Happy Birthday to a Real Jewel

I just wanted to send a little love out to my sister today who just happens to be having a birthday! She's a little messed up though and thinks for some reason that she is turning 34.

She's not. But I think she's gotten her age wrong for the past few years - so let's just let her go with it, shall we?

Happy "34th" Jewel!!!

In honor of her birthday I wanted to share with you some of the things that make Jewel special to me .   

First there is -  Jewel the COOK:

I have to say Jewel's cooking ability started out sort of rocky. My first memory of her in the kitchen was as a kid when she had the great idea to make home made corn chowder. Here is what it consisted of:

Milk.
Corn.
Salt and Pepper
The end.

Despite that, she has fortunately become a most excellent cook/baker. I mean check out this cake she made me for my birthday this year. Jewel is ALWAYS making something yummy and luckily, because I live a mere block away I get to enjoy some of that.

Some of my favorite dishes she makes include her yummy buns. Her REAL Home made corn chowder, her chicken noodle soup and she makes The. Best. Scalloped Potatoes. I'm not exaggerating when I say that each and every pregnancy of mine has been made endurable because of the meals she'd bring to my family on a regular basis. You'd be surprised at how much love can be packed into a simple casserole!   I remember particularly one evening during my most recent pregnancy.   The kids were at the table eating and I was in bed whining.  Down the hall I could hear Abby's voice ask Dad where the yummy food came from, to which John answered - Auntie Jewel.   After a brief pause Abby said, "that auntie Jewel sure does take care of us!" 

Jewel The Aunt:

I feel sorry for all of the little kids in the world who do not get to have Jewel for an Aunt.    She just has this way with kids.   Not only does she go out of her way to treat all of the kids in her life special but she can get them to do anything ANYTHING with out even having to ask twice.    (I wonder what that would be like)   If I tell Abby to practice the piano - no dice.  If Jewel tells Abby to practice the piano it is as good as done.    If I try to get medicine into a sick baby - no dice.   Jewel manages to get it in them without even having to SIT on them or anything.   I could spend 5 months trying to potty train my kid - no dice.   Jewel just has to ask nicely and it is as good as done.   It actually really bugs me sometimes.     Just kidding.   Well, no I'm not.

Jewel the MOM:

When it comes to motherhood Jewel knows how to do it.  She is always finding little ways to show her kids she loves them.   I mean, how many moms do you know that will catch a snake during a morning run and carry it home to her daughter?    I obviously don't understand what love is, because I would NEVER do that!    One of the things that I really admire about Jewel is how she incorporates traditions into so much of what they do.    Every celebration is a big deal to them.   AND her kids happen to have the most creative tooth fairy EVER - and I'm starting to wonder if Jewel might have something to do with that too.    

Not only is Jewel a great mom to her kids, but she also plays a Mother like role in my own life.   Ever since my mom passed away - Jewel has filled those shoes in a lot of ways.  When I am sick - she takes care of me.  When I don't know how to do something - she does it for me.    When I need advice - she has the answers.   Have I mentioned that I'm glad I live down the street from her?

Jewel the CRAFTER:  

Jewel is addicted to sewing and is constantly whipping some cute thing up to give to some lucky person. Without Jewel, we'd never enjoy home made pickles, salsas, jellies, relish, peaches, and pears.   Without Jewel, my son would not have a black superhero cape to wear as he rids the world of chaos.   ...Or I suppose - creates chaos.   

I guess if there was one thing I would complain about in regards to my sister it is that you absolutely Can NOT watch a movie with her.   She talks through the entire show and begs to be told what will happen before waiting to see for herself.    The last time I watched a movie with her was when we went to see twilight.   And believe me - that is the LAST TIME!   

  As a kid I really resented the fact that she was the one who got to be named Jewel.   I always had to hear other people say, "Oh.  You really are Such A JEWEL!"   

Hearing this usually made me ...well...want to throw up.

But that's only because  I was jealous. 

