Back to School Dates

Natalie, Makenna and Lacey are heading off to Grades 12, 10 and 8 respectively.

Daughters from each of our own three children. 

There is something about being cousins that overrules the difference in age

and it is such a delight to see them have fun together!

While we were driving to the mall, 

Natalie expressed her sadness at this being her last 
  "back to school" shopping date. 

That's who she is. She loves traditions and she loves her cousins.

At one store they had fun choosing crazy outfits for each other, 

outfits they would never buy but just enjoy trying on.

It made for good laughter in the changing  rooms.

 Makenna even found an outfit for me. 

I bet you'd like to see it ... the comeback bodysuit with a skirt!

At home we made personal pizzas and watched a movie. 

On another day my H took Landon and Koen golfing.

But he didn't think to take pictures. 

Now I wish I would have reminded him. 

These two are heading off to Grade 10 and 8.

Meanwhile, I pretty well take moment by moment photos ...

too many! 

I had harvested some of my lavender, thinking that the girls might like to make sachets.

Jack figured his mom would like this, so he didn't mind joining them at all. 

These youngest four are going into Grade 6, 4, 3 and 1. 

Jade came with me to get sachets 

and we grabbed this night light craft idea as we scurried down the aisle.

I was surprised again, how Dollar Store crafts could turn out so pretty!

They all love to paint. 

This is a unique year in that it's the first year that Makenna is attending school in Canada

and that we will have nine grandchildren, grades 1 through 12 attending the same school. 

It will keep things simpler,

keeping up with what's happening at school,

attending events, and cheering them on,

which we are privileged to do. 

All I can say is, where have the years gone? 

❤❤❤

Holiday Monday

This past Monday our neighbors invited us on their boat,

sailing out of North Vancouver to go for lunch to Bowen Island.

Everything about this invitation sounded wonderful ...

a little holiday that has no name. 

The day started out mostly cloudy, but it was warm,

with a forecast of sunshine to come.

I never tire of the Vancouver skyline with Canada Place front and centre.

We sailed the Burrard Inlet, past Stanley Park,

under Lions Gate Bridge

and past Point Atkinson Lighthouse - perfectly placed, jutting into the harbor.

Our sailor turned north and into a beautiful little harbor

called Snug Cove. 

His pretty deckhand knew exactly what to do, 

hanging fenders and then tying us down.

It was so much fun!

We walked through the Marina, admiring the beautiful boats

floathouses

and gorgeous window boxes. 

It's so interesting to see how people make their homes on the water.

As promised, we enjoyed fish and chips at the Copper Spirit Distillery.

Patio eating is the best! 

After lunch we walked through some fun little souvenier shops

and then headed back toward home.

It was a reminder of the beauty to enjoy in our own back yard. 

With ferry service to these islands, 

we hope to do something like this again soon. 

A Sunny Saturday on the Sea

We were very excited when our new neighbors (as of two years ago) 

invited us to go with them for a day on their boat.

We drove in together to North Vancouver and parked at Mosquito Creek Marina. 

I was enthralled with the beauty of these little houses on the marina

along Jerry (Kanaka) Nahanee Way.

It felt like a little taste of Europe. 

In modern style. 

We had a fun tour of the boat and watched them get set to launch.

There's a rhythm they have by now. 

We passed by some well known landmarks in the Burrard Inlet

and headed toward Second Narrows Bridge, 

which looked so beautiful from the water. 

Another view, with the wake.

We continued cruising up the Indian Arm, past Deep Cove. 

Our lunch was a jointly packed lunch of chicken, potato salad, carrot salad,

rolls and cheese. Why does everything taste better when shared like this? 

We stopped off at the home of our neighbor's sister

who lives right on the coast, with only water access.

We had a lovely visit there. 

On the way back I enjoyed the view and the sun on the bow. 

The mat felt like a bed and when I laid back, I fell asleep.

I don't know if that is being good company,

but that's how comfortable it was. 

I do not often share about times with friends,

but they are such an important part of life,

going through the hard and the good -

 there for each other in many ways. 

Old friends and new friends ...

and all who come by here, so very special. 

To Victoria for Dinner

Just when there was nothing very different to post,

we got a text from friends,

asking if we could join them on a flight to Victoria for dinner.

