Summer Days

Today was another day full of fresh air and sunshine. The littles run around all day long enjoying the outdoors and helping in Grampa's greenhouse.They have had an amazing cucumber crop this year and my Mom's been canning pickles like crazy!

 After a full morning of go-go-go, a few of us need to tuck in for an afternoon snooze. I couldn't help but notice how mature and grown up he looked while he silently slept, so of course I snapped a picture for later!

Camilla helped us scrub the prickles (which I didn't realize they had) off the cucumbers and wash them. The entire time she worked she either sang or whistled "Old Macdonald". It made me laugh! We ended up with two big jars of pickles just from todays harvest. 

 There's nothing like fresh flowers and a little bit of Autumn decor to cheer me up!

Grateful

 

Tears fell this morning during family prayers as I prayed for those in BC who have been displaced because of the forest fires. Being between homes has stirred up all kinds of emotions, but as I knelt in a circle surrounded by those I love most with the morning sun pouring in the windows, my heart was filled with gratitude. Even though life is chaotic right now, at least we have the things that are most important.

Canoeing Adventures

Today I drove to Dry Island Buffalo Jump provincial park and picked up the crew from their canoeing adventures. I got to the parking lot a few minutes early, and eventually braved the steep, winding road down to the boat launch and camping area.

 

I parked the truck and walked down to the boat launch to await their arrival. Within a few minutes I saw their canoes "Ruby" and "Ruddy" coming around the bend on the river. As soon as I waved the kids each shouted, "Mom! MOM!" 

They eventually pulled up to shore and hopped out. I couldn't help but notice that somehow over the last few days they had all grown up just a little. They seemed more mature from their few days on the river and it was such a neat thing to see as a Mom. 

 

We all unloaded the canoes, cooled off in the river, packed the truck up and ate the last morsels of food on the drive home. Joseph was the first to fall asleep shortly after we left the park. 

For the next little while I got to hear tales of their nights camping along the river. They did two nights and three days. I was worried it would be too long for these guys, but they loved every minute. 

I guess when Camilla was canoeing with Grampa he would always say "Paddle hard, sweetheart!" when they had to get somewhere. When Joe took his turn in the front paddling he would shout back at Grampa, "Paddle hard, sweetheart!" That kid cracks me up so much!

Joe is also the one who would frequently say along the rive, "Life is great!" or "This is the life!" 

Another highlight for them was the food! I don't even want to know how many hot dogs they had for dinner one night! Ha! They also enjoyed lots of fun snacks, and having their own cans of pop.

Sleeping by the river was fun too! They also told me a story about how bright the moon was at night, and how they wished they could flick a switch and turn it off. 

They spent quite a bit of time fishing and the kids really enjoyed it! They even managed to catch a few of their own! Camilla told me the story about how Hyrum caught a fish, and then Grampa put down his fishing rod to go help him reel it in, then she picked up the fishing rod, cast it herself, and caught a fish moments later. Then Daddy had to come and help her. They were pretty proud of their "first fish". Joe almost brought in three fish, but they got free before they made it to shore. It was so fun hearing about all of their adventures. I know that they made some lasting memories and are already planning next years canoe trip. Sometimes I wish I could be there for everything that they do, but this time with their Dad and Grampa was special and so much growing was done. Can't wait to see what next year brings!

We're Moving

For the last few months we have been seriously contemplating a big move for our family. Mike has been dreaming of starting his own accounting practice for a while now, and I have been craving more family time. When my Grandparents passed away my parents slowly began renovating the in-law suite at the acreage and have been moving their things over to the smaller space. With the big house being available we've been fasting and praying to know what is best for our family at this time. We have always dreamed of living on an acreage and even tossed around the idea of living with my parents eventually when we were newlyweds. We've always enjoyed the peace there and have made many big decisions while visiting the acreage.

This decision was such a tough one for us! If I told you how many pro's and con's lists we made you would probably laugh! We have loved our time here in Strathmore immensely. The people here are incredible and we have made many great friends. Our ward family is huge and has been a great blessing in our lives. Our callings have helped us grow and stretch and it is really hard to make a change when we love where we serve so much! I know that Mike will really miss his young men and I will miss teaching the primary children. The elementary school is incredible and our children have had so many amazing learning experiences and opportunities. We also have an incredible violin teacher for Camilla that she will dearly miss. We live in a fabulous neighborhood surrounded by young families, the park out back, and great kids to play with. With so many wonderful things, it seems weird to want to change when everything is going so smoothly here.

