A Grand Weekend in August

One weekend we had Ben and Kari's kids here, 

with Makenna and Evy added in for parts. 

Friday night we joined thousands of other locals 

for the annual symphony in the park.

There's nothing like musical selections of our favorite classial movies,

such as Phantom of the Opera, Bring him home from Les Miserables, 

 or Nessun Dorma floating into the open air.

Members of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra danced the tango while playing Libertango. 

Amazing talent all around. 

Saturday morning we enjoyed waffles with vanilla custard, strawberries,

and/or homemade raspberry syrup with whipped cream.

Teddy was especially full of smiles. 

Jade spent some time trying to figure out what to do 

with the rope she asked Papa to tie to the tree. 

We all played pickle ball. No pictures. 

Whatever paints I had, got hauled out to paint rocks. 

I found little notes (typed on my old manual typewriter) 

alongside some special rocks set aside as gifts. 

Makenna and Lacey tried out our bikes and blue tooth helmets.

It feels so crazy that they can just take off on their own now. 

My favorite memory of them is finding them looking through my fridge/freezer,

late in the afternoon, looking for Eggo waffles!!

When I asked if they wanted some blueberries to go with the whipped cream,

they replied with ,"No, nothing healthy."

I love this pre/early teen stage. 

Dinnertime included Papa entertaining them with stories. 

Sunday morning we all headed to church.

They get themselves ready on their own

and help each other where needed.

This reminds me of the salon they set up one afternoon.

After the younger ones had their hair and make up done at the "salon"

they rummaged through the dress-up bin and came up for a fashion show.

I have a feeling these days are fleeting.

Especially when I see those little princess dresses getting rather small. 

They all love games ...

whether they are outside games, or board games.

Notice that some winners know how to do the winner's dance quite well!

It was a weekend that came up spur of the moment,

so easy and fun!