Dinner Hour

Tonight as the dinner hour ensued, Hyrum began chasing the two littlest around with a giant fortuneteller made of cardstock. He had turned it into a monster and they were shrieking and running all over the kitchen. At the same time, Joe was expertly playing his very favourite song on the piano (slightly loud I might add). The chaos and noise never stops. Sometimes it's enough to make ya crazy!

 

 

Awards & Grade 8 Grad

Today was Grade 8 Grad for this girl! We are so incredibly proud of all of her hard work through middle school. She takes great care in her academics and has found a great group of friends! It's been a delight to watch Camilla grow into the amazing young woman she has become. 

 

She was awarded Panther Pride, a Music award, and (the one she's most proud of) Female Athlete of the Year! We talk a lot at home about trying everything, being well-rounded, and not giving up when things are hard. This girl lives life to the best of her abilities and we are sure proud! She is off to the high school next year and I can't wait to see all that she accomplishes!

Before the Grad ceremony, they also held the school wide end of the year awards assembly where Hyrum was awarded the Panther Pride Award and a Music award. The Panther Pride Award is given to individuals who are well rounded, engaged thinkers, striving for academic achievement, participate in athletics and demonstrate citizenship and community mindfulness. We are so proud of this kiddo and all of his efforts this year! 

Saturday Date Night

This morning we woke to fire in the sky. I am loving the big windows in the new addition and the view they give us each morning!

When the sky looks like this, I just sit and drink it in!

In the afternoon we were able to get a bit of yard work and mowing done before a storm rolled in.

 

Lily didn't let the rain and pea sized hail stop her from enjoying her time outside and she continued to run and dance around the deck until she got too wet.

I made a quick dinner for the children and then we left them in Camilla's care and escaped for a date at Boston Pizza. We enjoyed some appetizers and pizza and good conversation. These weekly dates are so important, weather we stay in or go out. Making time for each other benefits everyone in our home. 

 

Fast Paced

The last few weeks have gone by so fast! We are in a phase of life where it's hard to get things done between running the children to and from sports, band concerts, early morning rehearsals, and friends places. Though the end of the school year does offer some grace, having both older and younger children has made it more challenging to slow down.

Tonight as I left the acreage to pick up Camilla, I spotted Fin and Ollie hunched over in the front yard. They flagged me down to show me the handfuls of wild strawberries they had picked and even let me taste some! I am always grateful when I'm able to pause amidst the rush and chaos to witness such a perfect moment.

I'm also grateful for Sonny boy and the constant that he is in our busy family. He always sends us off and welcomes us home, tail wagging as he pushes hard against our legs to give us the best side hugs.

 

A Sunday Sunset

Evening walks through the garden and orchard at sunset have become very renewing for me.

I love watching the berries ripen, the birds flutter by, and the bees buzzing around.

The orange glow of the sunset is soothing to my soul. 

The peace and quiet are unmatched.

I breath deeply in and out and return to the house with my spirits lifted.

 

Parade, Soccer, Basketball

Today was a very busy day in the Stannix home! Daddy and Camilla were off to a basketball tournament while the rest of us made our way into town to watch the rodeo parade! Gramma and the Bass Family joined us a short time later and the cousins sure enjoyed each other (and all of the candy they collected!)

Hyrum, Joe, and Fin rode in the Trail Blazers Hockey float. Hyrum threw candy and the other two waved from the float. It was fun to find them when they came by!

The afternoon brought us to the soccer field for World Cup Day! Lily fell asleep on the drive over and happily kept sleeping as I carried her and a chair to the edge of the soccer field to watch Ollie play.

His energy and determination were awesome to see and he even got a goal or two! 

Daddy and Camilla surprised us and showed up late afternoon. They were able to catch the last bit of the final game.

 

I also managed to get a few photos from Mr. Stannix from Camilla's tournament. This girl is very passionate about basketball and quite feisty on the court. We love her competetive attitude and her drive!

Lily & Ollie

I always want to remember the way Lily grabs Ollie's hand and walks him to soccer practice each week!

 

Sawyer's Mug

Today I found at least 100 pictures on my camera roll of this sweet mug. I love that this little four year old still has a bit of baby chub for me to smooch!

 

 

Getting the Garden in

Today was a beautiful, Summer day!

The early afternoon was filled with bubbles and fun for the children before we put them to work planting the garden.

 

Daddy was able to till our garden plot as well as dig the trenches for our potato rows.

This year we tried something new and put the Comfrey leaves directly in the ground with the potatoes. These leaves contain high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium which are all great to fertilize the plants! I'm excited to see how it works out this year. 

I love that even the tiniest person in our family is able to contribute and help!

 

Mowing with Daddy

Miss Lily absolutely loves being outside. She spends almost all day out there playing with Sawyer, following Grampa around, chasing the kitties, or mowing with Daddy.

We sure love this girl!