And....Yet Again...

Happy Birthday to a wonderful son
now also..
a proud daddy

Stop by SD and wish him a Happy 26!!

Birthday time again!!

Our early Christmas present 21 years ago is so much more
than just part of the family feet!

She's a daughter, big sister, little sister, sister-in-law, friend, niece, auntie, wife,
daughter-in-law, mother, and granddaughter!
Oh yea, I missed....Math whiz!

Happy Birthday "Smiley"

We Love You Heather ~ ~ Hope you enjoy your day!!

and baby makes three...

Well it was hard waiting to post this but I needed to let her daddy have first rights here :)

Alas, we welcome the latest little family member....

Jillian Mae

made her way into the world yesterday, Dec 18th, in the wee morning hours, weighing 6 lbs 13 oz. She's just perfect with all her little fingers and toes and, lots of dark hair! She now shares a birthday with her great Uncle Glen.

I don't have a picture to post since my camera is still on it's way back to me...but you can check out this little miracle here.

We thank God for answered prayer!!

those heartstrings...

The other day the little man was over for the evening as his mommy & daddy were out with the Youth. It's always a time we look forward to. He and I have this little game we've been playing for a while... I sit next to him on the LR rug, he tackles me and then I grab him on my way down and we roll (like play-wrestling) with him in my arms. He loves it and screams in delight. Well, about a month ago he motioned to me that he was about to start "our game" when I had to stop him and explain that Nana wouldn't be able to play this time because she had a very sore back. He seemed concerned and content to play other things that night.

Anyway, back to our last visit. We were in the LR reading together when all of a sudden he got up, stood facing me with his hands on my shoulders and said, "How's your back Nana?" Oh my goodness...I melted!! The little rascal was checking to see how I was before 'tackling' me to the floor. Of course he got my praises....then I grabbed him and started rolling. What a sweet, sensitive little man - but then he's got a great example to follow - his daddy.
We played an extra long game that night, til Nana was plum tuckered out!

A few more days...

I have this uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach - has to do with the days going by too quickly and this sense that I won't be ready for Christmas.
What does being ready mean anyway? I'm sure for most it means making a list, braving the crowds rushing around spending what most of us don't have, and preparing more food than any of us should feel good about eating. Hmmm, wait a minute! I do love many things about the Christmas season - baking, decorating, the lights and happy faces....but more than that I want Christmas to be a special time together with my family and friends, laughing and making new memories. Each year I have these great intentions for making the holiday time 'more' special, but when all is said and done, I often feel like I just manage to 'get it done'...never mind all the extras. Actually, I really am ok with just being together and keeping things simple!!
Of course the one thing at the forefront of my thoughts these days is the anticipated arrival of W&L's little muffin. I think my mind is preoccupied to the point of sabotaging my own productivity. I can't seem to focus on the shopping & baking - simply 'waiting' for this little package to make it's way into our world. Nothing can compare to the wonder of a new baby, and I'm/we're so thankful for how God has protected this baby and how well he/she is doing.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is somehow in the midst of my busyness I want to take time to reflect on what really matters most...valuing people and remembering God's love for us. It really is OK if the baking doesn't get done. I'm rambling on now, but hopefully this post has got you thinking about the things you're thankful for.
I can't help but wonder how Mary felt as she anticipated the birth of her child. Did she realize all her son would mean to us? One of my favorite songs during the Christmas season is "Mary Did You Know?" I remember so vividly when Stacey sang this with the Jazz Choir - I literally had goosebumps...

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters.
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new,
this child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy, will give sight to a blind man.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand.
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angles trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God!
Oh, Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is lord of all creation.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations.
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I AM”

One thing I do know is that I'm so thankful for that Child, who came to bring a gift the world so desperately needed. I hope I'll be still long enough to truly appreciate what that means. He should be the only reason we celebrate. He's what we need to be ready for. Thank goodness Jesus wasn't too busy to do the job He set out to do!!

Now, I can't wait for the get-togethers. Are you ready?

Birthday wishes...

Happy Birthday to a very special someone who makes another
very special someone
VERY happy!!
Liane, we love you and wish God's blessings & JOY overflowing
May your day be filled with beautiful smiles and good memories!

