Fun at Home Base

We arrived home from our Canada trip late on Sunday night. Monday was spent doing nothing much more than unpacking, laundry, catching up on what happened while we were gone, and resting. Bill was home with a headache, and it was nice to be able to visit with him too, as two weeks away from him was tough on me!

Kristin was excited, since Makinzie, her friend from Washington was down to visit Grandma Sharon & Grandpa Rex, our neighbors for the week.

Four goofy kids

Tuesday was spent playing together with Little Ryan & Makinzie, and catching up since their visit several months ago. They all celebrated being back together with a tea party, special due to some great toast with "Golden Syrup" imported from Canada. It has become a special treat. Thanks Nana & Papa for introducing us to this great stuff....and for our first bottle!

Tea Party

Only Ryan can pull off this look...
The backward Darth Vader helmet!

Thursday night we headed to Salem to pick up Brooklyn & Jason. Jen & Brady had a gun show to work at this weekend, so we got to have some fun with the kids. It was a fun three nights, four days, filled with dress up, Fisher Price Fun, Rescue Hero Fun, and plain silliness. I can say, after four days of play...there are Fisher Price little people everywhere!

Morning Snuggle Time

Mr Rock Star



Learning to dance properly...

The cross over twist move....
Brooklyn & Little Ryan read together

More snuggle time...
(do you like the Princess Pillow?)

Bill & I have been passing the evenings playing the new Nancy Drew PC game--then moved to Tungaska--another fun computer game. They are mystery search/puzzle game adventures. Something we both love. We have three more to go in an 'adventure pack'--so we'll be super sleuthing for awhile!

This weekend holds the Oregon Jamboree for us. Longtime friends from Washington will be down to join in what will probably be our last year. Things have changed as far as the camping, and it's just not the fun it used to be. A venue of 3,000 people was a lot more enjoyable than recent years of 12,000 people a day. We are more than doubling Sweet Home population for a full weekend!! Maybe this will give us an opportunity to try the Christian Music weekend up on the Gorge that runs the same time as the Jamboree each year. Who knows??!!

Stay tuned as we continue our busy summer...1st with Jamboree this weekend, and Grandma & Papa's (Bill's folks) arrival on he 5th!

PS--CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES ADDED TO PREVIOUS POST ON 7-14!!

Pirates Dry Docked in Home Port

Just a quick note to let you know that we've landed in our home port--and plan to be here, at least for awhile!!

We had a great trip--met some great people, saw lots of fun things, and enjoyed the scenery, but are very happy to be home!

Our drive home went great with the two co-captains trading spots a few times and we made great time getting home. The kids cooperated and there was little discontent in the crew for the 15 hour sail.
Our early morning departure allowed for good sleeping


Enjoy the pictures and the posts from our trip. If you get to the end, you can hit "older posts" at the bottom and it will take you to the next page of previous posts.

Thanks for following our trip, and for the prayers of safe travel!

A Blast in Invermere July 19, 2008

We pirates tore up the streets of Invermere today--starting the morning down town having a street breakfast. Inveremere had a "customer appreciation day". They had a huge pancake breakfast, music, dancing, and lots of street vendors at the Saturday Market. We watched a logging competition, and Megan got the prize chair that was carved! The kids had a blast and enjoyed the candy store as well as the other things on display there.



We headed back to the house for lunch and then packed up and headed to Radium Hot Springs. We all had a blast as I had bought a Christian CD in town, and the kids were singing at the top of their lungs. It was great! We hit the springs, where there is of course a hot springs, and a cool pool too. It was fun for the kids to run between the two. One to play in and one to sit in. There were slides and a diving board, and the kids had a blast. We spent almost two hours there, and then we headed back towards Invermere. Tracey dropped me off at the top of the hill where I walked down the path a ways and enjoyed the water rushing, the beautiful rocks and the small Big Horn Sheep we came across in the parking lot! We also so a group of them along the road.