We debated listing our house at the start of Summer, but it didn't quite feel right yet. So we continued to go back and forth with our decision, wondering what would be best for our family and where the Lord wanted us to be. After many heartfelt prayers and visits to the temple we were still waiting for that answer. Some weeks we felt that moving was the right thing to do, and other weeks we felt that we should stay. I've had so many tearful prayers by my bedside, pleading for an answer or inspiration of some kind to know what's right. Should we wait until January? Or go sooner and start the kids in school in September? Finally, the answer came very clearly what we needed to do. It was such an emotional time, feeling excited for what the future would bring, and sad about leaving all of this goodness behind.

Once the decision was made, things moved rather quickly. Before I knew it we had filled a uhaul with everything in the storage room, plus some necessities. The acreage home was still furnished with beds and couches and it was decided that we would just use those until our house sold. It's such a blessing moving into a place that's already set up, though we do miss some of our comforts from home.

Now we are embracing the last few weeks of Summer, getting our home ready to sell, and getting ready to say good-bye to some amazing friends and neighbors. It is such a bitter-sweet time for us, but I know if we have faith everything is going to work out! We really do love it here and the kids love the extra space, being closer to grandparents, fresh berries, garden goods, and chickens. Strathmore will always have a special place in our hearts! And we will never forget the incredible people that we've had the privilege of knowing! Here's to new adventures!

Bon Voyage

 Today I said good-bye to my the three oldest! They will be canoeing down the river with Daddy and Grampa for the next few days. They have been anticipating this river trip for a very long time and couldn't wait to get out the door this morning! After loading up the canoes on the trailer, filling the truck with coolers, fishing rods and camping gear, they were quite eager to get on their way. We packed sandwiches for lunch and Daddy brought lots of camping food along to keep things fun! I am excited for them to learn and grow over these next few days and can't wait to hear all about their adventures. I asked them super nicely to remember to take at least one or two pictures for me. It will be quiet having just the two littles left at home.

Good Friends

 We got to spend the last few days visiting with good friends and celebrating the life of my Uncle who recently passed away.  The girls were super happy to be reunited and the mature trees all around the Acreage provided the perfect play ground. We spent the night chatting and catching up. We talked about all kinds of different things and it was so comfortable. I love having friends where you can just pick up where you left off. We sure feel blessed to have these guys in our life!

Knee Boarding

This afternoon we made our way to Cow Lake to cool off. After a quick ride around the lake we anchored the tube near shore and pulled out the knee board. The older two were super excited to give it a go! Mr. Stannix hung out in the water with them to help them get on and coach them along. He managed to squeeze a ride in too near the end. It's also pretty great having Grampa along to drive (that part still isn't my favorite) while I spot. We went home under the orange glow of a smoke covered sun with full hearts.

Family Time

With Daddy on holidays for the next few weeks, we have been enjoying a lot of boating and time with him. The weather has been so hard to read lately with all of the smoke from the forest fires but we managed to get out of the house for a few hours this afternoon with the boat. Visibility wasn't the greatest and we are sure missing Mr. Sun lately. The littles are getting braver each time we go out and love riding on the tube. Camilla even did some flips off the tube while we hung out in the middle of the lake. I got brave and drove the boat with the three littles in tow. They said I went too slow, and it made me laugh. I keep thinking there should be lines in the lake, like on a road, telling me which side to stay on and where to go. "Which way do I turn?!" I'd shout to Mr. Stannix. He would respond with a laugh. I happily gave back the steering wheel after a few rounds. Ollie has his seat that he likes on the boat and enjoys munching cheeses and treats as well as taking the occasional nap. I love watching the wind whip through his fine blonde hair as he slowly dozes off. Being together is my favorite place to be.

Baby Update

 Tonight I couldn't resist the golden hour to capture a bump picture at twenty-six weeks. Time seems to go faster with each pregnancy and I can hardly keep up these days. Baby is growing well and kicking lots and now that I can feel him/her move around frequently throughout the day, my anxiety has lessened. I can hardy believe that we will have six littles in a few months. All of my appointments have been great and aside from being a touch on the tired side, I'm feeling pretty great! We can't wait to meet this babe in the Fall and find out if it's a boy or a girl!

Welcome August

 We are running into August full speed ahead! It's crazy to think that Summer is half over. I feel like we haven't gotten up to much this Summer, and at the same time I'm exhausted from the little over night trips and visits here and there. It's been a good mix of quiet and crazy and we are going to soak up as much of it as we can this month!