grade one

 this boy of mine.  we adore him.  his insights, thoughts and reflections make us smile every single day.  somehow he is six and he's taken the significant leap to grade one.  he's crushing it.  working more, bemoaning the loss of his preschool and kindergarten days still, but moving ahead with a good attitude even as he processes the differences this new school year brings.  he loves his teacher, Mme Rosalie.  he loves the new friendships he's forming in his new class.  he loves playing soccer at recess.  he's practicing reading and he's picking up French so quickly.  a literal sponge. 

and for the first year ever he stepped onto the bus with no obvious nerves or hesitancy.  thankfully i still get the pre-board kiss and wave from the bus window.  i'm holding it close while it lasts.  

the French tooth fairy

 who knew?!  we had a French tooth fairy visit recently.  Cree was delighted.  

the child's teeth are moving "up and out" fast these days.  he is sure he'll catch her one day soon.  so far, some very close calls but no clear visual obtained yet :)

alrighty then

Cree, with one of our decently sharp (rare find) steak knives, announcing one Saturday morning that he was helping me out.  "i decided to feed Jessie for you!"

he actually nailed it.  as per the grin, he's guarded, yet proud and hoping he's not in trouble for taking the task upon himself.  dear boy is growing up.  

 

Layla's shower

 it was special and pretty.  generous and sweet.  

so grateful to celebrate Jack and Lay and their love and exciting future!

summer kid

Cree is at such a fun and cute age and stage, i kind of want to freeze time.  ❤

pretty and true

 this post contains a little pretty and lot of true.  some close up phone pics of some gorgeous wild flowers. back on my birthday my big kids gifted me a monthly flower subscription running through spring and summer.  it's been so enjoyable.  looking up really close at these vibrant bouquets i truly stand in awe of the Creator.  the magnificent colours and shapes and varieties are breathtaking and the delicate design is meticulous.  and that's just wild flowers.  

the other bit i read recently was a quote by Savannah Guthrie, from her book "Mostly What God Does"....she writes "God does not require us to ignore or gloss over the sorrows we experience or the unjustness we see but to believe past them.  believe that he is on the case, that his intentions toward us are good, that he is ever inclined toward forgiveness and reconciliation.  that the pains of this world are not his original plan and will not be how the story ends.  This is faith."  

i like that reminder.  

BC

 way back at the start of summer (feels like a long time ago now) the three of us traveled west.  we had a two fold purpose- to see our daughter and to attend the wedding of our dear friend's son.  soooo much fun!  

will drop some photos here to help me remember the highlights always! :)

he thinks he could get used to this "jetting around here and there" thing

we said "yes" to the donuts and took in many cafes

Joelle and Ki were camping hosts extraordinaire.  they thought of all the necessary things (well except maybe the level of technical skill required for the hike :)  kidding...i self-identified as the weakest link and still got it done.  fun accomplishment!) and fed us sooo well.

Cree's first morning waking in a tent

so good to see this kid.  she is so gritty and tough.  she scaled things way back to hike with me.  kind of her.  humbling for me.  that's alright.

my favourite guy

gorgeous day with the prettiest view, celebrating and catching up with dear friends.

any of the best photos were most certainly taken by Joelle or Jeff.  just assume...

FBI agents??  nah...old friends.  really great guys and so nice to be all together.

so kind of C&S to lend out their beautiful spot in North Van (crazy cool location!!)  we had the best time exploring and seeing our dear ones.  refreshing and memorable for sure.  and, while camping for a night i did not encounter a bear on my nighttime ventures to the bathroom, so that was a win.

grateful.