Camping on Shushawp Lake

This was our destination...

but we had some hesitation

as the skies were not in cooperation.

Our passengers were still excited
despite the weather that bited.

The rain left us frustrated

but soon it abated.

It left us something funny

before it become too sunny.

Our Peter posed so lovingly

it was hard to decide

Is he looking stubbornly? with a hint of pride?

The mischievous grin reminds me a

little of Uncle Wes' side.

We walked through a canyon to a waterfall...

took memorable pictures...

of all the smaller ...

and the tall.

Here's a homemade wasp trap
made by Matthew in a snap

with some of Dad's old beer

the wasps were all

too happy to drown in there.

Catching mice took some work

around our campsite they did lurk.

Helping set up the shelter from the rain

and wasps that were such a pain.

This made Mommy very happy

to feel dry and not so crabby.


Bike rides were lots of fun
for absolutely everyone.

once all the work was done...

Waterslides were fun on a cloudy day

the line ups were fast I say.

Ethan bought a snorkel which

he enjoyed one day in the sun.

Would you like to buy a merboy anyone?
He's lots of fun.

More of Margaret Falls.;
Matthew didn't go into the cave,

but Daddy did so he could wave

to all his fans with a song

not to disappoint the

cheering throng.

Our last day we lit a fire

hip hurray

it was so dire

without the crackling, red pyre.

Oil Inflation

Awhile ago I posted about our five year and how we are "treating" him with GHA, DHA and all those other good fish oils. Well, here's the update on Matthew's oil inflation...

I have noticed absolutely no change in his behaviour. This was disappointing because I guess I was hoping for some kind of miracle concoction that would take the original sin right out of him!!!

However, it was successful in other areas that we did not expect. Matthew's speech challenges of stuttering have not totally gone away but have dramatically improved with the oil. I conclude it is directly related because after two months of the oil, I stopped it for awhile due to no improvement in his behaviour. We then noticed his speech getting bad again, put him back on the oil and then it improved again. We have also been doing breathing techniques which help him get control of his thoughts and his speech and I'm sure that is helping as well.

So there you have it - brain food definately helps the brain, just not always in the areas you hope for or expect!!! Regardless, we are very thankful for the outcome

An Attitude of Gratitude: A Smattering of Connections

Confederation Park for Company BBQ.

We had the family with the most children which exactly made up 10% of all children that attended!! People are always shocked but I just tell them that I still can't believe it either so there you go!

Cauliflower of Cousins.

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...
and I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference"
Robert Frost

Life is a journey...
and we are always reminded of home
with some good cooking

reminded of those who travel with us,
of those who leave us for new places

of what they taught us and blessings of friendship.

Summer Trip to Birch Bay

We had to wait about 45 min. at the border. It was the first day out for the public schools and people were going on holidays.
This shot encapsulates all the love Aleana has for Peter. Sniff Sniff.

A heron at Birch Bay.

Isn't this crab just beautiful?

If you look closely you can see googly eyes in the right hand corner.

They are actually bubbles but I rather like to think they are googly eyes.

The cutie patooties.

The whole gang

This is the piece of driftwood that the 5 year old boys made into a "British ship".

There was another piece that was the "pirates". They had lots of fun with that.

I can't wait to go camping there - it is such a beautiful area - highly recommended!!!

Full of Gratitude

LORD, when I am on my knees,

When I am looking up,

Remind me

To also look around,

And see, really see

What is piled up in stacks all around me.

I don't want to be

Ungrateful, unsatisfied or bitter...

But sometimes it's hard to even feel

Anything at all or the feelings are too much.

What is the first to fall?

A gratitude for YOU.

It's during those times

That I really need YOU to remind me

To have thoughts of

Gratitude.

And I ask that YOU be the ONE

To fill me up,

Overflowing, to the brim and spilling everywhere...

Not with feelings but with THOUGHTS of gratitude.

For all you have done

Your presence over me.

These are the days of our lives...

Our wrecking crew - don't they look tough? Almost finished...but wait! Where's the wrecking crew? Taking pictures?

Like I've said before, Aleana loves baking cakes. So why not have two birthday cakes?

This slice was not the best looking, there were others that held the jello better.

This was a really refreshing and light cake - delicious!!!

Matthew and Peter had their "people" go camping.

Who are those cuties waving in the back there?

This is our latest past-time.

It was our anniversary - twelve years of wedded bliss under the

LORD's care and guidance. I am very thankful for my husband, he is my solid rock.

Thank you LORD!!

For a Sunday drive we decided to drive the Golden Ears bridge.

Only a few more weeks without tolls!!!

Brand New Golden Ears Bridge.

Kristofer's High School Graduation

Grandma and Grandpa donated their old foose (splg?) ball table.

Thanks G-pa and G-ma!!! We're having fun with it!!

So pretty!!!

Our tiger lilies were late this year - we never have lilies in July!!

Visiting Patience and Her Garden

Our lasagna lunch was delicious and once Peter tried it he ate all of it too.

This is just typical Peter being apprehensive about his food.

The kids horsing around for the camara. Ethan took this shot of the Goat's Beard in the back. I like the angle

Ethan took this one too, over the fence!!! That's his finger in the way, but I think it adds

character to the shot.

More of the pretty flowers.

Patience has a beautiful garden!!!

Thanks for visiting with us Patience!! We had lots of fun.