Christmas-Part 1

Christmas was really different for us this year. Cyril really wanted to go away for the Christmas break. The plan was to drive to Olympia, Washington to visit his brother and family and then take a ferry to Victoria to visit my sister and her family. We changed our mind several times during December (I wasn't overly thrilled with driving 14 hours on snowcovered highways) but decided last minute to just go. We left on Dec 21 and didn't get back until Jan 3. We had a really great time!

The first part of our trip we stayed in Olympia with Don and Abbi and their new baby girl Hannah. We took 2 days to drive to Olympia. We stayed in Spokane the first night at a hotel with a pool. We all had a fun time swimming after the long drive. Holton really surprised us with his love of the water because he used to be terrified.

Most of our time in Olympia was spent just hanging out at Don and Abbi's house and of course a bit of shopping. We also went back to a Children's museum that we went to the last time we were in Olympia that the kids loved.

The best part was seeing Hannah. The kids loved holding and playing with her. She is such a cutie!!

Christmas Eve we made a yummy turkey dinner.

Christmas morning we were up early. We opened up a few gifts, had breakfast and said goodbye.

Then we drove to Port Angeles to catch the 2 pm ferry to Victoria. We had a fun visit with Don, Abbi and Hannah. It was sad to leave, especially on Christmas day, but we were looking forward to spending time with Sherilyn, Jay and the kids.

A New Post....FINALLY!!

I know, I know it has been forever since my last post. I really have no excuse other than the days fly by and I never seem to get around to it. I plan on getting back into blogging and keeping it up to date. We'll see how it goes!!

July

It's been a fun, busy summer that has gone by way too fast! Here are some highlights...

Playing with Mckenna and Peyton before they move away

Several trips to Calaway Park

Eating 'Those Little Donuts' at the Stampede

Holton meeting all the Star Wars characters at the Stampede. He was so amazed!

Camping in Sparwood, BC

Learning all about Frankslide

Checking out the Big Titan truck in Sparwood

Having a sleepover with Elizabeth and Emma

Saying goodbye to Elder Sowchuck

A Good-bye picnic for Sherilyn, Jay and the kids

Holton figuring out how to Slip n' slide

Playdate with Jaidyn's best friend Roxy

Visiting my niece Annaliesse in the hospital after her surgery. She is doing great! What a beautiful little girl!

Going to the Koocanusa beach with Elizabeth and Emma

Jaidyn's New Smile!

A Not So Typical Day at the Zoo!

So yesterday Krista and I took the kids to the zoo since it was the first nice day this week. Elizabeth and Emma both brought a friend with them. It started out as a beautiful, warm, sunny day but that changed quickly. While we were inside looking at the stingray exhibit, it started pouring rain outside. After waiting it out for 15 mins we decided it didn't look like it was about to end anytime soon, so when the rain lightened a bit we made a run for it. At first I was trying to stay as dry as possible but quickly realized it wouldn't make any difference. We must have looked hilarious as we ran by sopping wet as most other people were under shelter. We had a blast, laughing and even splashing in the big puddles along the way since we were already so wet. It turned out to be nice and sunny again by the time we had made it to the van! There were a couple of huge puddles in the parking lot and so the crazy girls played in there for a while too. It was a trip to the zoo the girls won't soon forget!

Canada Day...in Calgary!

July 1st was different for us this year. Usually we are in Raymond with the extended family for the parade and all the other festivities there. This year we stayed for another important event. Our close family friend Rachelle was turning 40 on July 1. We have always been in Raymond for her birthday so this year we decided we should actually celebrate with her for once. It was hard for us knowing we were missing out on our usual traditions but it turned out to be a fun day.

Our Stake puts on a huge Canada Day celebration at our church each year so we went to that in the morning before the birthday party. There were tons of people there with lots of fun stuff for the kids to do. There were pony rides, face painting, a bounce house, fishing pond, mini golf, crafts, a petting zoo and other activities as well as hot dogs, cake and cotton candy to eat. The kids had lots fun!

Sitting in a firetruckJaidyn feeding a goatHolton petting a sheep Rachelle's birthday party was at a hall not far from their house. There were about 80 people there to celebrate with her. There was a playground for all the kids, a field for the older kids to throw around a football or play soccer, they had a playstation set up on a big screen for anyone to play Guitar Hero, and of course lots and lots of food! Everyone had so much fun. We didn't even get home until midnight! Rachelle's son Tyler with JaidynCyril's dad, Rachelle's son Tobias, Rachelle, Auntie Del, and Cyril's mom.Happy 40th Birthday Rachelle!! We hope you had a wonderful day!

Last day of School

Mateya with her grade 4 teacher Ms. Butler. (taken on the day of her grade 4 farewell) Jaidyn with her grade 1 teacher Senorita Mejia.Mateya was invited by her friend Nina to be picked up after school in a limo. There were only 5 girls in this huge limo. Mateya was really excited and said she had lots of fun. They even stopped by McDonald's for lunch. It was a fun end to the school year. Jaidyn standing by the limo wishing she could go for a ride too!