We headed back home and Greg & I kept the kids while Tracey and her sister got out for supper, and some "no kid" time. Greg had planned a sneak attack for a water fight (the neighbor had put a challenge out there-silly man--he has a three year old, and we have 8 kids) and sent Declan to the door with a "homeless--please buy chocolate" sign...and when they answered the door, Greg jumped out and soaked the neighbor. The fight was then on. Everyone got involved, even those of us who didn't want to be involved!! The dryer got a great run, and the kids and the Dads had a blast!!


We ate supper and then the kids & I gathered our stuff and we started packing. We seemed to have accumulated lots of "stuff" and the big box we thought would have SO much room in it, is totally stuffed!! Oh well...it was well worth the money we paid for it, and it has been great for us to stash stuff in.

We plan to be up at 6, and setting sail as soon as the crew is ready. We will drive straight through and be in our home port tomorrow night. Keep us in prayer as we drive that long day. Not only for safety, but for patience for the kids to endure the long day Sunday.

Thanks Greg, Cheryl & Megan for sharing your 2nd home with us...we had a blast, made lots of memories and hope we can come back again sometime!

Thanks for following our trip. We'll keep you posted on our arrival home!

Fun in Invermere

Today we woke to beautiful sunshine and pretty mountains. Did I say it was good to be back in the mountains. I've become a country/mountain girl!

We had a great breakfast compliments of Chef Greg....French toast, orange juice spritzers and some great music!!

After everyone was fed, dressed & dishes were done, we headed to the toy store in town. It was great....and we had fun. Uncle Greg bought a puppet stage for Megan, and the kids had fun putting on puppet shows.

After the toy store, we headed to the lake to do some swimming. We were there only a short time when a storm rolled in. The crew had to drop the sails, pick up there towels and run for cover!!

We spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out at the house....Megan and all the adults got a nap...and the kids watched some TV...the older ones downstairs, and the "girly" movie upstairs on the deck with Kristin's movie player.

We had a great supper of Spaghetti and garlic bread, did some visiting, and Greg treated all the kids and adults to slurpees again...we sure appreciate the treats!!

Enjoy the pictures...farmers market onthe agenda for tomorrow...we'll keep you posted as our trip winds down. We are planning either a Sunday or Monday AM departure...depending on the events, and planned activities..

From Port of Ponoka, Alberta to the Port of Invemere, BC

We set sail this AM at 8:30 from Ponoka (AKA Nana & Papa's) and sailed toward Calgary. We arrived at 10:30ish, Tracey & Declan headed to their appointment, and we went to Auntie Cheryl's & Uncle Greg's house. Cheryl drew me a map to the shopping center, and we were off to plunder the mall.



Plans changed and we headed home for lunch, only I missed my merge. Most right turns in Calgary are merges instead of right turns at lights. My mistake got me lost. Thankfully, Cheryl had given me her cell phone, so I phoned her, and she talked me back to the house. Needless to say I was flustered. Thankfully, Greg met me in the kitchen with a Mike's hard lemonade....and it was just what I needed to settle down. I guess this city girl turned country girl just wasn't in "city mode" this morning.

We headed out from Calgary at about 4:30 and had a beautiful drive back through Kootenay National Park, and we stopped for a quick layover and I got some pretty cool pictures. Megan is a girl after my own heart. She took my hand, and led me right to the water to play in. So much fun!!





We arrived in Invermere at about 7:00, stopped & got pizza, then headed to Cheryl & Greg's place. By the time we unloaded it was almost 8, and 8:30 before we had supper.

Greg treated Mom's to 30 minutes of "no kid time"--and said if they needed anything to ask him, and if it was unreasonable, there would be a "smack down". He gave us nice drinks, and then lit some candles, and let us gals visit for quite awhile, while he entertained the kids downstairs watching a movie. There was lots of giggling. I must say, he is a brave man to come along with 3 women and 8 children!!



We got everyone ready for bed, and hit the hay. Thankfully Greg & Cheryl have internet at the house...so I'm able to work & blog....

