Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Got Mulch?

We sure did!
Good thing we also have strong willing workers . . . . . . and plenty space to spread it around.
We were quite pleased (and tired) with the final result.
Looks like we are not the only ones that will enjoy our fresh back yard. Like Ethan says: "I think the deer like our new mulch, it must be nice and warm for him."

Sunday, June 26, 2011

A Whale of a Time

I'm so glad we chose to ignore the weatherman's forecast and headed to San Juan Island for some camping and sightseeing.

One of the reasons that attracted us to this Island at this time of the year, was the possibility of spotting Orca whales. There are three resident pods, about 86 whales total, that roam the coast following the salmon. These factors give you a good chance to meet them, but still, you have to be at the right place at the right time, which doesn't always happen. I knew our chance had increased this time around when I noticed we had forgotten our binoculars.

Fortunately we keep a travel size one in the car, and this little binoculars became very popular as Shawn spotted some splashes to the south that had a potential to be whales. Sure enough, a whole pod of whales traveled the channel in front of us going north, and treating us to a beautiful display of nature. So cool! The Orcas might have been the main attraction, but there were many other locations to explore. We visited the English Camp and revisited the time of dual occupation of Island and it's peaceful, although drawn out, conflict resolution. Not many things taste quite a good as campfire pancakes and sausages in the morning. Rock ledges always attract the boys. Although this looks a little unsafe, it's only a trick of the camera and angle that gives this picture the such "edge." Walking around the grounds of American Camp.
This little guy stopped traffic and was happy to pose. Later we realized he wasn't the only of his kind (red fox) roaming around.
A little impromptu getaway that gifted us with many memories.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

First Day of Summer

The sun was actually out for the day, and the temps finally reached the 70's. Just in time for the first day of summer. What better place to celebrate than taking a dip in our neighborhood pool!
Look at these boys, their faces say it all: Happy that summer is here!

The kids spent all afternoon jumping, playing and

splashing! This year they started this hourly 15 minute "rest period," where all the kids have to clear the pool and only adults can stay in. Well, most adults are there with their kids so the pool is empty and as smooth as glass, with about 100 kids sitting around looking at it longingly. It just looked like the perfect scenario for a mom's cannon ball moment. I talked two other brave (or crazy) moms to join me and we went for a synchronized cannon ball. Some of the life guards thought that kids had broken the rules, only to realize that it was some grown ups having their moment of fun.
To end our longest day of the year, the boys decided to sleep in the tree house. Although the sun is shinning through the trees already and the birds are singing away, there is not a sound coming from the tree house. An active day at the pool will assure a good night's sleep!

Scouts, Camping & Rafting

June brings us lots of activities and celebrations, including scouts achievements and fun outdoor opportunities.
Ethan crossed over from being a Bear Cubscout to Webelos, which is the stage that bridges between cub scouts and boys scouts.
Last weekend we participated in a scout outing, to which the Boys Scouts invited the new Webelos and their families to be part of. One of Ethan's requirements now is to learn to set up his own tent.
These two guys worked diligently and were able to accomplish the task without adult interference.
Fire handling and safety is also part of the deal.
Nolan and his scouts mates from their newly formed patrol had many opportunities to work on requirements as well. Cooking your own meal and plan and cook for your patrol are skills that were tacked on this camping trip.
Christian was able to help new scouts earn their "Totem Chip", which is required for them to be able to handle knifes in any scout activity.
Webelos listening to the "Fire safety talk."
Many people tried to draw wit the "magic stick," but only a few succeeded. Let's just say you had to pay close attention to everything that was said, and being polite didn't hurt either!
Another day, another adventure.
This time the boys tackled the river rapids.
Rapids named Snowblind, Rock n' roll, Drunkards Drop & Devil's Eyeball did not scare this group of veterans . . .
. . . or intimidated the novices either.
Not a bad way to celebrate Father's Day!

Ten Plus Four

Turning fourteen this year!
Finishing Middle School and heading to High School!
Putting his height mark above mom's on the door frame! Hard to wrap my mind around it!
One of the gifts received was that his birthday coincided with the last day of math class. He was also taken out for dinner by his dad to Boomers for a drive in experience. The biggest gift wish was a XBOX game that he was allowed to get with his bday money on their way back home. His IHome was cool, but the game was the icing on the cake. Talking about cake, we decided to go without one this year. I had baked three different cakes for various end of year celebrations this week. With all of those left overs and cake form his brother's bday last week, we were a bit "caked out."

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Black Bet Accomplishment

Three years ago Nolan started his Taekwondo journey. He had watched his brother for a while and could not wait to begin his training.
He took to it as a duck takes to the water, excelling in his techniques and concentration, winning a few gold medals along the way.
It was now time to test for his Black Belt level.
He admitted to being a bit nervous, which probably helped him to concentrate even harder.
The last part of the test, board breaking, is always the most entertaining to us all.
Nolan was all power!
He is now a Taekwondo Black Belt!
Congratulations Nolan!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Number Nine

Ethan had been counting the days for a while, and it was finally here! He did not waste any time, at 5:20 am he was up and eager to start the day, by opening his present of course. He made sure to call his brothers, but only Christian rose to the occasion.

Nolan joined him later to put the gift to good use, while I was preparing the breakfast selected by the birthday boy: omelets (with sausage, bacon, orange pepper, green onions and cheese), waffles, OJ and coffee.

Another tradition at our house, besides choosing the days menu, is that the birthday person gets the day off. No chores or school work! Ethan made sure the this was observed as well.

Baseball practice was not a chore though. The dinner of choice was taco salad, however, due to it being a scouts night, we would not be able to have a dinner together with all the family. Instead, Shawn and I let Ethan pick a place for the three to us to go and dine out. We ended up "dining in" at a local Drive In, a first for Ethan. Wisely we don't choose to let three boys eat messy burgers in the car, but tonight was an exception. It was a special time for our youngest to spend some time alone with his parents. As we were all home together again, it was time to light the candles, sing and have birthday cake.

Happy Birthday my son, we love you!

Welcome June

After fighting the travel blues, cold bugs and enduring a wet & chilly spring, June arrived bringing with it a beautiful sunny weekend. I can say we all truly enjoyed it. Shawn, Nolan & Ethan started the weekend by going camping with a group of sons & dads from church. They met throughout the year with the camping being their grand finale. Last year they did it under pouring rain, but this year they were blessed with perfect weather. Of course the boys have fun no matter what, but it was nice not to have a laundry room full of muddy clothes and a tent drying in the garage. On the home front, Christian helped me load and set up for a homeschooling garage sale on Saturday morning. It was short and sweet, I drove in with a trunk full of stuff and came back with only a small box. I love getting rid of stuff and re organizing, and when you get a few bucks on top of it, even better. I was back at the same time the campers returned and we enjoyed a late lunch on our deck with the sun warming our bodies. Christian spent most of Saturday with his scout group directing parking during the Highlander Games.
On Sunday after church, my cousin and family came to visit us. Even though they live just north of the border, it had been a while since we had seen each other. One really notices the passage of time through the little ones that grow and develop at an amazing speed.
Look at this sweet little girl!

Luckily for us, time has not gone as fast. We feel barely older then when we were little girls spending time together at the beach cottage.
Well, maybe it's a bit of denial too!