Canada Day

The joining of the Kalamalka Pipe Band provided our family with some unique opportunities for Canada Day.  This year Aiden, Caileigh, Mikayla and I were all able to play some tunes and Alex and Jordan were invited to carry the banner.  

We also performed for a seniors home and then spent the evening at the pipe band barbecue.  It was a nice way to spend our Canada Day.

Alex and Jordan turn 9

At 9, Alex and Jordan have many similarities.  Both boys are inquisitive, loving and affectionate, smart, great at Math and constantly on the move.  They love to play Lego, swim, climb trees, draw, read graphic novels and listen to audio CDs. They are also strong individuals and have unique interests.  

Alex loves crafts, knitting and sewing.  He's a kisser and never wastes an opportunity to give love.  Alex is active and loves to take Buddy to the dog park and has been doing so everyday.  Alex is extremely social and he enjoys chatting with all the dog owners.  I shudder to think what family stories he shares!

Alex is interested in violin and will be starting lessons in the fall.

Jordan is a very active boy and loves basketball, scootering and spending time with Aiden.  They scooter down to the school and practice their tricks together.  Jordan loves spending time with friends.  Jordan is a great snuggler and is always quick to say he loves those around him.  He is thoughtful and a great encourager.  Jordan will be continuing with piano in the fall.

This year Alex and Jordan wanted their birthday to be "exactly the same as last year".  This included a birthday party with friends and time spent swimming and enjoying their favourite meals.

Alex chose chocolate Crave cereal for breakfast and Jordan chose chocolate Lucky Charms.

After church, lunch included a barbecue with friends and dinner was just snacks and ice cream cake as we were too full from lunch!  We had their requested Macaroni and Cheese with bacon two nights later.

100 Mile and Friend Visit

We took a visit back to 100 Mile. We had been contemplating different places to go to like Calgary but when we asked the kids the only place they wanted to go was "back home".  We rented a cabin at Aspen Hills and it was great because we were able to bring Buddy.  The place has gotten extremely tired but it was perfect for our needs as we were out most of the days visiting.  The kids really enjoyed catching up with their friends and spending lots of time in the pool.

The first night we had dinner at Kelly's house.

The next night we were at Christie's house.  She even had cake to celebrate the boys birthday.

The following day, we Mikayla, Caileigh and I went horse back riding with Courtenay, Emily and Avery.

We went to their house for dinner and then Mikayla stayed the night at their house and we took Emily back to the cabin to sleep.

The next morning, I left with my girls and Kelly's two girls.  Kelly was on a trip with her oldest daughter so I looked after her girls for a week.  Sean and the boys returned home the next day.

We stayed very busy the whole week!

A stop at Starbucks in Kamloops.

A visit to the mall and Claires.

A visit to see Gigi.

Make your own pizza.

Juni and Mik spent the night at Grandmas and got to have a tea party in the morning.

Mikayla had her final musical theater event.  She played the part of Chad from High School Musical.

Slurpees to celebrate.

Early June

For cooking class, Mikayla and Ben invited Ben's mom to join us for dinner.  They made an incredible dinner and even served us restaurant style.

Here Mikayla, Ben and Caleb made a mexican feast for dinner.

We went to Family Camp for the first time.  Our church puts on a family camp that is just for our church to attend.  Kids are free and adults pay a small fee.  The food was incredible and the kids had so much fun for the weekend.  I have to admit I really struggled with the sleeping arrangements.  I had to walk a fair distance to the bathroom and I'm one of those people that visit the bathroom at least 4 times a night.  I didn't get much sleep but I could survive the 2 nights of deprivation.

There was a BMX track where the kids spent a lot of time riding.

Caileigh, Aiden and Mikayla performed for the talent show.  They played the pipes and drums.  Here is Mikayla and her friend Caia.

Although the weekend was cool and rainy, the final morning the sun rose high and it was a gorgeous sunrise.  I enjoyed going for a run along the water front road.

Another exciting thing that happened was Sean and Mikayla were baptized.  It was so special to see them do this together.

The kid's creepy but comical animal creations.

There was an event downtown where the Pipe Band played and Caileigh got to help carry the banner.  It was a very hot afternoon!

Beach Days:)