bkgrnd

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Overnight adventurers

 A few more memories of summer.  We took the Ranger out on our first overnighter.  We drove up to Tulameen, parked the truck, and off we went with a Ranger loaded as full as it could be.  Sleeping bags, tent, food, swimsuits...
Most of the trails looked somewhat like this - dry, dusty...although this one was pretty flat compared to some!  I enjoyed the wildflowers growing everywhere.  We didn't see any wildlife except for first thing in the morning...that story to come.

We stopped for the night at Lodestone Lake.  This rock was one of the thrills of our campsite - 'I'm the king of the castle' was heard quite a few times!  :D
 It had been pretty warm but the lake was cold.  Didn't stop these two from practicing their swimming skills!
  
 Back floater extrordanaire! 
 While they swam with Brian, I wandered off and found a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers.  It even had a watering hole, although I didn't see any animals enjoying it.

Warm dry clothes and time to set up the tent.  Daddy had lots of 'help' for this :)
 And of course, you have to check it out once it's up.  Sleeping bags out (thanks Nana and Grampa!) and enjoying the idea of sleeping here.

 What a beautiful piece of God's creation to enjoy!  Besides a few other quadders that evening, the area was peaceful and quiet.  A lovely summertime break!


 Supper tastes best when eaten outdoors :)
 A second trip to the meadow meant a few less flowers growing and a few to bring back to the campsite :)


 Dish duty :)

 We were thankful there was this outhouse.  This might be my favorite picture ever ;)
 And then it was morning.  The night passed slowly with Brynlie alternating between cold and sleeping.  Finally Brian tucked his sweater around her and she slept well.  By this time she was beside me, on HIS mat, in his sleeping bag :).  For a first time, it went okay :).
I woke up in the morning as Brian rolled over to look out the tent and said "Leanne!  Look!"  I rolled over right away, thinking 'deer?  moose?  bear? something interesting, I'm sure!'  About 5 feet away, with their huge eyes staring at us in the tent were two very large beef cows!!  We stared at each other for a few minutes, then Brian brushed his hand on the side of the tent and one went running with the other following at a more leisurely pace.  Turns out the meadow was prime feasting for these 'wild' animals too :)
We thoroughly enjoyed eating with this view.  The water reflections were amazing and the early morning brought a lot of small fish jumping for bugs.
 More 'king of the castle' time

 A little stroll before heading out for the day.  

I didn't take any more pictures as the trail was dusty and the fine dust coated everything.  We enjoyed the trails around the area, then headed down the mountain to Tulameen where we rode on the former Kettle Valley Railway trail for awhile.  In the heat of the afternoon we cleaned up and cooled off in Tulameen Lake before heading homewards again.  It was a lovely, relaxing time together.
Now we're settling into new routines with KG and Doorway.  Hope your school year's off to a good start :)

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

First day of school

 
She woke up and came bouncing down the stairs, still rubbing her eyes.  "Today's the big day!!  The first day of kindergarten!  Hooray!"
The uniform was exciting, packing her lunch was exciting, putting on her backpack was exciting...

 heading to the busstop was exciting...

 the (half-asleep) paparazzi was ready...
 and there came the bus!!!
 A quick minute of uncertainty..."Mommy, can you take me onto the bus?" disappeared quickly as the bus driver showed her where to sit.  Even a friend across the aisle already!
 And thanks to Uncle Dave for stepping onto the bus for this picture.  How little does she look?!
We prayed together this morning for God's blessing on her day and year...we hope she will be a blessing to those around her as well!  
Have a great day at KG, Chelsie.  Mommy misses you already.

(but no worries...the other chatterbox has picked up the chatter with her big sister missing!  No quiet moments here).
Enjoy your day.