Oh, Canada 2009

Canada-here we come!  Why Canada, you say?  Just because.  We wanted to go somewhere we have not been and it was worth it!  Dennis was drooling on the drive alone--through Montana where there are many, many lakes and streams--water everywhere!  And he didn't even bring his fly rod.  It was a beautiful drive and the kids traveled so well.  

Our happy dad!

A Canada favorite--french fries dipped in gravy.  It was pretty tasty!

Here's to A&W in Canada-

We stayed at a resort in Fairmont Hot Springs, BC.  The kids LOVED the outdoor pool.  It had this fabulous water slide and no lines.  Luckily it was heated as it was a little chilly a couple of days.  How come that never bothers kids? 

Millie was very brave.  She even had a swimming lesson while we were there.  

Davis was pretty speedy down the slide.

The gang warming up in the hot tub.

We were up the mountain from our resort near the hot springs visiting an old Indian (native american) ruin--the Indian baths.  You can see the resort behind the kids.

The hot spring flowed through this building into 3 different rooms which contained baths.  

Beautiful scenery.  Beautiful Maren.

We enjoyed the hot springs--especailly on the cooler days!  We were definitely in the minority at the hot springs. Most visitors were over 50 years of age without children just soaking.  Then there was us. Playing, splashing, we had a ball.  There were 3 different pools varying in temperature.  Earlier that morning it was sprinkling which was really cool with the steam hovering just above the pool.  

The kids LOVED the diving boards.  They had quite a crowd oooing and ahhing over their tricks!  Eli and Millie needed to rest, so Dennis brought the older kids back. And the kids put on quite a show!    

Maren showing off her stuff!

Nice form, Natalie!  

No fear off the high dive!

We visited Fort Steele Heritage Town just outside of Cranbrook, BC.  

Getting a workout grinding grain-

Natalie took this picture.  She may have future in photography, don't you think?

This was the very, very large original water wheel.

The kids thought this picnic table was pretty cool with the seats on the end.  

My boys-

Our family vacation proved to be a great one--now that it's over, maybe we'll do it again someday!

firsts and lasts

Millie decided that it was time . . . time to learn to ride a big girl bike! Although the scooter (and running barefoot!) still proves be a favorite mode of transportation, Millie has caught on to riding her first bike rather quickly!

And she's off!  

The girls found the little Barney backpack that was handed down from cousin Melanie to Maren then Davis then Natalie then Millie and now Eli! Now they are all ready for school!  This is one of their last days of school. Cute kids, I must say!

soccer season ends

Another great soccer season has ended and I believe that it rained every game! But that didn't slow team Extreme down a bit!  And Davis proved to be a fabulous goalie yet again!   He did such an awesome job and improved his goalie skills so much this past fall and spring seasons.  With a great coach and teammates, Davis had a wonderful time. We are so proud of him!  

Great job team Extreme!   We can't wait for next season!

Our Preschool Graduate

Millie successfully completed her first year of preschool!  She is now a pro at writing her name, recognizing and writing the alphabet and playing with friends!  She absolutely loved every day of preschool and asks when it will begin again!   (It may be a long summer!)  We are so lucky to have Sister Mower live right next door. Then again, some mornings were very painful as I had to reign her in when trying to go to school extra early!  

What a fun group of friends!  Millie will miss the 6 friends that will be "moving on" to Kindergarten.  But it helps that we get to see them in the neighborhood and at church!  

Millie sure loves Sister Mower!  She is the funest, happiest teacher! Thank you, Lynne, for a great year!  Millie can't wait for preschool to begin again!  Way to go, Millie!  We sure love you!