Because the truth is - she IS a JEWEL.    A real live bonafide "Jewel."   One of the definitions that I found of the word Jewel was this:

"One that is Precious or Treasured."  

Yup.   I think that sums it up!

Happy Birthday!

Flush the toilet, Put the Seat down and CLOSE the Door!

I realize that the last post I wrote was all about my boys, and it appears as though it may be a little heavy on the male half of our family this week as well. I'll try to share a little bit about us girls first. Hmmm, let's see how has my week been. Well, between the double sprained ankle that just won't heal (though probably would if I'd stay off of it), the possibly broken toes (I swear it they are broke!), and the never ending problem with my stinking burning RED eyes, I've had a really swell week. And when I say swell - I mean as swell as can be when you look like Cruella Deville. Luckily my disposition has matched my appearance, so at least I'm balanced.


Abby's week has consisted of way too many cartoons, piano practicing (finally!), play dates with friends, and too much conversation that sounds a little too teenage for my liking. And what is with her sleeping in?


I could write about Jessica as she usually is the sweetest one. However, earlier in the week a neighbor of ours so generously offered to take her swimming, and of course it only makes perfect sense that Jess would chose that day, that time to go and pooh in the pool! I think they had to close the kiddie pool entirely! Sure, "accidents happen I know". I'm afraid though, that anything good she did this week was quickly forgotten in light of that. Now anytime she asks if she can go anywhere I always say, "No. Because remember that time when you pooped in the pool?" I plan to stop holding that over her head. One day;)


I'm happy to report that the biggest fencing job that John has ever undertaken is officially complete! I stopped by towards the end of it, to try to get a picture but I could not fit the entire project into one frame.

This job basically consisted of removing an old fence, posts and cement from three different properties and then building those neighbors a new fence. Thankfully he hired out some help for the worst parts, and true to his promise he finished just three hours shy of his self proclaimed deadline. He said Two Weeks and by george he DID IT!

John is a hard worker/perfectionist, which happens to be something about him that I loved back when I was first getting to know him. I don't know if people who hire him will ever really know how much behind the scenes work he puts into building a fence, though John would say that's not what matters. I may or may not have complained a time (or two) as he wrote estimate after estimate, drew map after map, and made phone call after phone call just to prepare to begin working. Days worth!

This time around, he spent a couple of days in search of the best latches he has ever used, that would go on each gate. Latches that he learned about while working at Classic in Edmonton years ago. They are three times more expensive then any latches at your typical home building store - but according to John they will ensure that the gate NEVER sags. Not for years and years to come at least.

And who cares about their work lasting for all of those years?

Well John does. In fact I don't think he would ever settle for being or doing something that was just mediocre, and I'm learning to not fight it and just admire it. (Though I may not have felt that way as I was driving across southern Alberta trying to pick up those ever so valuable parts.

So there you have it. Just one more fence built - that is pretty much guaranteed to outlast the millenium.

Just a little break in this post about my boys to highlight these little apples that have popped out on our tree. If I had the energy, I'd pick those and turn them into something yummy.

Instead, I pick them and put them on my table for decor. Which is also nice;)

Maybe next year.




This past week was Sam's Birthday and I have to say, I just love it when birthdays come around. Birthdays in this home serve a very important purpose to me. Like Christmas, Easter, and visits from the tooth fairy - birthdays serve as a means of leverage. Take this week for example. For days, every time I heard Jessica cry, or every time Sam called someone his new favorite mean name/term of endearment "Dumb Rat" I was able to officially call OFF his birthday. This would immediately result in hugs and apologies followed by atLEAST 5 minutes of absolutely golden behaviour.

It was actually pretty touch - and - go as to whether or not he'd actually get to even turn five this year! Because, as far as he knows - I absolutely do have the power to "call off" his birthday. Just one of the perks of motherhood I suppose. But love and mercy prevailed and we now have a very happy little Five year old boy on our hands.

