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! 

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!