More pictures tomorrow, as I will be able to take some around here. It's nice to be back in the mountains again!

Preparing for Departure from Port of Ponoka July 16, 2008

We're packed, and ready to set sail tomorrow AM...hopefully no later than 8:30. It took us most of the day to gather our things--8 children & 3 adults can sure spread their things around!!



The kids woke this morning, and did get the morning to play. They played puppets...then some went to the Farmers market with Papa, and the rest stayed & scrap booked with Auntie Cheryl.

The afternoon was spent with a scavenger hunt for our items. We had composed a list earlier in the week, and sent the kids scurrying in all directions to find their books and items for the car. It worked great, and we gathered all electronic devices, all books, all journals, maps & sailing items!!

Tonight we went to supper nearby, and had a treat of pasta!! We headed back home, got kids settled, and will be up for an early departure. Keep us in prayer, as we once again will be on the road. Not sure on blog entries between here and home.

Our schedule has us on the road tomorrow for five hours (two to Calgary for the afternoon--and then three to Invermere) to spend some time with Tracey's sister Cheryl at their vacation home. We will leave early Monday morning for the 15 hour ride home.

Party, Pictures & Puppets in Ponoka Tuesday July 15, 2008

Today was a big day around the Houcher House. Today we celebrated Tanya's 10th birthday. It's actually not until Friday, but we will be gone from the Port of Ponoka, as our time here is running short, as we will be on the road toward Invemere BC on Thursday morning, via Calgary Alberta.

We had waffles for breakfast, and then we worked on getting the dishes rid up. Kids played cribbage, some played house, others played outside between the raindrops this morning. After lunch, Tracey made a cake for Tanya, while Papa took all the kids to the park for awhile. Tracey, Cheryl & Lynn decided to nap, while I knew it was an opportunity to get some work done. I was able to get a few hours in before the crew came home.

Nana made frosting for Tanya's cake...and the kids all dove for the bowl!! Nothing like home made frosting!

Great Grandma Taggart came for supper, along with Aunt Barb, and Margaret from the other side. Tanya had a great birthday supper, and then was allowed to open presents. Margaret from the other side made lemon pies and we had a great time visiting. Tanya had a lot of nice gifts, and it was fun for Tanya to celebrate her first birthday with her family since coming from Ukraine.



After cake--the Houchers went outside to get some pictures. Cheryl pulled out the beast camera--I would be afraid!! It is big enough to frighten small children!!



Next were the puppets....Cheryl brought the Melissa & Doug puppets....there are three of them that Cheryl has, (actually, they are Megan's) and the girls has a blast playing with them. Kristin & Kim put on a puppet show for us....and Cheryl...you have Louigie and Sally the Cowgirl down pat! Thanks for bringing the fun, and allowing us to play!!

After puppets, the girls did some scrap booking, and are having a great time having Auntie Cheryl all to themselves!

A REALLY fun day!! Monday July 14, 2008

We all had a leisurely morning, and enjoyed the day. The kids spent most of the day inside due to the ucky morning rain, and then the windy afternoon.

Cheryl, Tracey & I got out for a bit, and did some shopping. Cheryl found some incredible deals on clothing for Megan....it was so fun to watch her walk around with her stuff and show everyone!!Showing Ryan her new dress
Megan wanted Ryan to try on her new top!!

After supper, we headed to Tracey's cousin Kayleen & husband Henry. We had SO much fun hanging out in their beautiful home (I'm hoping I can get some pics, as I only have video at the moment) and singing with this incredibly musical family. They all play, and lead worship in their church. We enjoyed them playing for us and could have sat all evening & listened to them.




They are playing in a wedding soon, and are playing a tune by Van Morrison--Henry, you did it justice, a few more smokes and it will be perfect!! Alyona & Henry had a fun time trying to do the Van Rasp!

Cam & Amy played a song called "Train"--the file seems to big to download to the blog, but I will keep working...it was certainly worth putting on. It was great!!