We took him out for lunch on Saturday and I could not believe how many times he played with his glass of water! I mean he was practically trying to swim in it. That said Sam and Water have always been a deadly combination.

Which makes me question the super soaker that he got as a gift. Oh heaven help us!

Just a little story about Sam. This evening he was picking on Jessica (life as normal around here), and I sent him to his room. As I went in to talk to him, I asked him why he so often chooses to be mean to Jess. Sam's response was, "I don't know what is wrong with me. I try to be good, but it is NO USTE!" We went on to talk about things and after a few minutes Sam said, "I know why mom. It is because I don't like church and I don't think about Jesus as much as I should." I actually think we had a breakthrough with that conversation.

Great. I'm so happy to know that I have a 5 year old HEATHEN on my hands!


Speaking of busy little boys. Our little Nate continued to surprise us this week. He is barely 9 1/2 months now, but he sure can move. He is no longer content to sit still and has to be where the action is. Always. He skuttles around the house now upright and holding on to anything around him. On a couple of occasions we've even caught him taking an unsteady step or two, though it is nothing we are willing to encourage at this point. We've learned far to well, that once a kid learns to walk - it is game over.


And look at this, he seems to have the same interest in water that his brother Sam has.

This has given rise to the newest most important rule in our house.

"Flush the Toilet, Put the Seat down and for Heaven Sakes CLOSE THE DOOR!"

It shouldn't be that difficult should it. Without fail though, I will have barely sat down to elevate my ankle or something incredibly selfish like that, when I hear the sickening sound of little 9 month old hands splashing away. This usually is when a five minute debate breaks out as we try to decipher just who exactly broke the newest cardinal rule!

The fact that Nate actually understands that he has been banished from all bathrooms, has made his determination to make it into one that much more fierce. If we even open the door for a moment, he comes racing around the corner on his hands and knees with eyes fixated on the end goal.


I suppose I look like the mean mommy all across the board this week, and my kids would surely agree. But hey I'm the mom. If I don't keep them from pooping in pools, acting up in restaurants and contracting E-Coli, who will?


No really - anyone? I'm obviously not doing a good enough job!

How my Boys Inspire Me

This past week Nate has seemed to grow right through the baby phase and straight into Toddler Stage!  He babbles non stop, shakes his head at everything, and seems to get a kick out of seeing me hurt myself in some clumsy way.   I don't know-  sounds like a toddler to me.     At one point I was working in the kitchen and turned around to see Nate, just standing there smiling at me!

He was proud of himself for sure - and now continues to stand any chance he gets.  

And to prove he's becoming a big boy - his beautiful happy smile is now sporting TWO handsome little teeth!

Nate has been such a fun baby to have in our home, and toddler or not he is a good natured little kid.    Without a doubt, the thing people say most about him  is that he is such a HAPPY soul.   He really is smiling most of the time.  (As in,  pretty much always.)

 Nate INSPIRES me to SMILE more - even when I don't feel like it.

----------------------

Yesterday morning,  I was giving Sam the usual before church lecture, which basically consists of me trying to warn/bribe him to behave well during the next three hours of meetings.    The conversation went something like this:

Me:  So Sam - Is it ok to talk when your teacher is talking?

Sam:  Yeaaahhummmmaahhhh...NO!

Me:   Good.   Is it ok to be rude to your teacher or anyone at all?

Sam:  Yeahhhummmmm.....NO!

Me:  Good.   Is it ok to call the other kids names?

Sam (in an exasperated tone as he rolls his eyes at me):   I know.  I know.   No calling them "stupid head" or "Dumb Rat!"

Sam inspires me to laugh a little bit more and to set a better example and speak with kindness.

   (Though he didn't learn those words from me - I assure you!)

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This past week has one spent close to home.    I've been nursing a sprained ankle ever since our wicked awesome day hiking crypt a few weeks back.   We've attempted a few smaller hikes since crypt and I've managed to limp my way through them, but that all came to a crashing halt on Monday when my foot had swelled up to an alarming size.   My darn ankle finally got the best of me and the doctor ordered a "splint, crutches and some forced R&R, and for goodness sakes NO more HIKING!" 

