24 Pounders

Here is photo #1 from our recent fishing trip up to the Queen Charlotte Islands. A couple of 24 lb Spring salmon. The other fish below were a series of Coho, anywhere between 10-12 lbs. Once I get more pics I will post and eloborate on the trials and tribulations of hanging out on the west coast of the Charrlies.

Stay Away from our Garden Crows!

 
 We went to our local Botanical Gardens today for a "Harvest Festival" where the girls made these cute scarecrows. They each have their own garden with their own sign, so of course the scarecrows went in there as well.

Morning Snack

 

Creek Daze

 
 
 
 

Sedona's buddy Zoe invited her to bike in the Robert's Creek parade today. Just an annual excuse for a community gathering, the girls joined in in the festivities, from biking down to the pier, to dancing on the mandala (Sedona ands Zoe were the first to light it up on the dance floor) and geting their faces painted.

Playland

 
 
 
 

We went into the city today to get a new bike for Chris with money back from getting rid of his truck.  We hadn't planned on it, but decided at the last minute to go to "Playland." As you can see, fun was had by all. Chris said he wasn't sure who had more fun: the girls or I! Aja's favorite ride was the car ride and she kept asking to go on it. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of Chris and Sedona on the kids' roller coaster as Aja and I were in line for food, but that was Sedona's favorite ride. And what would a fair be without cotton candy?! 

Caren Range

 

My Man and his Truck

 Alas, Chris' truck bit the dust (good riddence)! While I was away in Toronto, he bought a new (well, new to us, that is) Ford pick-up truck. I'm sure he has a lot more details he'd like to share with you, but the important things are it has 4 wheel drive and 4 doors so the girls have lots of room in the back. Today we went up to the Caren Range with Geo, Ann, Andrew and the boys to test it out. And, I have to admit, we would not have made it there without the 4 wheel drive. Way to make an executive decision Chris!

Allen Alliums

I took these pics a couple of weeks back(back when it was warm enough to wear just shorts and a T round here). Pictured below is year 3 of our continuing foray into backyard gardening. Onions and garlic have been pulled out, dried and are keeping in our basement. Yesterday Sedona was stoked to have discovered a volunteer Cantaloupe that is beginning to grow in the back border. If it takes off, we'll be sure to blog the results. Happy gardening. chris

Allen Boys Bush Time

With the kind support of their beautiful spouses, the Allen bros got out this AM and gave back a couple hours to the awesome mtn bike trails found in the Hood. We worked on cleaning up "Addernacks" trail. Along the trail we found this charming specimen laying on the forest floor.

Thinking it would look much better perched up

on the tree, we liberated it to its current position.

The survey ribbon through the nostrils was the winning touch!

Global TV clip-Hilarious

Lisa and I had a great laugh this am over this video. Enjoy. chris

Bears Beware!

 
 We scared all the bears away on our hike this morning with 4 kids running around in the forest and then three singing in the backpacks. Oh, and we can't forget the Moms gabbing away! We are starting to really enjoy hiking again as Sedona can go a good distance now. Aja is also starting to get out towards the end and walk quite a bit too. (Sedona took the picture of the Moms).

Toronto Wedding... ALONE!!!!!

Thanks to my wonderful husband and just as
wonderful mother, I just spent 5 days alone in Toronto. Well, not alone, but with family and it was a fantastic retreat! Chris and the girls did just fine, and I did just fine as well. I went for my cousin Megan's wedding and it was such a treat to catch up with everyone without keeping an eye out for my little darlings and to be able to be part of their day. It felt especially satisfying when the other kids at the wedding pulled down the 15 feet curtains by our table and I could turn my head the other way! Thanks Mom for spoiling me rotten... as usual! (The people in the pictures are My Mom, my bro and I, my cousins (sisters of the bride) as bridesmaids as well as my sister-in law Alli, and the happy couple Dave and Megan).

Pool Fun

 
 Aja's friend Avery

Sedona's friend Karys

Festival of the Arts

 
 This week is Sechelt's Festival of the Arts. There are free workshops for kids an adults alike, plus live music and entertainment all week. Sedona and Aja went to an African dancing and drumming workshop the one day and then Sedona had a jazz workshop yesterday. We also went to a play and magic show yesterday and this all happens in the park. I'm very appreciative that we have these kinds of events in our community.