The boys had fun hanging out with Cam who showed them around, allowed them to watch him take out a pesky critter in their yard, talked guns, played video games with them, and was a perfect host for the boys....not many 15 yr old boys are into hanging out with a 12 and 9 year old. Thanks Cam!!


Amy was just as gracious with the girls and Alyona. She taught Alyona some things on the piano, and also had fun with girls in the back on the trampoline. We appreciate your time Amy!

Henry kept us laughing and Kayleen was great in showing us around, and sharing her auction finds, and the fun decorating ideas she had. You guys have a beautiful home, are great company and we sure had a blast!

It was a great night...full of fun for us...so happy we went!! Thanks for the great Canadian Hospitality!!

Day Seven of the Canadian Pirate Adventure

Day Seven..God Rested.....and so did we pirates.

Me mateys & I got up around 8:30 and got ready for church...before I knew it, there were four of five girls in the bathroom, all wanting their hair curled & fixed. Wow....A pirate captain still needing early morning grog & slop....decided little girls hair was more important. Thankfully, there was grog remaining from yesterdays' pirate parade...and a quick warm in the microwave, and a splash of creamer, and it was tolerable...probably more like pirate grog than I'd like...but got me able to get to church without growling at anyone!

We enjoyed Nana & Papa's church...and sang lots of old hymns. I was a bit hesitant when we pulled up to the Ponoka First Baptist Church...but it was nothing like a Detroit Baptist church....very low key, no dancing in the aisles, and no hallelujah chorus from a group of very awesome sounding black women!

Afterward, we headed home to leftovers, and some great home made rolls (See Gramps...more food!!) and then sat around the dining table and visited for quite awhile. Nana took the kids to the park, Tracey, Cheryl & I had a chance to visit.

A few hours after the park Nana treated the kids to supper at A&W--so off we took as that she pirate, was not going to bring us any. Pirates sometimes only think of themselves you know...so we other she pirates, along with Captain Papa of the Good Ship Lollipop headed to try to A&W in Pirate Cheryls fine Lexus Scooner to try to outrun them. Silly Nana Pirate...she should know all good pirates only eat left overs for two days....

We enjoyed an evening of bubbles and then movies, courtesy of Pirate Auntie Cheryl. A few cribbage rounds were had and then showers for all stinky pirates, except of course cute pirate Kim, who had the luxury of a nickle bath in Nana's soaker tub. You do have to be tough, as the seas are rough when the jets are turned on!!

Kids in bed by 9:30--with a few exceptions...I'm not mentioning any names, but they start with a D, an R & a K!!

We sat up until 11:30 or so...and then headed our separate ways...to our racks for a good night's sleep.

Pirate Plundering Party

The Pirates of Ponoka are still in port in Ponoka, Alberta Canada. Today was Tracey's family get together, where grog & slop was brought by all.

Nana was up by 7:30, as was Tracey, working on fresh rolls for the day. I rolled into the galley by 8AM, got coffee going, and started slicing meat, and helping to get the food ready for the upcoming afternoon. Gramps, I thought of you all day, and how you say my blogs are always about food. I made sure I took some pictures for you, so you can see the incredible things that I'm talking about!! I've learned all good gatherings include sharing a meal or dessert!





Guests started arriving earlier than I expected, and since I hadn't done anything besides wash my face, and brush my teeth, I figured I'd better get moving, get dressed and ready for the day. Pirate Alyona wanted her hair curled...so we did that together, and Kristin also had a "do" to be done for the day. For being pirate gals, they still like to pretty up!!




We started with some pictures, and then got busy loading the tables with food. We ended up with two full tables and a counter full of grog & slop!! After setting up the food, more pirates arrived and we all dug in!!

We spent a nice morning/afternoon & evening visiting. There were over 5o people at one point, and the evening was simply family, including Cheryl & Meagan who showed up this afternoon, and will hang with us the rest of this week. We will need to get Meagan inducted into the Pirates of Suburbia!!



It was a fun day..the kids played with a water balloon launcher (purchased with the funds from the return of the guns (four of them have broken now), and it turned out for the best, since all the kids got into the fun with the water balloons!

