, Jessica and I travelled into Lethbridge so that she could be sedated as they repaired her SIX cavities.      Can you believe that?    What 3 year old do you know that has ever had so many?      I actually know of one kid who had EIGHT cavities at that age.   Abby!         It is at this point that I want to clarify that we do brush our kids teeth.    Not to mention Flossing!    I realize that my argument might sound a bit pathetic considering their dental history, but it's true.     They Brush - and that's all I am going to say in my defense.

Sam and Abby are old enough, thankfully to sit in that dentist's chair and endure any discomfort dished out to them. Jessica was just a tad to young, and we decided it'd be best if we had the work done in Lethbridge. Besides, I love taking an entire day to drive to the city and spend a LOT of money! I have vowed that this is going to be our last bad year for checkups.   The very LAST YEAR!    If I have to rule out sugar entirely, I swear I will.     I'd tell you the total number of cavities our entire family had combined this year, but it is ridiculously embarrassing.         Nope, this was definitely NOT a "shining moment" for me as a Mother, and I've battled the guilt of it all week.            But don't worry.    I'm sure that the feeling will pass - and "probably more quickly then it should."     AND since I'd prefer to look on the "bright side," of things - at least I married a Teacher.        True, we'll never be rich, but the Dental Coverage is Great!


I think I neglected to mention a couple of weeks ago  that we planted our garden.    Any other year, and I would have bored all my family and friends with endless details (and bragging) about every last bit of our gardening adventure.     I don't know what my problem is.    Either I really am busy, or I'm just marginally excited about our simply average sized garden that we now have compared to the one we had at our old house.      Suffice it to say - we planted, and things are growing!


I spent the week enjoying a little photography project. After an evening phone conversation with my sister-in-law Sarah, I was inspired to spend several nights documenting the rising and setting of the sun.

I also used this project as an opportunity to figure out my camera a little bit by shooting in manual.   I have come to the conclusion that nobody should operate a camera, in manual at 5:30 in the morning.   (Or, for that matter, drive, while operating a camera at 5:30 in the morning.)     Ok really, nothing should be done at 5:30 in the morning.        It was a crazy notion, and I'll never attempt to do that again.

At least I got some nice shining photos of the experience.

As far as capturing the setting Sun?  Well, that I am willing to do more then once.

(Other Sunny shots from the past couple of weeks can be found HERE.)