Metamorphosis

We have been studying insects for the past few months and finished it off by releasing some beautiful butterflies today. We have seen their transformation from larvae to adult butterflies. Nolan actually witnessed one of them come out of their chrysalis. On the morning that we expected some of them to "hatch", Nolan sat beside the cage and did his schoolwork right there in order not to miss this awesome process. The new butterfly must have been way to quiet and he missed the first one, but was able to experience the next. What a wonderful sample of God's amazing creation!

SKI TO SEA 2008

Another Ski to Sea under Shawn's belt!! Congratulations! It was a challenging one this year, with the canoe leg canceled and the kayak leg shortened. Looking at the bay I was sure glad it wasn't me racing against those waves and wind. It looked like even though the kayakers were paddling really strong, they still did not make much progress: two paddles forward, one back, kind of a thing. After Shawn got in the water, I was not in much of a hurry to get to the finish line in order to meet Shawn. I believed I had lots of time. So, after visiting with friends, rounding up all the boys and "crawling" out of the parking lot, we were on our way to see Shawn arrive at Marine Park. I could not believe when the phone rang and it was Shawn on the line!! I sure felt like the hare, with the tortoise beating me to the finish line.

Good job Team DT

How to get boys . . .

. . . to join you on an artist tour on Lummi Island.

First you tell them about the cool ferry ride on the "Whatcom Chief" . . .

. . . and that we are going on a family bike ride around the Island.

Of course, you need to stop for a nice picnic lunch by the beach and soak up the sun while the boys build a fort. And yes, there will be some hills, but that comes with the territory and it builds up your legs and your perseverance. But at the end, you might just score a nice pottery mug to add to your collection and leave with everybody happy.

Catching up

Lots to share since I updated last, so here goes a potluck of events.

ON THE ISLAND

We decided on a last minute, to spend Mother's Day weekend with Shawn's parents on Vancouver Island. We had a quick but great visit. While there, we visited Little Qualicum Cheesework Farms. Little Tara stole the show. Check out for yourself and see if you would not be smitten by her as well!

Ethan and "little Tara"

Enjoying the fresh air

While walking on the boardwalk, Christian came upon a discarded bottle which was begging to have a note in it and be thrown in to the ocean. So that's what he did. If you find it make sure you reply!

SUN AND SAND

The boys had been asking me for quite a while to take them to our little lake beach. So that's where we headed when the temperatures finally rose this past weekend. I took some extra towels since I learned in the past, that even though the water is super cold (it's fed by melting snow after all), the boys would not resist. They assured me that the water was great, but I'm wiser than that!!! Although it sure felt good to have my bare feet on the sand again. Little Levi also joined our outing, but of course my camera battery was dead after the first few pictures and didn't get a shot of cute little Levi.

SKI TO SEA

Way to go Christian!!

SUNDAY WITH FAMILY

We headed to Mission B.C. to visit our cousins Harvie and Jackie and baby to be. We had a great visit with them and my aunt Louise and uncle Heinz. After a delicious Greek meal we visited a Monastery up the hill from their place. It was nice to witness one of their prayer times and it was a beautiful day to stroll around their beautiful grounds.

On the grounds of the Westminster Abbey

Beautiful view of the Frasier Valley

"Cooling" with Uncle Heinz

My cousin Jackie on the count down to motherhood, due in September

Breakfast in Bed

I was told on the eve of my birthday that I should stay in bed in the morning and not to get up, fine with me! The boys were planning a surprise and the excitement must have been great, because at 5:49 am the next morning they came in to let me know again, that I should not get up!! I really wasn't planning on doing at that time! About a hour later they came in with one of my favorite breakfast and hand made cards. I got to have b-fast and read a book in bed on a school day morning. What a gift!! And that was just the beginning of a wonderful day. Thank you my dear boys and husband! I love you!

Field Trips

The boys have enjoyed a few entertaining and educational field trips. We were able to get a little taste of what life was like in the pioneer days. The boys cut some wood, sowed seeds, wrote with a quill, grounded wheat and made candles. When we discussed in what era would they rather live, they chose the pioneer days, "because you get to chop wood". Upon further discussion we all agreed that even though some of the aspects of pioneer times are very appealing, we are happy to be living in this century. I still like baking my own bread, but I'm very glad I can buy wheat at the store and plug in my Kitchen Aid, and the boys can chop wood on our camping trips!! This last week we were immersed in the Civil War and the high point of our studies was a Civil War Exhibition. It goes without saying that the boys enjoyed it immensely. Shawn and I, having grown up in other countries, learned a lot too and we had some great family conversations about it.