Head on over to the Thiessen's blog and wish Liane a Happy Birthday... You can leave some wishes here too if you like ... we'll make sure she gets them :)

Brrrr

Oh my goodness it's cold outside. Looks like this will be a great day for some baking. The mercury plummeted from -6 celcius yesterday to -21 today. Time to get out the long johns I say!! I really don't handle the cold weather too well, just want to stay inside and curl up with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea. Hmmm, speaking of tea, I need to go make some...

Alright, now that I'm set I have a bone to pick.

I mentioned it was only -6 outside yesterday, but the humidity was high and the cold still chilled through to the bones. I had to go to the store to buy some envelopes and what I saw there just broke my heart. A few people ahead of me at the checkout was a mother packing up her purchases getting ready to head outdoors. Her little boy, no more than a year old, was sitting in the cart playing with his mommy's hat, pulling it on and off of his head. I smiled as I watched him - he was simply adorable. Anyway, I watched and waited for her to put on her baby's parka and mitties - but she didn't!! No mitties, no parka, just a fleece (like a hoodie, but no hood) and a loose hat, which was NOT his mommies, that would have blown away in the wind. Did I mention it was windy? I wanted to run after her and ask her if she didn't have anything warm for her baby, but I didn't. My smiles quickly faded and I felt sick as I watched her go out into the cold with the little one holding on to the cold metal cart. I mean, she had plenty in her cart and they weren't groceries, couldn't she afford a pair of mitties? Even the cheap $1.99 version would have been better than nothing at all. I don't know, maybe she had a parka and mitts in her car - I hope so. What if she had vehicle trouble and had to walk with that little one? What are people thinking - - or don't they!!

Now, my son rides his bike to school year round - unless it's very cold outside. But, he's old enough to understand what cold is and does, and to decide for himself if he wants to be cold or not. In fact, after I dropped him off at school this morning (he couldn't find his warmer gloves), I watched one of his classmates walking to school with a short blazer-type jacket, nothing on her head and no gloves. She must have been so cold. I knew there was means for her to have these items if she wanted them - she was making her own statement. The little boy in the cart, however, depended on his mommy to keep him warm and safe.

If you've got little ones, please make sure they're protected from the cold. Better still, if you don't have to go out with them when it's bitter outside, don't! I know there are families out there who can't afford to dress their children warmly, and I pray that those around them who notice will do what they can to help and not just watch.

One down....

So, we finally managed to do the big birthday party yesterday for Dad and Stacey. Stacey decided she wanted pizza so pizza it was - great choice since we didn't have a table to sit around. It's in for repairs just like my poor old camera (silly story), only hope I don't have to wait as long to get it back. Anyway, back to supper. Heather came over early to give me a hand while Selah slept. She managed to get a lot of the little prep things done while I played with the dessert recipes. Then I started mixing the pizza dough and discovered I only had 1 Tbsp of yeast left - ok that just doesn't cut it when you're making four pizzas. Thankfully my very own personal delivery man was just a phone call away and soon we had yeast!! Obviously the pizza was on a little later than usual - not too serious except the house smelled so good by this point I found myself warding off the taste-testers from the toppings! LOL. Liane and Heather were pretty quick on the assembly line (they're experienced) and soon all the growly tummies were satisfied - wish I had a picture!!
The house was pretty full as others arrived shortly after supper to enjoy some birthday cake. Actually I made a Toblerone cheesecake and fruit trifle, which turned out pretty good despite my feeling a little flustered. I was asked to post the recipe for the cheesecake so you'll find that in the sidebar as well.
I hesitate to post recipes yet since my camera is still in the repair shop and I wanted to have my own pictures to go with the recipes. I am such a visual person. Don't explain something to me, show me a picture...hehe... especially when it comes to dessert!
Alrighty - it's Saturday and much to do. I think the little man is coming over for a haircut so I'll go get ready for him. Have a great weekend!! I'll post an old pizza-feast picture for you to enjoy.

Birthday time again!!

