The fruits of our labour.  I've been practicing making pie.
                                           They're turning out well enough to scarf down.

                                       Blackberries could be better but here they are.  Our wwoofer has been picking them with the boys.

                                          The boys get a little sidetracked...

                                           and made a tunnel all the way through the blackberries!  Ouch!

the children

I don't want to admit that summer is coming to an end.  Some of the days were very long trying to keep all of the children happy and healthy. I have enjoyed watching them play and running after them as they squeal with laughter.  I wish I could keep up, but I can't!  I hope some good memories have been made here for them.  I have wanted to give them freedom to learn and create while conscious of those around them.  I've seen some pretty nice artwork and been impressed with the thinking that goes on.  Having the time to watch and listen has been priceless.

                                           Setting up their bikes to sound like motorbikes.

This little guy is one of my favorites.  Clive raised him from a tadpole, and you can see he hasn't gotten very big.  Clive loves his animals and is still asking for a lizard.  And I'm still asking for a cat.

                                                     The sky is the limit.

                                                  Go for it!

The vine that I thought was kiwi's but then thought I was wrong.  Upon further investigation, I found these hiding in a humungous vine that wants to take over the apple tree.  There are only five.  I believe major pruning is in order.  The shears and I will become one this fall.

catching up

Marc found my camera.  He had thrown it in the garbage.  Thankfully, he found it the night before the garbage trucks came.  Here is a glimpse of a lovely day out on the boat.  We only went across the bay to Salt Spring Island, but that was enough.

Marc went on a west coast fishing trip with our friend Johnny.  Here's what he brought back!  Four silllllver fish!  Clive picked out some interesting bits to freeze and examine.

We have had a wonderful week of pure "summertime".  A day at Mesachie lake, thank you Sharon, was perfection.  Very happy kids that keep asking when we can go again.

The next day we went to Shawnigan Lake, not quite the same, but we made it work.  Very tanned, very tired kids.  Cindy managed to get clingy little Matthew in to the water for a short swim.  Thank you Cindy!

a new perspective

As I have lost my camera, my son Clive has taken over.  Here is a look at life from his perspective.