I've always had a bit of a fondness for November. There's something about November that makes it a relaxing month. It's an in between month, at least here in Canada. In between Christmas and Halloween, in between festivities and start-ups. A month of some sun but also rain and cold.
It's a month of leaves,
wind,
fall fires,
and bikerides around our neighbourhood to see the local salmon.
It's a month that feels "settled", yet still looking ahead.
Here's to enjoying November.
The kids were so excited to eat from our meager corn harvest.
Miranda collected the husks and ran to get her I Can Make That book.
Within a few minutes she had created this adorable corn-husk doll by bending a husk around some "corn silk" for the hair. Then she tied wool around the neck, waist and you could separate the bottom to make legs (our husk was a bit short for that). The arms were made by sliding in a second husk and tying wool around the arms.
Miranda painted on a face, and enjoyed her cute little corn husk doll. I think if she had a blog, she would have posted this herself!
Hope you are enjoying the last few days of September!
I was completely inspired by these young entrepreneurs.
With the right ingredients,
brainstorming and collaboration,
careful preparation,
good advertising,
and a great sales strategy,
profits can indeed be made.
Now we are off to the candy store (the remaining change will be donated to the SPCA)
Way to go kids!!!
wildlife,
biking, scootering,
parades,
neighbourhood barbe-ques
fireworks of all different kinds,
and best of all trips to the beach.
With the warm sun, the tide out, Baker and mountains in the background, whales and seals in the distance, sailboats and yachts passing by, sitting back on the sand, dipping, wading and swimming in the ocean, and the kids playing and playing, well, life just doesn't get much better and it's only the beginning.
Hope you've been enjoying your July!!
We took a break from packing and working on the house to head out to West Vancouver to pick up an oak chair for our new library.
We drove around gorgeous old houses stacking up on a hillside with the most breathtaking views of the ocean and Stanley Park beyond that.
It's amazing to discover a part of our own city that we hadn't even known about.
Dundarave had the cutest shops including a bakery and antique shop.
Then we walked down the steep, narrow street and over the train tracks to the beach to find "treasures"
of one sort or another,
and to play on the beach playgrounds.
Ah, Spring. We welcome you!
Buying spring bouqets,
Going for walks any sunny chances that we can, to the park, exploring little shops and getting treats at the bakery.
getting in as many runs as I can, and a race or two...
Strolling by and watching the progress with great anticipation. It's supposed to be only a couple of weeks before we move in!!!
What have you been up to lately?
An inspiring idea and evening. The girls' new school is amazing. One event that the PAC puts on is an annual "Snowflake Ball", which is a father and daughter affair. The girls recieved professionally printed invitations with reply cards and a Stephen Curtis Chapman CD with the song "Cinderella" (video linked). The proceeds go to the Gaby Davis Foundation.
All the girls wore fancy dresses, some even had their hair done at the salon. Accessories were a must, including corsages and even a few "high heels". Miranda pointed out to me that it was a "snowflake disco" complete with a DJ, disco ball and lots and lots of dancing. Conga lines were frequently formed (according to an inside source).
There was eating, including a chocolate fountain, and plenty of photo ops.
Definitely a night for Mark and the girls to remember!
Reading Gabby's story again, just makes me realize how important it is to cherish our relationships with our children.
It has come...
We skipped dance lessons today to tobaggan on the hills at the school and to enjoy the white surroundings!
Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!
First time at age eight, next fourteen, then eighteen and age twenty-one. Now with our own kids. What is it about Disneyland that causes people to fly, drive and devote an entire trip to it? I've heard friends say that it really is the happiest place on earth. What is it that still creates the feeling of awe, magic and grand entertainment?
Each time I go, I can't help but get fascinated about Disney, himself. A man who had a vision and who went forward with his ideas despite others warning him not to. The old-fashioned fire engine pictured above is the very one that Walt Disney would drive around the park each morning, just before opening to ensure that all was in order. The fellow who told us this story did so with such sincerity and such respect.
After a day at Disney, I found myself reading biographies about him from the laptop in our hotel room while the kids were fast asleep in the next bed. Next day at Disneyland, I looked around me amazed, especially at the attention to detail. A real paddle boat, canoes, a raft floating across to an island of adventure, with Splash Mountain rumbling by in the background. Characters popping out for photo opportunities and fireworks every night. Walt Disney said, "I just want it to look like nothing else in the world. And it should be surrounded by a train."
Well, Mr. Disney, it certainly is like no other place on earth.
"Alright, guys! Jump in the van! We're ready to go!!"
We spent a lot of time on the road, and we'd often sing this "theme song" as we drove:
On the road again -
Just
can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
Trolley in San Fransisco
On the road again -
Like a band of gypsies we go
down the highway
We're the best of friends.
Insisting that the world keep turning our way.
And our way
is on the
road again.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I
love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
Northern California is beautiful and just amazing. I just couldn't get over the adorable tomato trucks we kept seeing on the way. Just not seen here in B.C.! Time for the best yet, Disney!
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory..." Ephesians 3:20
Please, I ask that you do not reproduce any of my pictures, ideas or writing without asking my permission. Thank you!