I know it's been a while. I've had so much on my mind lately that I haven't been able to even think about blogging! I've also been wrestling with some health issues that have been a bit draining (ok, more than a bit), but I'll maybe get into that in a later post.

This time of year sets off a whole 'wack' of birthdays in the Thiessen family. Just celebrated mine, won't say which one, but it's always the point where I know that four of my kids' birthdays will follow shortly (3 actual plus our daughter-in-law). Anyone who knows our family well knows we used to jokingly tell our kids they could not marry someone who had a birthday in December. This indoctrination began quite early (just kidding). One of the first questions we could hardly wait to ask our kids when they started dating was when their "friend's" birthday was. Too funny. Anyway, our son did marry a December-birthday girl and that's more than ok with us since she's a gem, and...it gives us another occasion to get together, which I love more than anything. Did I happen to mention they're also going to have a little one in December - can't wait!
So, today is Stacey's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACEY! As part of my gift to our kids I cook them their favorite meal, which can get interesting, although some are very predictable by now. I'm waiting to hear what Stacey will choose. She and Keith have been away visiting his family so I haven't been able to ask her yet.
It's also another special person's birthday - 24 years ago Stacey arrived earlier than expected -but just on time to help us celebrate Dad T's birthday - so Happy 79th Dad!!!



Here they are, Stacey with her grandpa, almost 23 years ago

Dad's still whistling tunes






So...I just counted the family birthdays for November and December - 22! plus the little muffin! Hope I didn't forget anyone this time :)

Did you know?..

I had only heard part of this story previously - it's even more amazing to me now!



I can't imagine that praising would be the first thing I would have done!? My trials in this life are minor in comparison and I too easily complain.

Hope this inspires you and helps you face whatever it is you are facing today.

Dancing with God...

My friend Rhonda sent me this in an email and I couldn't help but post it...worth reading on...



When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw 'G': I thought of God, followed by 'u' and 'I'. God, 'u' and 'i' dance.' God, you, and I dance! As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life. This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another. And I Hope You Dance ! ~author unknown

Sharing recipes

I just LOVE cookbooks and finding new recipes, sooo.....here's what I'm going to do. I've started a new feature on my blog and that is, sharing some of my favorite recipes with you.
Until I figure out some other way of doing this, you can check out recipes on the sidebar...just a click away :) Only one there so far, but it was a requested recipe, so thought I better get on that!
Enjoy!

This....That...and PRAISES?!!

Let's see... still fighting this 'bug' or whatever it is that's been dragging me down - I know I'm not alone in this. This week was really miserable, but yesterday I finally started feeling better than I have for a while, so that's definitely a praise! Let's hope we're done with this soon :)
The sun was finally shining today after several dreary days - praise #2! I think the whole neighbourhood was outside - felt so good to be able to work in the yard! Didn't get a thing done inside though, but I think we'll survive :)
I've felt lost lately without my camera - it too is suffering from something and hasn't been working for a few weeks. Warren took it in to the city for me and I was quite relieved when he told me there had been a recall on the camera for exactly that problem and it will be fixed for FREE!! It wasn't a cheap camera and I was dreading what it might cost to fix. So, praise #3!
Thanksgiving... can't believe how quickly it came and went. We're actually celebrating with our kids tomorrow since last weekend was rather "full" (hehe). We got together with both sides of the family which was very nice and although a few people were missing from my side, it was great visiting with those who could be there.
I really want to focus on being more thankful - yes, even though things don't always go as I wish they would and I'm tempted to grumble, I am so blessed. I am truly thankful to know a gracious God who loves me for who I am. I don't know why I don't get that the way I should - I don't have to try to be like someone who looks like they have it all together (generally speaking - no one in particular) - I'm not perfect (far from it) and HE LOVES ME!! I'm so verrrry thankful for that and for a husband who tries his best to relay that to me time and time again. I really owe so much! More praises!!!
This is BY NO MEANS the end of my list...really only the beginning - but somehow it got late and I need to get some sleep now. What's at the top of your "thankful" list?

This says it all...

I know...I know... I've been silent for a while....sorry, just too much happening I guess to take time to blog about it. Been a little under the weather as well.
Came across this today and it sure made me laugh, pretty much sums up motherhood. ENJOY!!