Blah.  Whatever.

This sprain came on the heels (pun intended) of John beginning the BIGGEST fencing job that he has ever undertaken on his own, which has meant a lot of long days for him.   Perhaps the most grueling part of this contract has been the week long task of removing the old fences, posts, and cement from the ground and prepping the soil for the new work.   Even though he actually hired out extra help at times for this job, he has still walked in the door, sometimes close to dark - dirty, tired and so so sore.  

We were surely a sight for sore eyes each night as we would slowly crawl into bed, both tired, both stiff, both nursing our own individual aches.   John would lay there with a piping hot towel to soothe his muscles and I with an ice pack strapped on to my new found CANKLE - and we would just laugh at how pathetic of a pair we were.   Or at least how pathetic I was.    Because, despite all of John's discomfort and HIS long days of work - HE hasn't complained ONCE!

  I don't think John even knows how to complain.   

John definitely inspires me to complain less and enjoy my own work a little bit more. 

What an inspiring bunch of boys eh!

Finally Fishing

It has been a crazy summer so far!   Can you believe that the summer break is HALF OVER!    I have a feeling August is going to FLY by and we are really going to have to make the most of the next few weeks doing those summer things that we LOVE Most!      One of those things being Fishing!   It felt good to have the time (and energy?) to take the kids fishing - not once, but TWICE this week.    It's really becoming a family affair as the kids enjoy it a little bit more each time we go.   



Earlier in the week we drove out to Waterton and let the kids play at the new splash park before having a wiener roast at our favorite spot out there.     Once we were all full and fat off of hot dogs and s'mores we drove up to Cameron to fish.   It could not have been more perfect.    The Sun was beginning to set, there was NO wind, and the fish were jumping.   And Biting!  John took Abby and Sam out a little ways and they caught 7 in under an hour!    I was fishing from the dock and enjoyed hearing their little squeals of excitement drift across the lake with every catch.    Sam actually got his VERY own fish this time (not grandpa again thankfully), and he was more then a little pleased with himself.   

I don't think Cameron is often this still.     We've been so lucky to get the nice days each time we've gone this summer.     As much as I like to fish, I also don't mind hanging back on the shore while John and the kids go out on the lake.     It gives me some quiet moments to enjoy the scenery!

As we drove down towards the town site the sun was setting.    I think everyone should experience Waterton as the sun goes down.   The atmosphere is so calm and soothing!

That night was definitely one of our family favorites, and the kids were over the moon excited this afternoon to sit down for Sunday dinner and find that we were eating the very fish they'd caught last week!   Yummm!

On Friday we headed south this time to Glacier.    (I really love that we live pretty well halfway between Waterton AND Glacier)    We brought Grandpa with us this time and enjoyed a small hike with him.    Hiking with Grandpa is a lot of fun.   He points things out to us that we normally would not likely notice.    The kids (and ok me too) have learned lots of names of various flowers, and have discovered berries we'd never noticed before.  

Jessica was the resident Huckleberry Queen, stopping every few minutes to fill her hands with them.  

Wild strawberries were another tasty little find!

I love this picture of John and Nate.  He is always so willing to carry Nate.  And the water.  And all supplies. 

But I carry the camera- so that is helpful. 

This is perhaps my favorite picture of this week.  Nate's smile makes me happy and reassures me that he might actually be content with all this hiking business!  What a trooper!

Again a lovely evening!

After having a quick picnic the kids were itching to do some fishing again.   I actually took a turn with them out on the lake and caught THREE of the four fish!   Yeah for me;)  That only made Abby mad

at me though because SHE is supposed to be the "fisher."      She actually had the nerve to ask that I go back to shore and let DAD fish with her, because he is apparently "way more fun."  

So I caught another fish ...just for her;) 

Nothing like a little bit of family bonding time eh!

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.