where we frequent

I love living here, on Vancouver Island! It isn't until summer that I truly appreciate it. The winter and spring can be rainy and gray. But our summers - the weather is just beautiful. It is rarely so hot you can't bear to be outside. Most days (when the sun shines) it is bright and warm and perfectly balmy. We are literally surrounded by beaches. So that is where you will find us in the summer sunshine. And who better to go with than the cutest trio (and a half) there ever has been - Julianne, Owen and Lyla.

These kids of mine - they love their cousins! 

They chase them and play with them and wrangle them back in, not because they have to, but because they want to. 

It warms my heart and gives me hope to recall this vision when the quarreling at home becomes too much. 

I know that inside them, they are loving and caring and good and kind. I am grateful for their example. 

We went home happy - tired and ready for dinner and bed! My favorite kind of day.

one of these things is not like the others - and he couldn't care less!)

The girls kick-started their summer with a party. 

A few of our friends were missing, but we had fun none-the-less.

We were almost an all girl household for a couple of hours. 

Bergen and Darren had manly things to do while the house was filled with pony tails and giggling girls,

 while Tate was perfectly content to join in the feminine fun. 

This boy is at home around any person, of any gender. 

He couldn't care less who you are, in the best of ways. 

He loves just to be around people (and let's be honest - where food is, there you will find Tate!)

After dinner, a skit put on by Noelle and Emma Bragg, and some time to just play, we sat down and watched this -

Thanks for coming. We had a great girly time with you all!

Beacon Hill Park

Last Saturday we were invited to a home-school graduation ceremony. Is there such a thing? Yes, and I was blown away. It was incredible. But, before we went there we decided that if we were going down to Victoria anyways, we might as well make a day of it. The weather was perfect for a trip to Beacon Hill Park and Petting Zoo, so Beacon Hill is where we went. 

  

 

 A couple who was feeding the ducks kindly gave some bread to the kids so that they could feed the ducks as well. 

And the ducklings - they were a hit.

 

 But it was the new baby pigs that stole the show. They are the cutest, wildest things I have ever seen.

cute. cute. cute.

 Not a zoo attraction, just a very tall dog. He was very cool!

 Darren patiently endured the intrusive attention of this goat for the sake of his kids, 

(they thought it was pretty funny), and so that his crazy wife could take a thousand pictures!

 Can you see the look in Nya's eyes? She is having a good little heart to heart with this one.

Have you ever been? If you like animals, or have a little one who does, you should go, and go soon to see those piglets!