We left home about 4:30 in the afternoon and headed to the airport, 15 minutes away.

Excitedly we boarded their little plane, taking off over very familiar farmland,

for the 25 minute flight across the Pacific, or the Strait of Georgia.

The aerial view gives a good idea of the scattering of islands that the BC ferries meander through.  

Victoria is at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, farther south than Bellingham, 

so part of our flight was over Washington State. 

We taxied almost to the door of the restaurant ...

and walked in as though this was totally normal!

Our visit over dinner was the best in every way,

feeling like we were whisked away from everything, 

for such a time as this. 

We left Victoria as the sun was setting, 

day turning to night.

Looking down and around at this amazing beauty

I coud not help but feel a sense of peace,

Being held. 

All too soon we saw the lights on the mainland,

and our dear pilot and his wife brought us safely back to land.

We are blessed to know them,

not because of a night like this, but because of who they are ...

using their gift of hospitality in serving meals

or simply welcoming people as they walk through our church doors.

A couple with big and generous hearts.

February Saturdays

There are some things that I really love about Saturdays.

I love the feeling that it's a free day, even if it includes baking Zwieback -

because it's relaxing and brings back happy memories.

I love that my H is home and we can, for the most part, sleep in

and have breakfast together.

I love that it's the day before Sunday, my favorite day.

Last Saturday I baked sugar cookies,

which were fun to drop off at a couple of places for Valentines.

The Saturday before that, we headed out to Manning Park again

to do some snowshoeing. 

We've been taking turns with the older grandkids and this time

we took Landon and Koen with us.

It was a perfect day out there.

Once I got my phone out of my pocked and mitts off,

I could hardly stop taking pictures.

Snowshoeing with kids is a totally different experience

and it was fun to see that boys can giggle too. 

Koen grinned every time he drew a face in the snow beside us as we went along.

There were many. 

We had our picnic in the snow ... peanut butter and jam or egg salad sandwiches, hot chocolate, cookies and oranges.

Feeling so thankful for the ability and privilege to have fun with our grands,

whether it's childcare, school pick up or outings. 

Not sure yet what next Saturday holds, 

but sometimes no plans bring about the best days. 

That's a peek into life today.

 

Valentines Vignettes

One definition of vignette is 

"a brief incident or scene" ... 

so I'll use that definition as a peek into our marriage.

The food on this platter is a symbol of tradition.

Faspa has been a tradition that has been important for us to keep,

partly due to childhood memories, and maybe more so

because it's relaxing and suits the day of rest.

It's a Sunday afternoon meal consisting of buns, cold cuts,

veggies, chips, salsa, cheese and whatever I can find in the fridge to round it out.

This was a random photo taken one day when we decided to use a large tray

and eat in front of the TV. 

We love to shop together. Yes, he does too!

One of our favorite places to go is downtown Vancouver.

The city atmosphere, the variety of shops

and dinner out is a special treat. 

We also like to go for long walks, either in our neighborhood 

or we drive somewhere to walk. 

This is in Fort Langley.

Last Sunday we found a new to us trail not too far from our house.

There are so many beautiful spots yet to find. 

We hope to get bikes this year to see even more. 

We love to dream and plan together. Before we built this new home,

we were on the lookout for everything from cobble stones to wall decor. 

This may be the reason this random photo was in my files. 

When it comes to work or responsibilities

our marriage works with each of us knowing our place. 

In some ways we are old fashioned but it makes our world go round.

Love and respect.

I iron his shirts, he washes my car.

If he would wish to iron or if I would want to wash the car, we could switch,

but we each prefer our job, no questions asked. 

A nightly habit we have is "coffee and dessert"

while we wind down.

Another nightly habit we began when we got married is

prayer before we go to sleep.

It is very hard to pray together if you are upset at each other,

so it's a good time to make sure everything is alright. 

And this photo caught my eye partly because well ... isn't he handsome! 

It's just one memory of anual spring trips down to California.

Something we can only dream about this year,

but once that privilege returns, we will sure enjoy that again!

Wishing you all a Happy Valentines Day weekend,

appreciating the ordinary small things of life. 

❤❤❤