BLOGGER PRAYER-CHAIN REQUEST

I'm posting this at the request of Heather, a fellow blogger whom I have recently met.
She's asking for prayer for a young girl who, at the age of 16 finds herself two months pregnant. This girl is seriously thinking of ending her pregnancy, because she doesn't think she could give it up once it was born.
So, if you're reading this, please take some time to stop right now and pray. Let's, as many of us as possible, do our part in bringing this before God.
Sara

Almost Forgot!

Ok...so Stacey is doing a little giveaway over on her blog. Now, obviously I don't need this but it sure is a great idea and wish I would have had one when I was nursing. The safety pin on the outside of my sweater was always a dead giveaway! Ok...so I didnt' actually pin it to the outside of my shirt, but how awkward it was!! Anyway, it will make a nice little gift to give someone. Stop by Amy May's to check out some of her other great ideas!!

VeggieTales and Apple Pie......

Today Rowan and I sat and watched "Lyle the Kindly Viking", the VeggieTales video about sharing. I actually needed to get lunch started and thought maybe he wouldn't mind sitting and watching this one by himself...but, it's what we do now...he suggests a movie and we get to watch together cuddled up on the couch under the same blanket...so I embraced the idea once more :) It was fun watching with him and wondering what his little mind was thinking as the story played on. Was he catching on to this 'sharing' idea?
Then my thoughts turned to myself/my life and I had to ask solemnly, in what ways do I share (quietly of course, wouldn't want to startle Rowan). Do I look for opportunities in my day to 'share' something with someone...my time, resources/blessings, a cup of tea, a quiet moment? Maybe they don't have physical needs, but they're lonely or had a hard day. How often don't I carry on my daily routine as usual, just to bring me to the end of yet one more day without a lot of thought as to how I can make someone else's day better?!! Of course as moms/wives we're always thinking about our own family...but how about someone else, someone "outside the box"? This led me to the next thought, which the video brought out (by now you're thinking you should watch the video...good idea...or watch it again if haven't recently)....do I share only when I have an abundance or even just enough? Am I able to think of others more highly than myself and actually give sacrificially? It sure feels great to be the recipient of such a selfless act; gotta remember to pass it on!
Who says VeggieTales are for kids? Bring on the movies Rowan!! :)
Oh...by the way, I read the back of the video....it says, "sharing gets us more of what we really want - friends!" Fancy that!

Thanks so much for the apples AF!!
These will be a blessing to share!

Down for the count...

....but hopefully not for long.
Les has been suffering from terrible back pain & other symptoms since Sunday AM. After three days of being unable to do anything but lie in bed (well by Tuesday he could get up by himself) He did manage to go to work yesterday but had to come home for a nap in between.
I, on the other hand, thought I was better off with just a sore stiff neck since Sunday, but have been sooooo tired the last couple of days. Yesterday I could barely keep my head up at work and by evening added a sore throat to my neck issues. So, I don't know who/or what 'tagged' us, but we'll hopefully be back to normal before too long - the weekend is coming!!!

Lost in the Excitement!!

Got to drive my niece to the airport yesterday. Was hoping to take someone along for the ride and of course to take in a little shopping since I had a few "needs" to tend to as well - it's always more fun to shop with a friend! (actually for me it's more the visiting than shopping) But, gone are the days when I could just call someone on a whim and she'd be available to go. So, yes, I went alone and told myself it was (?) OK - now I could take all the time I needed to browse, try on a gazillion (that's how it feels - I really don't enjoy it) shoes or other 'things', etc., and not worry about being home by a certain time. This was going to be a 'ME' day!
Well, I hadn't been at the Mall long when I happened upon the scene....now you gotta picture it....several ladies all crowding around a clothing rack in a kids store, grabbing and throwing (yes, literally) piles of clothes into their shopping bags like price wasn't an issue.
Turns out it wasn't - the store had just decided only minutes before to clear out all their summer wear at ridiculously cheap prices!!! It was crazy - there were boxes stacked in the store and people began rummaging through them as well, which apparently was OK with the clerks. Well, I couldn't resist joining in ...like the rush when a garage sale 'opens for business' and 15 people dash to get in the door for that one special 'treasure' ...like a kid in a candy store ...like a bag sale at MCC, only everything was new and cute to boot! I could hardly decide which colours, sizes, styles, etc. to pick. It was SO MUCH FUN because I didn't get there after everything was picked through....yippee!! I know a few mommies who'll be glad I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Hmmm, now I'm not going to mention how much of my time this bargain took up - only that I guess I'll have to go again since I didn't get any of the "me" things done! Anyone interested in going for a ride??

