Home Again...

I guess that's enough for the "travels west" blogs...since returning home we've been busy with yard work, gardening, clean up from the trip, shopping and preparing for back to school routines...you get the picture. We camped (as we always do) for Labor Day weekend and Bret enjoyed sailing in his converted canoe. We relaxed and swam in the lake. We camped with friends and enjoyed fellowship, singing around the campfire, sharing devotionals and spiritual growth. Now we're settling back into fall routines. Canning is almost done and soon I'll be making soap again.

Travels West--Adventure Rocks!

We made friends with a bear and rustled up some cattle on the open range...

Then...we found some dinosaurs...well actually they found us--rather tasty! :-)

Travels West--Mount St. Helens

We travelled south to see the mountain that erupted in 1980. I remember hearing about it because we lived not so far away and could even see the dust cloud in the distance. It was kind of cool to finally go there and see it first hand. It was only captured in a few glimpses however, due to the heavy fog.

Hiking around along the mountain side in the National Parks. We remembered that bear and cougar live in these mountains and we were cautious to keep our eyes and ears open! Our junior rangers enjoyed the chance to explore the wilderness and see some unique views. We especially noticed the tall and wide and straight trees that grow in the western woods.

Travels West--Harbours and Seals

We bought some frozen fish to feed the harbour seals. These are actually wild animals, but they just hang around hoping some silly tourists like us will come feed them--and we did--twice!

We climbed out along a rocky outcropping into the harbor and watched the sunset. We then went out to a restaurant called "The Old Spaghetti Factory" and had some yummy pasta. It was a great family night!

Travels West--Wow...

Vancouver Island is a beautiful place. I forgot how much I miss the views of the mountains. The ferry across to the island was invigorating. I also forgot how cool the breeze is--even in summer.

A newly blended family... We celebrated together at a lovely park on the beach the anticipated arrival of the newest member of our families...

Travels West--The Wedding

My brother found this very lovely lady on Vancouver Island. And in a lovely fairy tale fashion, they got married. Katie was delighted to be a flower girl (one of several flower children) and Bret was honored to be asked to stand with my brother. It was a beautiful ceremony and we look forward to sharing the many years ahead with them.

Travels West--Fun with the Fam

The ladies went out to get fixed up before the wedding (Ang's brother got married). Katie was thrilled to have her hair styled (curls all around). Below--fun with the cousins. The kids had such a blast hanging out together.

We spent a whole week with Ang's brother Stephen and his family. It was a really special time.