The Latest

Like everyone else we've been spending a lot of time indoors trying to tolerate the heat. Lots of reading and watching a few movies. This past Sunday was our 35th wedding anniversary and we appreciated all the good wishes and cards. We went to the Harry Potter movie to celebrate.

Wayne continues to ride his bike most days, despite the heat. He's preparing for the MS 150 ride on August 6 and 7. His fundraising is going well, but he isn't letting up! Get in touch with him if you want to make a donation.

I was offered (and accepted) a new position in my department at work. The new job will give me more hours and I'll work the morning shift (5:00 am - 1:30 pm). I'm looking forward starting the new shift at the beginning of August. Even with the additional hours, I'll still have time for my day with Aubrey once a week!

When Aubrey was here this week, it was a little too hot for playing outside so we made a fort under the table. Grandpa had to peak in and play a while too. Lots of fun. She and I have been going to the library the last couple of weeks. We go for Story Time here at the Tea Library and following story time they have some activities. I made her a little book bag and she has learned how we check out books and then bring them back the next time we come "so other children can read the books"

Victoria June 2011 -- part three

Here is the last installment of photos of our trip to Victoria. These are of various day trips or excursions. As you can see we had wonderful weather and exceptional hosts!!

Here we are at Merridale Ciderworks - western Canada's largest cider producing orchard. After our self guided tour we enjoyed a light lunch and tasted 6 varieties of hard cider.

Eric and I are checking out some artisan bread at the Moss St Market in Victoria. Also at the market - local produce, locally made soap, artisan cheese, and much more.

Downtown Victoria hosted free music for the Jazz festival.

A panoramic shot of the St. of Juan de Fuca. Looking south from Beacon Hill park at the Cascade Mountains in Washington state, US.

Sunning our legs.

More fun at Beacon Hill Park.

While walking around downtown we heard fun music from these guys. Slim Sandy and friends. The accordion player is David P Smith, who Eric plays with in the band David P Smith and the Euphorians.

David and Judy Gislason arrived in Victoria on the Sunday evening before we left. It was nice to see them again and have a nice visit.

Eric and Kristy live in an unusual but lovely home. You can see that at one end it is fairly narrow and gradually gets wider and wider!

Victoria June 2011 -- part two

Butchart Gardens.......

Victoria June 2011 -- part one

Aboard our flight departing Sioux Falls 6:44 am .....

Taken from atop Mt Tolmie looking toward Washington state, USA.

Our trusty guides.

Ma, Pa and the kid. Beacon Hill Park.

Hummingbird in Kristy and Eric's yard.

Cala Lily in their yard.

Patio/Party area.

E & K

Water Play

This past Friday was our Aubrey day. It was Grandpa's day off so he got to enjoy her company too. We walked to the park, played at the playground, ate lunch at the Milky Way, and spent time playing with the water play table and stuff. I spent 29.95 on the water play table and 2.00 on a package of sponges. She loves them both, but I suppose I could have gotten by with sponges and a bucket. :)

Enjoying the Blooms!

We have managed to put some flowery touches on our apartment space.

We already enjoyed our back patio,

but now it has become a patio garden sanctuary!

Herb Tower.

Adventures with Aubrey

We had our first "Aubrey/Grandma Day" this past Tuesday. Grandma gets to spend the day with Aubrey one day a week and we're gonna have fun!! Since it was our first time, I tried to document the day with pictures. :)

This week we went to story time at Child's Play Toy Store. We were having so much fun we didn't get a picture taken during story time. But afterwards we stayed at the store and played with the cool stuff.

It was a hot, sunny day, so Aubrey decided to check out the new water play table we got. We both got a little wet but it felt good.

For lunch -- pbj sandwich on raisin bread and blueberry yogurt!

Then down for a little quiet time. Both of us. :)

After our nap, we visited Grandpa at his office. He showed Aubrey the fun maze and tunnel that was constructed for VBS and convinced me to crawl through it with her. Fun!!

Then when Grandpa came home from work they played with Aubrey's princess doll. She has magnetic clothing and accessories that she dresses up with.

We can hardly wait until next week.

On the agenda: bake pie for the Tea Pot Days booth!