dream job

another summer of lifeguarding at the city pool and local beach has come to an end.  Layla has had a great time and hardly considered it work actually.  so glad she could experience the rewards of all those endless hours of swimming lessons, rain or shine, where swim strokes and rescue techniques were drilled into her head over and over before the written and practical exams.  

nice to see that all three of our girls have enjoyed jobs like this over the years.  so good, for both memories and life skills.  hopefully more of the same next summer!

the "hard launch"

wow.  what a crazy week.  our oldest, dear Joelle, made a pretty big move this week.  and to be clear, she has already been launched from our nest for over a year already.  but somehow that transition felt more like a "soft launch".  she had remained in Hamilton after graduating, where she'd been for four years of university. honestly, it felt much the same in my "mother's brain", almost as though she was still away at school and she was easily accessible for regular visits home.  perhaps that's what made it easier to accept.  

well, that all changed this week as she and her sister embarked on a monumental and exciting road trip west.  joelle packed all her clothing and belongings she could fit into her car and started trekking a kilometre at a time closer to her new beginning, the new chapter that awaits.  Vancouver, British Columbia.  and honestly, i'm really excited for her.  both Jeff and i are.  it's the perfect time of life when responsibilities are a bit less demanding to seek the adventure and new opportunities that are there to be had.  

here at 5:00 am on the morning they left.  they are spirited and independent, and i sure do adore them...

Thunder Bay campground~ first night~ never fun when this sign greets you at the office upon arrival.  sure did make for a funny text and phone exchange, however.  jeff made sure they knew that it was really only the slowest runner who needed to be concerned.

well after dark they set up their tent and hoped for the best.

the car and picnic table were strategically placed to maximize their safety while sleeping.  apparently it must have worked.

Alberta was amazing, i'm told.

that turquoise water...unreal 

camping at Whistler.

it was super fun watching their journey.  the texts and pictures and funny stories had us as parents saying more than once how thankful we were that they could make these memories as sisters.  unforgettable moments that happen and undoubtedly forge deeper connections between those who share them.  i love that Hannah could experience the cross-Canada venture too, and support her sister at the same time. so neat...

and so they arrived, safe and sound.  in a few short days Joelle will start her new job and move into her apartment~ all on the same day.  yikes.  not to worry though.  both Hannah and Joelle have proven how strong and adaptable they are once again.  this trip reinforced that for sure.  

Joelle, you will be just fine.  we'll be praying and certainly cheering you on from afar.  my heart may feel a wee bit wrung out, but don't be mistaken, i'm also super excited for you.  shine where you are, make a lasting difference with the skills and gifts you've been given, and find joy in the journey!  oh, and facetime often please. :) ❤

good friends

so much i could say about these two.  i won't lay it all out here.  well.....just a line or two maybe ;)... 

doing life together with L&T is one of the biggest gifts.  they are genuine and hilarious and supportive.  their hearts are sooooo good.  they strive to be like Jesus in endless ways, and that is inspiring and so beautiful to witness up close.  i always tease L that she is the female version of Jeff.  she really is.  probably part of the reason i like her so much.  i guess they are cousins too, after all.

deep and enduring friendships~ the very kind that Jeff and I have both said mean even more to us as time passes and we get older.  those people who are consistent fixtures in our life, who love us regardless of where we are at.  with them, picking up where we left off always feels easy and warm, no matter the passage of time.  plus, the "laugh until you cry" part is sooo good for the soul.  incredibly grateful. 

i'm a bit blurry in the photo, but i still had to post it because we just don't have many of these picture memories with them.  gotta love the hilarious photo bomb by the musician.

this boy...

he's got our hearts like the stuffed "lammie" has his...

sweet baby C, you are a joy to love. ♥

July

 July left in a bit of a hurry.  one whole month of summer gone...it really went fast.  August is here and there are a few things i wanted to give thanks for before getting too lost in today!  first, a pic of some glorious summer deliciousness.  

yep, summer plums and peaches are cheery and yummy and a true sign that we are well into long and hot summer days...not to mention the once again steady stream of garden produce Dad keeps bringing to us...zucchini, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes...

July brought a much needed vacation for most of our family, and allowed us to reconnect with some extended family too!  

football practice resumed for AJ, and this is a big deal because he really does love this sport.  so nice to have a place to go and some disciplined practice time with the hope of fall games ahead...fingers crossed.

Hudson has now become the fifth kid in our family to join the McDonald's crew.  so thankful he has this opportunity to learn new skills and make some money too.  a timely answer to prayer and so far he's enjoying the job and the skills he's acquiring...

Jeff enjoyed two weeks off.  one week to escape to a cottage and one week to be home for some rest and time to complete lots of odd jobs he'd been waiting to get to.  so good.

Layla finally got an open appointment and completed her G2 successfully after months of waiting...so happy for her to have this behind her.  i remember well the feeling of driving alone for the first while.  it was pretty freeing for sure.  

grateful and blessed.