Plans for church in the morning, and then hopefully, a low key day.

Day FIVE on our trip...July 11,2008

Today started off so sunny. We were all up by 8:30 and fixing breakfast when Margaret "from the other side" (Lynn & Cyril's neighbor) showed up to drop off something, and stayed to have coffee. The kids started talking about cribbage, and it wasn't long until Alyona, Ryan & Margaret (from the other side!) were playing cribbage. Ryan had some killer hands. Margaret then taught the kids a new crib game called give away, where you win by having the worst hands, and by giving away your good cards, and trying NOT to peg! They had great fun and Margaret even invited them over for a game or two later.

While Ryan & Alyona were playing cribbage....Tracey & Lynn went to the grocery store and to exchange Ryan's air soft pistol for another one..as his broke. While they were gone, I did dishes from breakfast, and after the crib game was over, the two boys and Alyona helped to tidy up the upstairs. We figured the girls being at the park was helping us sinstead of each being all on top of one another. The neighbor laughed and said it looked like an aunt hill at the house, as there is always something moving around!! We had a great laugh over that one!

After we got the house tidied up....we took the kids to the pool. Sorry, no pictures, since the captains had to walk the plank, and endure two grueling hours of playing with our kids! Haha...we had a great time in the pool with the kids but I can tell you that I'm exhausted tonight. One wanted rings tossed, another wanted to play monkey in the middle, and yet another wanted to work on her swimming skills. I did lots of slide catching....turtle rides, and just playin' around with the kids. By three today, I was ready to get out, and enjoy dry land for awhile.

After we arrived home, we spent the time visiting with Tracey's aunt & cousin who arrived for the weekend...along with Grandma Taggart. It was nice until around 4:30, when it just started to pour. While Nana prepared supper, Tracey & I headed to the dolloar store to again change Ryan's gun....as it is broken in the same place. Poor design.

After supper the kids all played outside, while we visited. Ryan, Alyona & Declan went to Margarets for cards...Kristin, Kim Tanya & Alexis played well, and they had so much fun.

We sat up talking with Tracey's folks until after midnight....what fun. A fun, busy, quick moving day...

Tomorrow is the big family reunion......40 people total...should be fun!!

Canada Trip--Day 4, Thursday July 10th, 2008

We woke around 9ish-and fended for ourselves for breakfast, although there were plenty of good things for our pirate crew to choose from. There has been plenty of fruit around so we have no worries about scurvy....and while we have been in the Port of Ponoka at the Houcher's famous Bed & Breakfast, we have been treated more like kings than pirates!

We visited around the table this morning, and then the kids played while Tracey & I swabbed the ship out. Overall....we were very proud of our pirates, as they did a great job keeping things pretty neat within the hull of the ship.

Papa set up the rocket for the boys. It's air, water and a two liter bottle....it kept the kids entertained for an hour, and the boys for a good portion of the day. We sat on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine--until Captain Tracey put her tank top & shorts on, and then the clouds rolled in, the skies opened and the rain fell. (If this happens each time she gets cooler clothes on....I'm going to make her wear a parka!) We decided it was a good day to go to the movies, as Walle was showing at the local theater. Tracey & Nana packed up the kids, while Papa, Alyona & I stayed home. Alyona didn't want to spend her $$ at the theater, Papa wanted a nap, and I intended to work. What really happened was that Papa & I chatted for awhile, and it wasn't long before Tracey was back saying the movie was not running for a matinee and that she had dropped everyone at the dollar store. I went along, and had fun checking out the two dollar stores in Ponoka....it's a town the size of Sweet Home, and it has TWO dollar stores...Kristin was amazed, and had a great time..although she only spent one dollar, and it was a gift. Ryan is almost broke...but he & Declan bought air soft guns today.