What to do?

So I'm sitting here this morning wondering which of the many projects staring at me I should tackle on this 'labour' day. We've rarely done anything holiday-ish on this day - mostly looked at it as an opportunity to get more done! I'm feeling kinda sad about that. I'd love to just go for a drive and relax....yes, really ....I love to just drive, and of course talk with my hubby while we're cruisin'.
So, here are the options for today....
~ bake (it's been a while since I've made homemade bread) ~ 9-grain or flax? OR...uhmmm cinnamon buns would be 'sweet'
~ make pizza sauce (I possibly have enough ripe tomatoes for one recipe)
~ yard/garden work
~ finish up the arbour bench (the top boards need to go on to complete the arbour part)
~ start on that garden path I'd like (actually there are still tomatoes and peppers in the way of where it's supposed to go, so nay on that)
~ get my house organized. Feels so disjointed right now with many things out of place with the renos started-but-stalled-for-now!
~ I'm sure there's something else calling...
So, what do you think?
Oh I should say we will be going to the valley for a little hiking later on today - after I/we get something accomplished ;) Les is at the church at this very moment doing hopefully the last coat of plastering in the new washrooms - doesn't take him as long to get his day going....hehe. I guess that also means I get to paint soon - anyone interested in lending a helping hand with that?

LOOK WHO'S 16!

DUSTIN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN!!

You've brought so much joy and excitement into our lives, it would be hard to imagine it otherwise - you are so talented and funny to boot - the Lord can use all that in amazing ways so keep your eyes focused on Him and He will guide you.
We love you,
Mom & Dad

The 'BIG' Trip (**Correction - Lynn Canyon not Jessica Bay - read on )

Well, thought maybe it was time to post a little something about our trip, short as it was.
We left a few days later than planned since we weren't going to leave before Stacey had her baby, which we expected any day. It also meant we didn't travel together with Glen & Anna which would have been fun for the boys, but we had a good time anyway.

The drive to BC was good - only a couple of white-knuckled moments in the mountains when either a transport or one of the hundreds of massive campers veered slightly onto our side of the yellow line - YIKES! I could do without that, thanks anyway!

You know, God really does care about the little things because I still hadn't found an outfit for Nate & Kate's wedding before we left and my wonderful sister said to me, "Don't worry, I know just where to take you when you get here."...which she did, and we did - find something that is! We arrived at her home Thursday night, Friday we shopped, and Saturday morning was the wedding - how's that for nip 'n tuck? Thanks Susanne, and thanks for letting us crash at your place!! Sorry we didn't have a lot of time to visit - next time ok.

The wedding was beautiful as we knew it would be. If you want to check out some great pictures, Rosie (our niece) did a super job of capturing the day - check it out here.















The lovely Katie and Nathan - now one















Katie and bridesmaids - Kathryn (in the middle)
designed and sewed all the dresses, including the bridal gown!!
Got talent?!!!















One little boy patiently waiting for the reception,
which was a few hours after the wedding.















Darren & Chelsea - not sure what's up with the 'look' - Oh,
I know, he's missing his shades! :)

Sunday we spent at Hatzik Lake where the kids enjoyed cooling off in the water and shooting some pool in the cabin. We actually discovered a couple of the boys really had a nack for kneeboarding, while others had a nack for wiping out!!















Way to go Mattie!!!















Rosie contemplating tipping the guys out of the paddleboat!















Weren't we surprised to see this thing come cruisin' down the lane? I mean lake!!! How cool is that!


