We have made some wonderful memories this past month. We started off with a Faulkner Family Pig Roast / Reunion (Graham's dad's siblings and their kids and their kids.) I think I heard that there were about 70 of us. It was great to see everyone.
A few days later, the kids flew on a plane for the first time (except for Isaac but he was too young to remember flying to Ireland). Graham and I had the fun of flying with three children for the first time. I'm not sure why I was worried as the kids had no trouble finding something to do on the plane!
I fought to limit "screen time" on the way out west but decided to just enjoy a book on the way home while Kohen made the most of unlimited cartoons on the screen in front of his chair and Isaac enjoyed a couple of animated features. Lily-Anna divided her time between activities and The Berenstain Bears.
I had a lot of activities for them in their individual bags as well as numerous snacks, all of which helped the time pass quickly. We had a great view of the Rocky Mountains going out there and Isaac appreciated that. We had a clear view of the plane's wing on our way home.
We had a wonderful time with Graham's two brothers and sisters-in-law as well as cousins. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool and also going on day trips. Graham's parents flew out on the same plane so it was great to have the whole family together.
For three nights we camped on Vancouver Island, which meant the first time on a drive-on ferry for the kids in addition to camping for the first time. The weather was perfect and Graham said he didn't see one mosquito.
The kids found a structure made of driftwood on the beach so they were all over that (literally), trying to make it sturdier. We saw a bald eagle and two deer while they were fixing it. Our campsite was right beside a large wooded area where the kids could run and play. I loved walking on the beach looking for rocks and sand dollars and also going to Cathedral Grove where the trees are huge and old. Conveniently, they serve ice cream out west so we sampled that more than once in addition to some Korean Bingsu, Thai food, fish and chips, an amazing melon salad, and homemade pasta that Lily-Anna helped to cut by turning the crank.
One of Isaac's favourite memories from the trip is playing soccer and one of Kohen's is flying a kite the highest. I forgot to ask Lily-Anna.
This week has been low-key. I would have had them do another week of swimming lessons if the boys had agreed but thankfully they were against it as it has been nice to have a more relaxing pace (in other words, I'm not saying what time I changed out of my pajamas each day).
We have new neighbours who are originally from Peru and who have two children who seem to like to play with our kids (and vice versa). Isaac is always on the lookout for someone to play soccer with him. He is ready to head back to school.
Our last August adventure is planned for tomorrow so I am writing this a night early. Happy long weekend!
Thanks for any prayers.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
