An Afternoon at the Beach

Today a beach day was declared! We packed up the sand toys and the boogie boards and headed to Crimson for the afternoon. The children always get along so much better when we have planned things and get out of the house. 

Camilla and Lily built sandcastles together for a good chunk of time.

The boys all took turns boogie boarding around the lake.

Also, might I just say, that these pre-teen/teen years are turning out to be a lot of fun! I love watching these two enjoy each others company and help out with the littles. They are such great kiddos!

 

Canada Day

This weekend my siblings all came home to be together for the long weekend. The little cousins really enjoyed one another! We played games, spent lots of time outside, and had delicious food and a fire to finish the evening. It was so great to visit with everyone!

 

Strawberry Season

We are thoroughly enjoying strawberry season! I can't wait to have enough for a batch of homemade jam!

 

Exploring Whistler

Today we slept in and enjoyed a delicious breakfast together at our hotel restaurant!

I went with the waffles and berries while Mr. Stannix had eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns.

Later that morning we wandered into a bike shop and rented a couple of ebikes for the afternoon! We grabbed a trail map and spent the rest of our day exploring places we had never seen before. We made our way to three different lakes and took in the views of the mountains surrounding us.

I really enjoyed the peddle assist that these offered, especially on the hills! It has been ages since I rode a bike and I wasn't sure I would make it.

On the way back, we stopped at a dock and dipped our feet to cool off. 

Mr. Stannix convinced me to try out Sushi Village for dinner. While sushi is not one of my favourite things, they did offer other yummy things on the menu.

I knew how happy it would make this guy!

It was so fun to spend time together biking and exploring today!

 

Happy Anniversary

To celebrate our fifteenth anniversary this year, Mr. Stannix and I jumped on a quick plane ride to Vancouver and took a shuttle to Whistler. We were blessed to enjoy a meal together at one of our favourite Mexican joints reminiscing on the past fifteen years and all of the wonderful adventures we've had together. 

Life is good when you spend it with your best friend!

 

Afternoon Storms

This afternoon as a thunderstorm rolled in, Ollie and Lily snuggled up on the porch swing together. He stroked her hair and softly rubbed her head until she drifted off to sleep. It melted my heart as I quietly watched from the window. She peacefully slept away the afternoon as the porch swing swayed and the rain poured down and the thunder rumbled. My heart was filled with gratitude at the sight of such love and care. It always makes the difficult moments worth it!

Anxious for Summer

We are counting down the days until Summer vacation! Lately the littles have been heading outside as soon as they get up to help water the greenhouse and raid the strawberry patch. 

The taste of store bought strawberries can never compare to the taste of a homegrown, sun warmed, freshly picked berry.

The early evening brought us to Crimson Lake for our annual Ward Picnic. The children all had a great time eating food, playing at the park, and visiting with friends. Most of the older children ended up swimming in the lake at some point, even Fin who forgot to wear his swim trunks ended up soaked.

As the evening came to a close, the littles and I took a quick walk down to the beach to find the big kids and watch the sun set. It was a beautiful, filling evening! Summer, here we come!

 

Grade 5 Grad

Today I was able to attend Joseph's Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony. Joe loves school and being around his friends. He has a big heart, a keen mind, and busy hands. He's been blessed with awesome teachers who have helped him grow and thrive each year. We are so proud of this kid! In September he is off to join his big brother over at the middle school next door. He's totally ready!

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!