We headed home, and had a cup of tea while the boys played out side with their new guns and then we all had a short nap, then fixed supper. Spaghetti & fresh biscuits that Tracey made...it was yummy....then we topped our biscuits off with "golden syrup"--a syrup made of refined pure cane....very good--I need to bring some home to enjoy. It was a cross between maple syrup, honey & kayro syrup.

All day was a fun day of playing, visiting, and just hanging out. The girls went rock hunting. Nana & Alyona sang & danced together, Papa & Ryan played croakano, several hands of cribbage were played, and the girls all watched a movie together. After a full day, lots of fun, and cleaning up the galley yet one more time today...we headed to bed. Check out tomorrow...Plans for swimming, and a big family reunion on Saturday with Tracey's family. When the pirates are in port...the ships roll in!

Day Three in Canada--July 9, 2008

We all slept in until around 9am....it was a great morning. Papa & Nana fixed us a wonderful full breakfast of waffles, eggs & bacon. We enjoyed the morning around the table, and as we were finishing up, Papa gave all the kids an envelope--each kid (all seven) received a ten, a five, two toonies, and one loonie, a total of 20.00. He told them to have fun. Great gift Papa...thanks!

After breakfast--the kids played on the stairs with a box, and did some luge...they had a great time and the giggling and laughing was great!

The kids had a great day--the kids went with Papa to the Farmers Market--the kids went to the park, went fishing and golfing...all in the back yard!!

I asked Lynn yesterday about making Cabbage rolls while we were here....and she did them today. They were wonderful, and there are enough leftovers to have them again..yahoo...

We sat around tonight, visiting, playing cards, and enjoying being together. Hoping for better weather tomorrow...showers on & off all day with thunderstorms.

To visit my Co-Captain's Log--visit O'Hara's Blog. Stay tuned for more fun!

LOST

No, we didn't get lost....I just seemed to have a bad day with losing things. First I left poor Kimberly in the hotel room while we all were packing up to leave the hotel, and the list goes on. I lost my keys (actually Tracey's extra truck key, and the key to our truck box), then when I put the window down to take some pictures, I lost our pirate flag...overall, today was good today, and it could have been much worse...we didn't really lose any kids!



We all were up early to get on the road. I was up at 5, and went to the hotel lobby to blog and do some work. The rest of the crew was up at 6:45, we got dressed, had breakfast, loaded the truck, and we were on the road at 8:30.

We drove through Idaho and crossed the Canadian border about 11 AM. We stopped after customs (which went very well--and the two Ukrainian passports weren't even questioned--the only thing we were worried about). The drive was beautiful, and I was so sad that Bill wasn't there to share it with. I'm sure Tracey got tired of me saying how much I was enjoying the drive. I took tons of pictures...unfortunately, most were through the window and the bugs detracted from the pictures...I still put a few on, and you'll get the general idea. We went through Kootenay National Park, driving through over an hour through the park. It reminded me of Zion, Bryce & Yellowstone, all rolled into one. The picture of the hot springs are in this National Park, and we plan to go there late next week to enjoy the hot springs and have some fun.





After some kid switching around early afternoon, the truck was quiet, no more sick kids (car sick) and although Kristin and Declan would never pick each other as seat partners, they really did great together...as did Ryan & Alyona. The three girls in front had fun playing together, as they got sick when they watched TV or read....

We left the National Park--and drove another few hours, and stopped for supper in a DQ parking lot. After we had a quick bite, we headed in for a pottie stop, and of course dessert.



Our next stop was Ponoka....we all put on our pirate gear and the energy was SO high in that car the last 30 minutes of the drive, people were looking at us and the kids were using all their pirate sayings in the car. Instead of "Arrh Mateys, Land Ahoy" Kim said "ARR Lady's Man ahoy" we laughed, and then even more when Alexis asked for her "Bananies" meaning her "Bandana". We arrived at Papa & Nana's around 9:15, making it 12 hours on the road today (we lost an hour coming into Canada) and the kids did great. We couldn't have had better kids in the car.

We enjoyed a night of visiting...and it took us until 1am to get the kids down (midnight their time...)and we went shortly after. Thankfully, we all slept in until 9:00---and everyone was ready to go. More to post tonight...stay tuned!!