Bob topped off a great day by cooking up some pretty fantastic salmon over the fire (seasonings courtesy of Monika :) Thanks again guys!
We decided to stay an extra day and join the rest of the gang for a trip up to Grouse Mountain. Along the way we did a little hiking at Jessica Bay which was really beautiful - reminded me of some hiking Stacey and I did in Germany. You know I didn't realize I would get queezy walking across the suspension bridge, but Monika did her best to get it to sway just right :)
Things got a little tense for a bit when we couldn't find one of the boys - we were all a little shaken but so thankful God protected him - he had continued down the trail while the rest of us turned to go back.
















































I actually enjoyed the tram ride to the top of Grouse mountain - wasn't so sure when I saw how many people they packed into one trip, but we did ok! While up there we took in a logging show which was hilarious and I went on my first ever chair/ski lift, which again had me a little nervous - hey, no laughing! I did manage to get a nasty headache though, not sure if it was from the heat or the altitude (or combo) since I rarely get headaches. We decided to head back down then, but little did we know it would take us another hour - the lineup was CRAZY! At that point I could have cried - since my head hurt anyway - but, there are no other options for getting down the mountain unless you want to hike it!! Uhmmm, no thanks, I'll wait it out. Thankfully we met an interesting fellow in the lineup which not only helped to pass the time, but took my mind off the throbbing somewhat.















The cousins enjoying their ride. They didn't have to worry
about hanging onto their flip-flops.... as I did. Hehe.

From there it was on to Edmonton to spent a little time (very little sadly) with my family. We arrived there at 7:30 Tuesday evening, just in time to join in on the backyard surprise party the girls were having for my sister Betty's 50th. They went to a lot of trouble to make the evening special and even treated us all to a pedicure!! What a great way to end a day of driving. Thanks girls!!!



















Helen, Betty, Lori
and Lisa






















Betty getting some extra 'special' treatment - she couldn't stop giggling - wonder why??





Wednesday we managed a little shopping at Ikea and then made our way to Ron & Betty's where we enjoyed a delicious steak & chicken BBQ - hats off to the cook(s)!!






John being goofy!
























Ryan stopped being goofy long enough to actually get 'snapped'!






So that's it - short, but sweet! It was really great seeing everyone - we saved a little for "next time"

THROWBACK THURSDAY - CAMPING MEMORIES! * added a picture*

I'm going to try doing a throwback post. I was inspired when I read fellow blogger Gina's post about camping.

We don't do a lot of camping, but in the past tried to go twice during the summer. When our kids were younger and doing paper routes, we used to go camping to Stanley Park, which is only about 15 miles (guessing) from us. Not too exotic I know, but it was good for us. We'd try to camp during the week so it would be quiet at Stanley, but also because we'd head back home in the morning to get the papers done, pick up some fresh food, grab a quick shower and be back camping by lunch - it was great!! Most times we'd be the only people in the park and had a blast hiking and having water fights by the pump (apparently that's not allowed any more).
One of the best memories we have of those 'good old days' was the fact that because we only had one vehicle and it was NOT a camper, the kids would all bike there, with their dad, and I'd get to drive the vehicle loaded down with all our tents and mega other gear. Occasionally Mike & Renee and their family would join us so their kids would bike as well. We'd have our own little tent village by the time all the tents and the dining shelter were set up - great memory-making stuff!!
The last time we camped together as a family, and with our friends, was two weeks before Stacey's wedding - I think we're due!!!
I had to scan these pictures since they're before our digital camera days...sadly I couldn't find a lot of our earlier pictures.

Stacey, Nat and Warren setting up one of the many tents.

Warren, Nat, Beth, Heather, Stacey & Tim at one of our earlier outings.

Renee finding a quick solution to 'bed head' :)

Hey, that is fun!!!

Dustin helping out with the breakfast cleanup

Heather always found innovative ways to do things!

Les decided he would supervise the cutting from the
comfy reclining chair

These two couldn't wait to give it a try

Stacey & Heather hauling in a BIG one by moonlight.
Go Girls!!!

Fetching some water for Mom - or is he?

What we were all waiting for - a drenching war...
this is where you learn to sprint!

Hmmm - not sure what to call this!