Class fieldtrip

I know its well into the summer holidays, but I wanted to post this so long ago. I really enjoyed going on Chelsea's class fieldtrip to Hayward Lake, near Mission. The class took a 5 km hike (part was a hike, the majority was a walk) and then enjoyed their lunch on the beach before heading back to the school. Nat and I both got to go along.

I wasn't sure what the terrain would be like on the hike. I tried to search any possible sites indicating if strollers or backpacks would be best, but found nothing. So, I took Nat in a backpack. My, it was a long 5 km with an extra 30 lbs on your back. A stroller would have sufficed, but we had fun none the less.

I enjoyed watching Chelsea and her friends goofing around at the beach, getting wet, having fun. The kids depend on you less more and more, but I'm glad that I got to spend this time in her element.

I also got a few great photo's of the girls at the beach. We had fun (with the exception of the bus ride back to our van - bus driver was not impressed with a baby on the bus - not allowed for insurance purposes or something, but she was pretty nasty about it).

Abbotsford Run for Water

I did it, I ran this 10K in under 60 minutes. It was a personal best at 58:37... wooohoooo!!!!!

I challenged Harold to this run, and told him I was going to beat him, which I did. To be fair, he had not been training, and he recently came back from vacation, but I beat him none the less (by 2:32 to be exact).

I had such a blast, I can't wait to run a race again. It is quite addictive, these races. And this one was for such a good cause - building wells in Ethiopia. They raised over $81,000, way to go Abby! On top of the fundraising, I am proud that Abbotsford has put on such a high class race as this. For more info, check out http://www.runforwater.ca/

The photos are of us after the race. My hair was still in tack (not too crazy sweaty).

Visiting with the fam.

My Aunt Nettie and Uncle Dave came out from Vernon for a few days last weekend. It was great to have a visit with them. Its not often we take a whole weekend out to do nothing but visit. I must say, I had extra work to do this weekend to catch up, but it was worth it for family.

Here's the gang at Capilano Suspension Bridge. This was a neat photo op, where they have the picture frame all ready for us. Another kind tourist took our photo, after we took theres.

This is as close as Depak got to the bridge. He took one look at it and was not going over. So we left him with Nat to try to get her to sleep. The rest of us went over the bridge. Not too scary, but the motion can make your stomach a little quezy.

We had fun, what can I say. We're a crazy bunch, us family. I told these guys that the only way I show up at events is if I take a pic of myself, so here's one where everyone got it. Pretty good (except Aunt Nettie partially missing).

Someone kindly took a photo of the five of us on the treetop trail. And then after we were done, we greeted dad and a little Nat that was not sleeping. No nap, we'll see what dinner is like for us.

We stopped in at Stanley Park on our way to dinner. Here's Walt & Nat at the lookout. We came across a racoon, which is a scary site in the park. Those things are so dangerous. It was following this one guy around, pretty creepy.

And then a classic photo by the water in the late day. I love living in BC. We are so spoiled with the beauty all around us. God is good, and his creation is amazing.

First BBQ of the season, compliments of the Keis

We got to enjoy our first BBQ of the season at the Keis', along with the Dochuck's, Tams' (sans Heather) and friend Daniel, and the Tanner ladies. The weather was awesome, especially for May, the food was delish (I do love potluck style), and the friends are the best. We look forward to so many more BBQ's this summer.

Good eats, right girls?
Chelsea and Stephanie are great helpers and were willing to take the kids to the park. We have a whole lot of kids.

The pout

Oh how things can change so quickly with a toddler. I was cleaning the garage and Nat was pushing her baby in the stroller on the driveway. Well, she is not a fan of boundries, so she wanted to go beyond, to the road. Since that wasn't going to happen, this is what we get...
THE POUT!!!!! We laugh because it is so cute, but the drama that this little girl can create is hillarious. Can we say actor anyone? Oh, life is full with one like Nat around.

Precious memories

I found a very cute dress at Winners last week, and it had a matching doll dress. Nat and her doll dressed up for church on Sunday. Nat took her doll everywhere and wouldn't let it leave her sight. I think she knew that the two of them were special.

Fun memories

With the drastic changes in a little toddler, we try our hardest to capture the moments that bring us smiles. After her bath we put on a bath robe Nat hadn't gotten a chance to wear much. Who puts a bath robe on a baby anyway. Well, needless to say, it was a little short. She was reaching up to grab her blanket off the top of the couch, and you could see her little cheeks. It was funny.

Another thing Nat has decided to love is pillows. If she doesn't get them ALL, she screams for them. You can completely cover her, and she's having a great time.

Natalie discovered the dirt in the garden. She was covered in it, taking it out of the garden and putting it all over herself. She gets several more baths these days.

Chelsea and Nat were in the backyard. Chelsea is doing a great job with her artistic skills these days, drawing a very cute frog on the cement. And Nat discovered that the rocks under the trampoline are fun too, so she heads for the rock pit as soon as she escapes out the back door. I think we really need to get a sandbox.