Day One--Canada Trip

Day One—

I started off waking at 4am (I couldn’t sleep, not sure if it was nerves, excitement or worrying about being away from my hubby—) it was actually the coyotes that woke me, and my brain that was running 800 miles an hour that kept me awake. I laid in bed until around 5, when I finally got up. Bill joined me before too long, and we did our morning devotional for a few days, and then spent some quiet time together. Kristin was up at 5:45—and we had to wake Ryan at 6:30.

We left for the O’Hara’s at 7:15, arrived at 7:30 and were on the road by 8:30. We were though Portland by 10:30 and headed East on 84. Our first stop was Multnomah Falls. We did a quick pit stop…and then hit the falls for a few quick pictures, and we were back on the road. Our next stop was lunch at a cool city park in Arlington. The kids played in the grass…we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch, and spent an hour “de-carring”!! It was back on the road, and we hit the next road side rest north of Tri Cities—another cool spot overlooking a neat river canyon. A nice man asked if we wanted a picture together....fun!

At 5:30—(5:28 and forty five seconds according to our navigational kids with the extra GPS in the back seat!) we pulled into the hotel. We got inside, put our things down, and headed out for supper. We ate at Applebees, and had a good time…although the wait was a bit long for dinner to come. The kids started to get restless…but they were SO good today, that I really can’t blame them. Alyona made Tracey & I laugh at supper….we gave the kids bracelets with pirate sayings on them (our theme for the trip) and we were discussing what everyone’s said. Alyona said “Mine say yoo hoo hoo” –oh my, that was some whimpy pirate!! Great laugh…and another language barrier broken, as we informed her of the ARGH, and YO HO HO!!

The evening finished off with well over an hour in the pool…we had a great time, everyone enjoyed each other playing in the water, and Tanya even overcame some fears….Kim learned a cool mermaid kick, Ryan & Kristin, Declan, Alexis and Alyona all had fun together as well.

It was back to the room for showers, choosing another prize from the prize box…and unwinding for bed…

Off for another long day. Thanks for the prayers…a safe day of travel….great kids, and super weather. Day two is going to be a longer drive, however, Nana & Papa are at the end of the road!! Stay Tuned for more fun!!

Close to Departure

Church was great this morning...a great send off for our trip. Hang in there, even when the going is tough!

Bill catching a quick nap in the comfy chair before lunch

After church, we had lunch with Sean & Tracey...and the got busy loading our things in the truck. We got the kids haversacks (a pouch that they got at pioneer camp) loaded with snacks, reading books, and sunglasses. They also have a bag for each row that contains a TRIPTIK that I printed from the computer, a DVD player and movies, books full of travel games, info and maps, puzzles, and lots of fun things, plus a journal for each kid.

Clothes and things we won't need until we get to Canada went up top and the everyday travel things went in the box on back.

Sunday afternoons are for naps, no matter where you are!


Bill & Sean have been great helping us get ready to go. Bill installed the third row seating and got the box set up for us...Sean mounted the car box on top of the Suburban...and we are good to go!! Both guys set us up with cords, inverters and plenty of batteries to make it to Canada!




Nana & Papa...here we come!!

Departure is set tomorrow (Monday) AM at 8:00--and we hope to be at Nana & Papa's around suppertime on Tuesday. Keep those prayers for safe travel going!

Check back often this week, as I will try to blog at least every other night.

July 4th in Canby

Fourth of July--already??

We woke to a sunny morning, and headed to Jen & Brady's about 11am. As we drove north, the closer we got to Albany, the cloudier it got. By the time we were getting off the freeway near Canby, it was sprinkling. Thankfully, it didn't dampen the day much, and we even sat outside a bit.

