We Got A Pass!

A rare occasion indeed

An impulsive look as Mom went past

Picking up holds at the library

A museum pass was in!

We set a day carefully - only a week in which to choose - 

putting together an itinerary to warrant the trip:

Museum, looking at a violin off kijij, supper with NiNi and YeaYea

But that day got hijacked for other things

So, we did things in reverse

Stayed the night at NiNi and YeaYea's

Saw (and bought) the violin in the morning

And spent the rest of the day at the Museum of Nature

A rather unexpectedly long rest of the day!

I guess it helps that Aiden is older

more willing to engage than lie on the floor 

Like last time

Once again the favourite places

Blowing up volcanoes

Creating earthquakes

Crawling through caves

Imagination trips in the submarine

The two surprises:

Jasmin over the moon enamoured 

By the gemstone displays

Soaking it in

Voicing longing to find one herself

Begging for pictures of each

 The live bug display 

Enthusiastically explored by all three

And then

Climbing on the beetle

Jumping as far as a cricket

I think I'll check for other passes - this was a good afternoon spent!

Unusual Summer Part 3

For the kids, Halifax means...

Playing with Selah, Imma's new dog

She is puppy enough still to have all the energy to keep up with kids! They had great fun in the house and taking her for exploring trips in the woods. They also had the taste of frustration that comes with a not-quite-fully-trained dog that gets loose or wants to play more than they did...

... at Imma's house and at friends' houses

Backyard campfires

Practicing for that perfect s'more I think we got pretty close....

Sandy beach days

Queensland beach, the day we went... Lots of people on the sand but very few in the water.... Disappointingly too cold for us Asian water temperature spoiled people... But that didn't stop Grace from trying at least!

Hanging out with cousins

At Imma's, at their house... Wherever we are, lots of noise and lots of fun!

Enjoying summer sun

So glad for the down time to just enjoy sun and quiet beauty!

For the kids, Argyle means...

Rocky beach days

Crab hunting

Exploring the places of Mommy's growing up...

Reliving memories

Twilight windmill walks

... Mommy looking like Imma, talking with Imma's friend in a place they went often!

Crash course in sailing

...and Mommy actually did crash the boat!! Well, only scraped up on a rock between two islands, but still... Aiden was pretty worried we'd have to swim :o)

 

Mackerel fishing

 Aiden has wanted to fish for ages, so our friend who took us sailing brought along some rods and we all got to feel the thrill of catching fish. Although now the kids are spoiled for "ordinary" fishing as every cast caught a fish in under a minute!

Hats from a friend

For Mom and Dad, a bit of what Halifax & Argyle means...

Giving Imma grandma time with kids

Catching up with family and friends -  

so much great talk and good food!

Very full days charging and draining us

Alive in prayer

Juggling family fun, rest, ministry.

Moving Imma to her new house - so perfect for her!

Enjoying precious evenings of talk over tea

Sharing childhood experiences with our own kids

But also, 

Michael had to make a weekend trip back to Toronto for his grandma's funeral

We flew to St John's without the kids for a weekend to speak at a few gatherings of our soon return to Asia

Pressure to finish work leftover from before we came

So many people we didn't get to connect with!

Maybe, we'll just have to go again....