Happy Dominion Day!

This year we headed to the Legislature Building for a pancake breakfast! It was so delicious. Sam was so enthralled by all the people that he would stop walking and just stare them down. You can imagine how long it took us to get anywhere- there really were thousands of people for him to stare at. Max got a tattoo on his cheek and loved the pancakes and watermelon. There was no meat served as it was put on my a Muslim group, so it was perfect for our little vegetarian.

After our yummy breakfast we headed to Fort Edmonton Park. It's a huge family park that exhibits different periods of time in Edmonton's History. There is a Midway from the 1920's, a fur trading fort from the 1880's, and various other streets modeled from different eras. Max's favorite, though, is the full sized real steam engine that goes around the park. He loves riding in the caboose in the seats up above all the rest. We spent the rest of the afternoon petting small animals, riding the ferris wheel at the midway, eating bbq lunch, snacking on sweets from an old treat shop, looking at flowers and cars, and riding the train. By the time we out Sam in his carseat, he was out cold. I've never seen him so sleepy.

That evening we bbq'd our supper and headed out back for s'mores. Sam couldn't be bothered to wait for the whole s'more so he ate each part seperately. Max had so many I lost count.

June-a-palooza

This month is nuts with fun! I read my last blog and nearly died from its awesomeness! Although hard to top that, just thought we should fill you in on some other stuff. Dustin and Max went on a father son camp for our ward last weekend. The campsite was a provincial park just outside Pembina. Max's description: "There was a river and a playground". I could tell his favorite parts for sure! They had a blast! Our ward has very young kids, and very few at that. I think there were three little boys there total and they were under 4. Max was very into the tent idea. In fact, most or all of these pictures were taken by Max. His favorite activity was swimming, which we don't have any pics of because Dustin enjoyed swimming in the river with our camera in his suit. One of his favorite things these days...

At last...

Dustin went swimming with our camera in his suit. This turned out to be a blessing. This little event kicked my rear end into gear because our SD card is already in the computer- Dust had to check to make sure all the pics were still on- Enough typing already. Prepare yourselves for an overload of ridiculously good looking pictures.




Chelle at the Luau- they pulled her up and made her "hula"





our snorkel site off the forbidden island

Niihau




Na'Pali Coast


Sorry mom, nobody's safe

Chelle's Shave Ice- and "island favorite" with beans and azuki. It looked like a puke-y to me.

So far behind, I think I'm ahead.

This title should explain my inability to post my hawaii pictures, and childrens' fun goings-on.Please excuse my laxidaisical attitude for a few more days when I may have more time to frivelously spend on writing nothing.

"I am greatly concerned about having a convict in the office. And I do not care if that convict is white, black, Asian, German, or some kind of halfsy. I do not like criminals."- Dwight Schrute

Springtime in the Arctic North

Yes, you read the title correctly. It is officially Spring here in Edmonton. I guess what that really means is snowy weather while the sun shines a little more. I'm hoping that one day, maybe soon, it will really be spring for real. (??????)

What does spring mean to you? To me it means planting a garden, seeing beautiful tulips blooming alongside bright peonies and pansies. I also think of digging and fertilizing the soil to plant a vegetable garden. With all of this in mind, I've decided to plant my own veg and plant gardens from scratch. YIKES!

Currently, Max and I are attempting to grow tomatoes and strawberries from seeds. Very tricky. If anyone has any tips, I'm keen on hearing- or reading- them.

I'm also planting hydrangeas, peonies and gladiolus from bulbs. I also have sweet peas that I'm growing from seeds. Again, any hints would be marvelous! Nat, I'm relying on you here! I've looked in several gardening books and haven't seen if I can expect blossoms this year, or when to plant them. I should say I have read a lot of conflicting advice regarding both of these questions.

I know this isn't the most thrilling post, but I need some help kind of quick. May long weekend is coming up soon-- HELP!!!