Tami, Evan & Olin came down from Richland--and it was great to see them. Rodney, Melissa & Brandon came up as well as Eric & Kathy. It was great to visit...and get some baby snuggles in! Brandon was happy to sit on my lap quite awhile, until of course, his MOMMY sat next to us...then I wasn't good enough anymore!! It was a great snuggle though! Olin is full of smiles, and his whole face smiles when he does. It sure was great to get to see them all. Brady's Mom & Carl came as well, and we all enjoyed great 'traditional' 4th of July fare...chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad (Kathy's (Jen's Mom) yummy homemade stuff!!) and topped off with Kathy (Brady's Mom's) incredible Lemon Meringue pie..awesome!

We had a nice visit and headed home early, as Bill was suffering a migraine. Petey tried to console him to no avail. Thanks Bill for hanging in there long enough for us to get our "kid fixes".

Today (Saturday) was filled with laundry, packing, and 'getting it all together'. Ryan went for a haircut with Declan & Sean...and Bill made a great pot of soup for lunch...yahoo Bill...it was great!

Tomorrow is "put it all in the Suburban" and see if we can fit!! I'll keep you posted! Catch you in a few days!

Busy Week Prepping for Canada

Check out this Mallow Bush (Lantana) in the front of the house

The closer we get, the more excited we get, and the more I realize how long two weeks without my husband and best friend is really going to be. They say the distance makes the heart grow fonder...how could I possibly love him more??!! Twenty years, and we've never had a vacation without one another. Other than his travel for HP, we've not been apart. This is a biggie for us!! On the other hand, I can't wait to get to Ponoka Alberta Canada and spend time with Tracey's folks. It will be a two day drive for us, along with seven kids (and no, we are not crazy--ask us when we get back!!) and Papa (AKA Cyril) said he has lots of fun things lined up for us. I'm sure that we'll have a great time. It will be Bill that will be here at home with five animals, and lonely.

This week has been very busy getting ready to go....with limited packing space and a FULL vehicle, we're packing conservatively (a tough thing for Kristin--the clothes queen) and going to give Nana's (AKA Lynn) washer a good work out!!

Monday, we spent recovering from camp last week and I had a LOT to catch up on for Joe's office....along with LOTS of laundry.

Tuesday, we did a lot of cleaning around the house, and the O'Hara's were here for supper, as the guys had bible study. We worked on our Pirate Bandana's and started the t-shirts for our trip. It was not a good night for t-shirts...but Wednesday was a better day.

Tanya & Alyona's bandana's

Tracey working on cutting out the kids' stencils for their shirts

Tracey playing in the "travel prize" box!

Alexis modeling her pirate bandana....arrrrrrhhhh!

Kimberly just says "ahhhhh"!!

Wednesday--I headed to work, while Tracey took the kids to the Library Summer Reading Program. I ran errands, and then Bill & I got out for supper, and to pick up a few odds & ends at Walmart, while Tracey kept the kids.They worked on shirts to take on our trip...and they turned out great!! I only got a picture of Ryans, since he had to finish his here at home.

There have been lots of late nights, while I try to work ahead as well as get loose ends tied up for the two weeks that we will be gone. Not that Bill's not capable...but he hasn't had to do it all in a long time! Bill has been busy helping us get ready to go. Last Saturday he installed the 4th row seat in the back of Tracey's truck. Today he was busy getting the box (our tool box from our F250 is going along on a back rack of the Suburban) ready for us to take along. Ryan washed it out today, along with Bill's help, and Bill got together some items to take that we might need...tools, jumper cables, etc. Thanks Bill--for taking care of us!

Thursday--Bill took today off to spend with us, since we will be gone for two weeks. We got a lot done around the house, and we had a nice nap today (it wasn't even Sunday!) Ryan & I worked on his shirt...as the other kids already did theirs yesterday. They all look great, and I'm sure you'll see them all in them in the blog this next week! The laptop is going along so I can work....and of course BLOG!!

Keep us in your prayers this next week for safe travel, for fun, for peace so that Bill & I not to miss each other too much, and for Bill to keep his sanity without our crazy life style the next two weeks!

Ryan's shirt...."Ryan T!"

Here's Kristin's now too!!