Afternoon with cousins April 30,2012

Sam's cousins came over for a few hours. They all ran, jumped and played like troopers, the weather was rather nice. Darren even managed to run the lawn mower over the now appearing grass(note previous post about 13 tons of sand).

April Happenings April 14-24,2012

Spring has been up and down here. One minute the weather is improving then we are showered with a copious amount of rain. So timing is everything. I have been stumbling around trying new recipes here and there, one of the big hits is the dutch oven bread .We have been experimenting with different ingredients to make the bread tasty,I would recommend giving it a try.We also tried this pork recipe in the crockpot and it is a must. I would highly recommend making this raspberry vat bars from Pinecone camp

I made them to take camping with us,delish! 

Our garden is starting to emerge and it is truly exciting especially when the sun ray peak through. Well Darren go bitten by the spring but and decided to order 13 tons of sand. So I have been living at at beach house minus the ocean/lake. The only good that came of it is when we finally moved the last of the pile from our front yard the rain came and helped it settle into the lawn. 

One day after school Sam made a monster out of a tissue box he spent a good chunk of time putting the details together. A great craft for recycling and for creativity. 

Final note is that we had my niece Sarah here for the weekend. The kids were good sports they spend a few hours actually lounging around and diving into the mountain of sand, we took Bronwynne to Derby Reach for a walk, visited the garden centre, trekked out to see Grandma & Papa, went for a bike ride in Delta and enjoyed a nice family dinner when Karen returned. 

I say all was well. 

Easter Weekend April 7,8,9,2012

Easter weekend was a bit different for us this year. We didn't do the traditional dinner etc. and well that was okay. Sometimes different is good. Darren was working the red eye flights and wasn't home till Saturday night, well by the time he returned the easter bunny had already hopped all over the house spreading his easter eggs for Sam to wake up to. After a relaxing morning we packed up and headed up to meet Grandma, Papa, Auntie Karen & Sarah at Thurston Meadows. We packed a few overnight items, our bikes and of coarse Brownynne too. When we arrived we promptly found everyone enjoying the sunshine. We joined right in chatting and munching away. Bronwynne was in her happy place as we were right by the river(water and more water). We had a chance to take our bike for spin on the trail. Sarah set up an easter egg hunt for Sam and some soccer was enjoyed.
When dinner time rolled around I through some foil wrapped yams in the fire and BBQ some marinated chicken on Karen's BBQ, it was delish!
Later we enjoyed a campfire with smores and laughter. Sam was fortunate to stay with Auntie Karen & Sarah in their new camper and Darren, Bronwynne & I stayed with Grandma & Papa.
Monday had us enjoying a quick breakfast and coffee followed by another adventurous bike ride. Sam is really enjoying his bike.

MORE PICTURES 

Coloring Easter Eggs March 27,2012

So when I realized that Easter was arriving early this year we got hopping right into colouring the easter eggs. Sam & I mixed up some dyes with food colouring,vinegar and hot water.
I had hardboiled the eggs earlier while Sam as at school, as I know he would be anxious to get straight to the colouring.
We all had a good time Darren even got in on the act.
Wishing you a very Happy Easter.

Sunday Ride April 1,2012

The sun looked like it was making an attempt at coming out so we took Bronwynne for a walk up to the park to see how warm/cold it was and to let her have a little run. When we returned we decided to have a snack and get our bikes out and tackle the Golden Ears Bridge. As we headed out the sun started to shine, still quite cool but manageable with layers. We picked up another trial a bike this one being the Wee-Ride Co-pilot. Sam was excited to get going and try this out. Well over the bridge we went an on to the Osprey Loop  which we had done before. Well before you knew it we hit Harris road and decided we could keep going on the trail . Well by the time we headed back over the bridge the wind was against us and so were my legs but , we made it. I have to say I am glad Darren had Sam in his bike. When we returned home we all just came in through the garage parked our bikes and then parked our buts on the couch! So that was my 40km bike ride, I am proud of me and my family. Heres to many more.

Soccer Jamboree March 24,2012

Soccer season wind up happened and the sun came out! Two things that didn't happen most of the season.  It was lovely to see the sun as the boys played in the soccer jamboree to wind up the soccer season. We arrived on time saw a few friends and found our team. The boys waited until it was time to commence the few games that they would be playing. I actually brought my camera as I have not taken any pictures this season the weather was too tumultuous. Sam and his team the Magpies played well, funny how at the end of the season they are all working together and using the skills and now it is over! Sam did mention that he thinks he would like to play next year so we will wait and see. 

Iona Beach March 19,2012

During spring break Darren has had to work a bunch so Sam & I have kept busy. But in between it all when Darren does come home for short periods of time we have tried to make the best of it. So on Monday Darren was coming in at lunch time. So Sam & I gathered up his bike, and Bronwynne to head out to Iona beach and meet Darren. Once we met up Sam hopped on his bike and Brownwynne was just pleased as punch to be included in the activity and see Darren I thought she was going to hop out of the window when she saw him.
We walked the jetty right out to the end, it was quite windy but refreshing. A few people were out, at one point we couldn't see a soul. I did manage to bring my camera thinking I would snap a few pictures. Well wasn't I sorry that I didn't have a variety of lenses. There were a couple of eagles and it truly was a sight to be seen.

PICTURES 

Trip to the Vancouver Aquarium March 15,2012

Sam & I were invited along with some friends to go to the aquarium. I will admit right now we had not taken Sam to the local aquarium. We have been to other but, it just didn't seem to draw our attention. So this opportunity arose and Sam & I sought it.
Our friends Shannon and her boys Jacob & Brady all headed down amongst the craziness of all the traffic headed into town,the downpour of rain and more rain and  the drive along hastings and its colourful surroundings. But, alas we arrived and headed into the aquarium. The draw for spring break was BABIES from all of the creatures. As we arrived through the doors Shannon suggested we get in line for the 4D Happy Feet Movie, glad we did it only got busier. The movie was a hoot, a small clip from the movie was shown along with wind, spritz of water, bubbles and vibrating chairs were a part of the full 4D experience. At the end of the movie we wandered through the many fish and more. We made an appearance outside to watch the dolphin show and hit the touch a feel stations . A wonderful assortment of experiences we had by all.

A FEW MORE PICTURES

Thanks Shannon, Jacob & Brady

March Madness March 12,2012

Darren & I had the honour of hosting March madness, if you have no idea what I am referring to let me enlighten you. We have many family members sharing the same birthday month. Uncle Dale, Uncle Dave, Auntie Pauline, Rachel, Grandpa & Hunni's anniversary in addition to Darren & myself.

We try to plan a dinner that was flavourful yet not taking away from enjoying our guests. We planned and made quinoa salad, broccoli salad, green salad, salmon en papillote, garlic roasted potatoes, baked yams and for desert we baked peanut butter cups in a jar  with strawberries and whipped cream. 

I assume by the empty plates that all went well. Darren & I were pleased and would make the salmon en papillote again.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful evening.