Strawberry Jam

Today we picked enough strawberries for a big batch of strawberry jam. We washed the berries and mashed them with a potato masher before throwing them in the pot with pectin and sugar. The kitchen smelled divine and my taste buds tingled with delight. Everyone dipped their finger into the empty pot after to taste the last few drops left.

 

 

Making Their own Fun

The children have been enjoying their Summer break to the fullest. They have had a few days to just do nothing and they've been running around the yard together, playing basketball, going on trail rides, and coming to the kitchen whenever they are hungry for snacks.

They've also told me they're bored a fair amount which counts as a successful Summer vacation to me! It has allowed them to use their imaginations and think of new ways to have fun together.

Tonight I put Lily to sleep while the thunder rolled through her open window, thanking Heavenly Father for the much needed rain.

 

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!