Niagara Falls

Last Saturday, since Jonathan had to work in Oakville, and we had a baptism in St. Catherines on Sunday, we decided to make a bit of a weekend of it. Piet and Mel graciously accepted all three of our kids, and we were off. Jonathan dropped me off at IKEA where I spent the morning while he worked, then we headed off to Niagara Falls. Although the weather forecast was RAIN all weekend, it was actually a beautiful day on Saturday. So we decided to take a walk near the Falls. It was a windy walk, but well worth it. The wind wreaked great havoc on any pictures Jonathan took of me, so this post will have to be devoted to my wonderful husband of eight great years.

And here is baby Judah. He is extremely cute and extremely cozy! Thanks for having us over JM and Becky. It's always nice having a chance to visit again.

The Snake Lady

At our last science related KENA session on Monday, we had The Snake Lady come out to teach the kids about reptiles and amphibians. I didn't get a chance to sit in, but one of the other moms took pictures for me for which I am very grateful. The kids had a great time and loved getting to hold the animals (that part I do not mind missing out on!)

Kevin tells me he did hold a snake, but he looks rather cautious here if you ask me.(though I will admit he was not afraid to pick one up at the cottage, so I guess I should believe him)

Kade seems a little more comfortable with it - though it does seem to be a very serious matter.

There's the smile - if you can call it that:)

Apparently she fed most of the animals, which was neat to watch too.
Kevin said there was a frog there that was about as big as daddy's head. - I'm guessing this is it! He later changed it to maybe . . . Kylie's head. Hmmmm . . .
And Kylie keeping busy in the nursery doing the things a little girl should!

Thanksgiving Weekend

As I look back over this weekend, I see that I indeed do have much to be thankful for! God has blessed my family and I richly and we give Him thanks! May our lives and our walk continue to be for His glory.

Friday

We started our weekend off by heading to Springwater with our bikes. The weather was beautiful, the scenery unbelievable, and we had a really nice time. Getting out on the bikes is always a hit, though I must say Kade's endurance wasn't quite up to par. Nevertheless, he prevailed and we made it out before dark. Of course we had to stop and take some pictures too.

Kylie bestowing kisses upon her Pa.

Sunday

Sunday we had dinner with the VD's and then after second service Josh and Steph came over. Again the weather was really nice, so we headed for a walk in the woods which are definitely at their prime for colour.
Brooke and Kylie

Jonathan and his gun!

Thanks for coming over Josh and Steph! We really enjoyed the visit!

Monday

On Monday we headed to Steve and Kate's for thanksgiving with my side of the family - another beautiful day allowed us to keep most of the festivities outside which is always nice for the host.

My grandma and Oma enjoying their dinner.

Kade, Anna, Meika

Kate and I
And the rest of the sisters!
Tuesday

And then it was back to routine, and at our house anyway, it was the first day that there was tonnes of leaves, so we had to do the big jump pile.

Track and Field Meet

Our homeschooling group held its track meet today. The weather was cool, but perfect for competing. The boys had a lot of fun, the parents enjoyed watching, and Kylie got into lots of trouble! Kevin and Kade participated in 5 events - high jump, standing jump, running long jump, 100m dash, and ball throw. They have been practicing at our weekly KENA days with the group.
Kevin running the 100m dash.

Kevin doing high jump.

All the kids waiting patiently for ribbons and the announcements of WHO WON!

Kylie is very busy at an event such as this Jonathan tells me.

Well surprise of all surprises, Kade got first place in his age group. (and not a picture was taken of him doing any events - Jonathan was behind the camera this time:() (By the way, he did have 5 in his group!:))

Kade with his first place ribbon and his participation ribbon.

B/c this is apparently what people do . . . I'm assuming he got that info from his dad.

And Kevin came in second and did really well - I must admit the competition was a little stiffer in his group. He had a bit of trouble wrapping his head around the fact that Kade got first, and he only got second, but when assured that he did very well it seemed to help. (He's not used to Kade being "better" at him in sports)

The happy brothers.

This night was also our back to school picnic, and after track, we enjoyed a chili supper together. We are very thankful for this wonderful homeschooling group we are a part of and that God has blessed our children with health and strength so that they can enjoy activities like track and field.