Raspspspspspberries

You know you're home when there are tools on the coffee table.  This is a genetic McGowan thing.  Clive leaves these all over the house.

We really know how to take advantage of the good weather.  Kelly has sunburnt arms but that's the price you pay when you want to soak up every last sun ray because it's been raining forever.

The strawberries and half of the raspberries are planted.  I hope they stay planted (Zuke!).  Coby gave me some golden raspberry canes, I didn't know there was such a thing as golden raspberries.

We are going to have to clip the wings on the chickens.  They fly in to the yard.  One sat and watched me plant the strawberries today.  I handed her random worms and now she thinks we are best friends.  They are kind of sweet... but I am NOT getting attached.

There is a frog party outside.  That means it is SPRING.

Tofino

We woke up to snow every morning.  The cabin was warm and cozy though.  If I was better with a camera, you would see how beautiful this was.  All silvers and blues.

There was always plenty to do.

David took to digging very deep holes in the beach.  Matthew enjoyed chasing the waves and feeling the sand disappear under his feet as the water receded.  Zuke stole balls from other dogs (we gave them back) and ran like mad after the birds.

Clive found cool stuff.  He also made some friends right away.

When these two finally crashed and Clive was out playing I read my book.  Heaven.  Quiet.  I might have had a glass or two of wine as well.

Zuke actually got tired.  It's a fairly large beach.

I have such fond memories of this place from my childhood.  I hope the whole family can vacation here again one day.  The drive home was a little scary.  The little snow we got meant BIG snow in the mountains.  After clenching the steering wheel and going about 30 km/hr for about two hours we made it to Port Alberni.  Phew!  All's well now!

Spring forward

I suppose I should be upset at loosing a valuable hour, but the time change seems to have worked in our favor.  Like, Matthew sleeps 'til 7 am now.  Of course as I write this I am worried I've jinxed myself.

We had a fairly major wind storm on Monday which resulted in a fabulous day.  There was nothing to be done but sit by the fire and read when our power was lost.  The boys thought it was neat, like camping and played well together.  I did nothing and smiled to myself.  My neighbors power came on around 10:30 am, but ours didn't come on until 3 pm!  Good times!

My two weeks of child care has begun.  I really like these kids and our first day went so well that all three of my boys were in bed at 7:30 pm.  Exhausted.

This little girl is so beautiful, she is like a little doll.

Part of the reason my day was so great was the help.  Kelly and Jenna came over and had lunch waiting for us when we came home from the playground.  Then, they spent the afternoon doing crafts with the kids while it rained and snowed.  The day was non stop for the kids, just the way I like it.

The weather has been crazy.  I walked through a blizzard to get the eggs today and when I got back to the house the sun was shining and it was lightly snowing.  Then the snow stopped and it was spring again.  The good news is the hens don't venture very far in this sort of weather so our egg count is back up to normal.  eggcelent!

Teacher's strike

I'm a little behind this week.  It's been a week of lots of kids.  No school Monday to Wednesday.

We've kept busy with hikes and playgrounds.  It's been cold but relatively dry.

 Matthew still learning to ride a bike.

The swings are Matthews favorite.

Kelly helping out.

 Really had a lot of fun at Camp Imadene.  ALL BOYS!  Eight little boys climbed up the mountain with us.  Here they all are eating up macaroni and cheese with butternut squash hidden inside.

 Matthew asked if we were there yet 482 times up the mountain.  He was happy for the length of time it takes a Skittle to dissolve in his mouth, then the "are we there yet?" whine.

 After the hike M was happy as a clam, thought he was SO BIG.  Clive and David wanted to stay and play because they NEVER get tired.

Really a beautiful hike and fun with all boys.

Kelly made us all a roast chicken dinner and cleaned up after.  It is so nice to have her help.

Clive's Birthday

It all started Friday morning.  Clive opened his birthday gift from the family.  He didn't know what he wanted this year so we got him some socks.  See how pleased he is?

Kelly made him a really cool card going with this years theme of Orcas.

Then we found another gift for him.  A spy watch.  Really cool if you know how to work it.  Might know how this time next year.

That night we had carrot cake for dessert because it is Clive's favorite and I didn't think it would be great for his party.  The recipe made a huge cake which I have been trying to give away.  This would have been the weekend to drop in at the Fellows if you like cake.  I also made thirty lemon cupcakes for his party.

Sunday morning, the morning of the party, Clive woke up sick.  No surprises.  He was sick at his party last year.  Clive NEVER gets sick.  Never misses school, but when he has a birthday party, he is sick.  He pushed through though.  Wasn't gonna miss a good time at the Duncan pool!

We brought all the boys back here for hot dogs and cupcakes.  They were so sweet and polite!  It was really enjoyable having these boys around.  They were all having fun outside with David when I realized Clive was inside reading one of his new books.  "Umm, Clive?  This is your party and all of your friends are outside with your little brother.  GO!"  

Parents filtered in to pick up their sweet boys and the party was done.

Less cake next year.