Marshmallows & Bike Rides

This evening we had our first fire. The girls had strawberry shakes & roast marshmallows, and we sat around planning some of our summer excursions. Chloe LOVES marshmallows. Last year she didn't like them roasted, but this year, she seems to have acquired the taste. Tonight, while Rebekah and I were wandering through the trees looking for the perfect marshmallow stick, I was thinking how much I deeply appreciate the slow pace of life we have here. Sometimes it can be chaotic and hectic, but usually, especially in the summer, it allows us to spend a lot of time together, doing the things we love. I like that.

We spent most of this weekend outside. We had another beautiful weekend, the temperature about 20C. Perfect for yard work and gardening. Today we transplanted rhubarb crowns. We're not really sure if this will work, but we're giving it a try. We actually spent this weekend putting the yard back together. After the gale force winds we had last weekend, we had a few things to fix. The winds were so fierce last Friday, I had to run out and take the gazebo apart so that it wasn't destroyed. Glynn managed to work in that weather. They spent the day nailing down shingles and roofs that were blowing off. Ours, thankfully, did not.

Rebekah has begun to master a two-wheeler. At the beginning of spring, Glynn took off the training wheels. She's getting pretty good at riding, but is not quite able to do it all by herself. I imagine in a couple of weeks she'll be a solo rider, and will be able to ride her own bike with Glynn & I, although, I think she will soon need a new one.

Yesterday, we bought tickets to see Star Wars in concert!! We're pretty excited. It's a multi-media concert, with a symphony orchestra playing John William's Star Wars compositions from all six movies. It also includes video clips from the movies combined with a laser light show. It also has displays of original costumes and props, some of which have never left the Lucas ranch before. It's here for one show on June 30th. Woo Hoo!!

This next week, Rebekah's Kindergarten class has swimming lessons. She's very excited. It's one of her favourite things to do. Last year she finished Salamander, and this year she'll begin Star Fish.

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It's definitely Spring...

Although it was officially Spring awhile ago, today was the epitome of the season. It was plus 12 and no wind. Most of our day was spent outside. Behind our house is the "tot lot". A playground the perfect size for 7 and under. Consequently, our family spends a great deal of time there. One of the great things about our set up is that I can garden and watch the kids at the same time.

Today the lawn was finally raked, and I was able to dig up the flower bed beside the house. I was so surprised to discover that we have new strawberry leaves growing already and lady bugs galore. I'm hoping to start planting the garden in the next couple of weeks, which is very early for Saskatchewan. Glynn put the canopy on the gazebo in our court yard and started hauling out the flower pots and gardening accoutrements.

Glynn works this week, so it's just the girls and I at home. Most of our time was spent playing. The greatest sound is Chloe's squeals of delight as she swings higher and higher in the toddler swings. Rebekah is old enough to be able to swing by herself, although she does like the occasional under duck.

Tonight we went for the first bike ride of the season. One of our favourite things to do. Rebekah is learning to ride her two-wheeler. However, when we go for a family bike ride, both girls hop into the bike trailer and away we go. We saw plenty of geese in the sky, heading back home for the summer. One of the sure signs spring has arrived. Their honk is always a welcome sound. The wind was a bit cold on the hands, but it was still wonderful to be out.

Easter Highlights

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Happy Easter everyone

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Easter Break

Ahhh...the week I've been waiting for. Easter Break. This morning we woke up and didn't need to rush to get ready. Instead, we're still in our pajamas watching a few morning cartoons, before we start the day. Later, we'll go for a slow, meandering walk to the post office to collect the weeks mail. But for now, I can sit here and enjoy my coffee.

Last weekend Rebekah had her year-end skating ice show. It was truly enjoyable. The theme was, "Around the World." And Rebekah's class had a Hawaiian themed routine complete with hula skirt and flower Lei. Most 5-year-olds do not skate very well, and this group really wasn't any different! But they had a great time. And Rebekah was able to do the whole routine without falling.

Glynn started back to work last week. He's not really used to the long hours, but I think after four months off, he's enjoying using his skills again.

Rebekah & I have school off until the 12th. I'm looking forward to using some of this time for Spring cleaning. The girls are looking forward to spending time outside riding their bikes. Rebekah also has a new scooter she got for Christmas from Grandpa & Grandma that hasn't been taken out of the box yet. That might be Glynn's weekend project.

Today I need to boil our eggs, so that they can be coloured tomorrow. It's tradition for us to colour them the afternoon of Good Friday. Tonight we will be having a special dinner to celebrate the last supper. Rebekah's looking forward to the "special" cheese, which usually seems to be her favourite part. Tomorrow we'll be going to the Good Friday service at our church.

On Sunday, we'll be going to Regina to spend Easter with my family. The girls are counting sleeps. Sunday morning we've decided to forego Easter service, and stay home to have brunch instead. We think this will be a more peaceful and enjoyable way to spend the morning, rather than trying to get the girls to sit in church.

Next week, Glynn & I are going to be attending a World Vision breakfast in Regina to learn about the ways we can get our community involved with helping the developing world. We're both really looking forward to it. The girls will get to spend the day with their grandparents, and afterwards we'll continue the hunt for furniture.