We're arrived.

The last week has been full of ups and downs and never ending "adventure". We have arrived and are unpacked and settling into life in 100 Mile. I'll give a little rundown on our past week.....

Monday the movers arrived around noon and began to pack up our house. The kids and I said goodbye to a few friends and hung out at my Mom's house. This same day, Sean came down with the flu. He was a trooper and we continued to get things done but he was feeling pretty horrible. Sorry to our parents who also got sick.....

Here he is on the couch while the kids have a pizza dinner amidst the packed boxes. Sean's parents arrived to help with the cleaning process.

Tuesday, my Mom and I head to Vancouver with the kids. It was a long day yet we even managed to go to the mall after we arrived to pick up some snow boots and gloves for the kids. They got to ride a giant rocking horse and get ice cream. After this, things went down hill when I realized that I, a mother of three diaper wearing children, was in a mall with no diapers and no wipes. It didn't help that Jordan had a blow out diaper and was miserable. This signaled that it was time to go!

It was great for my great parents to see the kids again.

Wednesday we head to the aquarium. First we made a stop for lunch at McDonald's and the kids got to play in the play area. This was a first (the play area, unfortunately not McDonalds) and they were pretty excited. The aquarium was fun and the kids enjoyed running from exhibit to exhibit. We were on our way from the aquarium when we decided to go past the train light display. My Mom took the older three despite the torrential down pour. I hadn't brought any appropriate clothing but the kids enjoyed themselves. Later that night Sean arrived.

Mikayla made friends with a little boy and kept following him around. It was pretty cute.

We really enjoyed the beluga show!

At one point Mikayla climbed up into the stroller and looked like she was minutes from falling asleep. She surprised me though and skipped nap that day. I had to laugh when later in the afternoon on our way home, it was Aiden and Caileigh who fell asleep!

Thursday we left my grandparents and began our trip to 100 Mile. We made a stop in Abbotsford to see Rachel and her gang. It was so great to see how much Jaxon and Marty had changed. I was disappointed to not get to see Max as he was in school and the visit was far too short, but it was great non the less. Thank you for the sleepers and jumper Rachel!!

December buddies.

Marty proudly showing me his colored creations. He has a tremendous gift for coloring and a great love for Cars!

The troops.

After leaving Rachel's, the trip was LONG!! We had been worried about having to stop and nurse the babies frequently but they were amazing and slept most of the way. It was constant, "how much longer?" and toddler screams that wore on our nerves. We had to laugh when the entire drive was Aiden asking how much longer until 100 Mile. As soon as we arrived there he says, "Soooooo, how much longer until 108?" We arrived and the movers had brought in all the furniture and boxes. That night, after the kids were in bed, Sean and I stayed up and unpacked the kitchen. I wanted to include him in this task because we always disagree on where things should go. Let's just say, it wasn't fun. We were glad though that we stayed up and finished because it made the next day a whole lot easier.

We spent all day Friday unpacking the remainder of the house. Today, we went into town which is only a 10 min. drive from the house. We got a new dryer from Sears and ordered some night shades for Mikayla's room. I was reminded that we are living in a small town when I had the children playing outside and I met our new neighbour, Ralph. Within 5 mins of our conversation, I knew every other neighbors name and occupation, although most are retired, and he informed me that he already knew we had 5 children and that Sean worked for Safeway.

So far, my impressions of 100 Mile are good. I am so in love with my house, although it almost feels too big at times and it is hard to keep track of everybody. It has a homey, comfortable feeling and I feel so blessed that we can settle in and make it ours. The kids absolutely love having their own rooms and Aiden completely organized and created his own special space. Even his door is covered with signs saying, "No Bude Alod." (nobody allowed) and "Aiden's prvit spas." (Aiden's private space")

Tomorrow we are going grocery shopping, heading out to a craft fair and going to explore the resort. I find it cold, although I'm often cold anyway. The kids love the snow and had fun sledding down our driveway today. All in all, I think we're all happy to be here, together, in our new home. I'd say judging by the smiles, we're doing pretty good!