ApriJune Suminter

I firmly believe in looking for a better perspective.. a bright side of things... so... 

If it were April this weather would be delightful... better than what we saw in April.  

If we lived in the southern hemisphere we would be entering winter and this weather wouldn't give us any qualms.  

If we ever are upset about dry and hot days... HA HA HA.. not here... but let's say IF we were.. we could remember the middle of June 2020 when it kept snowing and raining and hovering in the 40's.  

Since the weather here is less than ideally suited for gardening... or of me ever hoping of being warm!  

Since I may have planted an overabundance of seeds in my eagerness of our garden project in the spring.

Since the weather teases every few days and pretends to be spring and then winter returns to mock and point and laugh at my pitiful attempts to produce plants and greenery and shade and beauty on our few acres of life, Patrick and Jim spent a few hours in the barn (out of the rain and cold) and built these charming "take that Wyoming Wacky Weather!" cold frames.  

I feel like my garden may one day become like Mr. MacGregor's delightful space.  I suppose I need to keep an eye out for bunnies. 

 I certainly need to create a scarecrow out of a blue jacket and little shoes.  

Winter is in the air

June is not always what it ought to be.  

We dreamed of warm days and outdoor fun.  

We were greeted in the mornings by below freezing temperatures, frost on the vehicles and icy geese ponds.  

But the sunrises were lovely!

Plus hot chocolate could be enjoyed without much guilt!

Dreaming of Summer Bliss

The first day of Spring arrived, blue skies, tulips emerging, a backyard hot dog roast and an afternoon outside resulted in some sunburned arms and happy people.  

The next day an inch of snow covered the ground.

Easter Sunday was the end of a four day spring break of delightful weather and relaxation.

Monday morning brought a drastic drop in temperature and .... more dreaded snow.

Soooo.. to combat.  

We remember summer days of bliss and contentment. 

An impromptu game of baseball at the ranch.

This is the all new workout regime that is making headlines!!

The Can Crusher.

A fabulous upper body workout.

It can be done solo or with your exercise partner. 

Best of all... water play.

(pants apparently optional)

65 years of FUN

Summertime heat forces hordes of children indoors to find amusements.... I've offered chores but receive blank stares and eye rolling...

While some activities entertain for a while, some have stood the test of time.  Grandma's hockey game and the rolling moon have lived on the table for over a week and have been in almost constant play.  Young and old alike took on challengers.

Pros
-works when the power is out
-No batteries to charge
-Amuses players and observers
-Never seems to get old even though there is only one level of play
-No screen to glaze over the eyes

Cons
-small ball is often missing
-Only a two player game... often a dozen people watching
-Increases smack talking
-Fingers get sore after a while (hours)
-Disputes over goal keeping abound
-Disputes over one side being better than another

Who's kidding.... I had to stretch to make them cons.

Summer is a time for....

BFF's - The odd couple

Impromptu neighbourhood tea parties with our newest FAVOURITE Lemon Berry Pie Cake.

Many visits to the playground.

Epic

We went to see a movie.

It was Epic.

Really!!

The movie was called, 'Epic'.

I am of the opinion that Epic actually stands for
Etched
Permanently
In
Cranium,
because this particular movie experience will indeed be just that.

We had free passes to see a movie at this little theater a few towns away.  It would only take us 30 minutes to drive there and hey, free tickets to see a movie in the theater that wasn't available at Red box or on netflix yet.  We were there.  Our friends were coming also.  We had 15 people between our two vans.  The day had been a busy but productive one.  I had been cleaning and sorting and packing for the coming trip.  We were to leave at 2:15.  At 2:00 I was still outside setting up a tent that I needed to assess for the trip.  As I opened a panel, I was covered in dust.  (haven't been camping in a while and obviously the tent wasn't cleaned up after the last trip!)  The temperature outside is in the high 90*f's (mid 30*c) and I was perspiring profusely.  Now with the latest dust, I looked like I'd been out mud wrestling.  I decided to have the fastest shower ever.  While I showered I called out assignments to the kids so we would still be on schedule and have everything we needed for baby.  As fast as I tried to be we were in the van at 2:21, my hair still wrapped in a towel, my skirt askew, my shirt barely on (it was rolled in the back and wouldn't pull down over my still wet body), but we were off to a movie called, 'Epic'.

The drive down Emerson fell asleep, Whittaker (no nap) whined and screamed everytime I hit a bump because his DVD would restart his movie.

We pulled in to the parking lot of an old dilapidated looking theater with a line of people already queued up for seats inside.  I had Kenzie and Duncan jump out to get in line with Amber and I parked.   The parking lot was full. Amber called to say they had the seats, although not all together.

It took me a while to find a parking spot and I hit the curb as I finally parked and wondered if my tire had survived.  Fortunately no harm done.  I unloaded the four remaining boys and grabbed the diaper bag.  The 100* day was not helping the mood or rush.  We made it into the theater and found our seats.  Whittaker immediately began to whine.  He didn't like this movie (which hadn't yet begun). He didn't want to sit here. (Only seats left dude and it's on my lap with Emerson!).  Why didn't he have a popcorn.  He could smell it! (I'm the queen of popcorn for movies, but not at theater prices with 7 children!)

Our seat was the last seat near the wall.  However other rows had one more seat right next to the wall and we had an empty space before the wall and I sent Whittaker to stand there while he was whining so I could attend to Emerson's bottle.

Once the movie began Whittaker became mesmerized and Emerson drank his bottle (I hoped he'd sleep!), and he appeared to watch the movie intently.  About half way through the movie Emerson decided he had reached his limit.  I was madly pulling out things from the diaper bag to entertain him and keep him quiet.  My seat being at the end meant that leaving would be almost more disruptive than trying to keep him calm and quiet.  I seemed to be succeeding with some snack puffs he likes to eat. Whittaker became restless and began to whine again.

Did I mention that it was 100* outside and this theater was either not air conditioned or it wasn't working?

I was perspiring again.  Shouldn't have bothered with that shower earlier.  I mean really... a dark humid theater would have been a great place to show up all sweaty and covered in muck.  It's how I left.

What was worse was the two wiggly, whining boys on my lap were also perspiring and that made them all the more miserable.

So I was feeding Emerson puffs and gave Whittaker the bottle of water that I had brought so I could make a spare formula bottle for Emerson should I need it.  Emerson lunged for the container of puffs.  I kept it from exploding everywhere in the dark, barely, but Emerson ended up successfully grabbing an entire handful of the puffs.  He immediately stuffed the whole lot of them in his mouth.  I typically feed him one at a time.  I was trying to pry the ones out of his other hand when Whittaker jerked around to whine at me one more time causing Emerson to slip from my leg.  I caught him, but he began to gag.  GAG!  and then full on choke on his mouthful of puffs.  I pushed Whittaker off my lap and tried to help Emerson.  His choking was getting worse and he wasn't making any sounds.

I had to perform the heimlich on him.

It didn't work the first time and I had to hit his back much harder than I thought before all the puffs and some other nasty vomit came out, followed by a blood curdling scream.  I grabbed the water bottle from Whittaker to give it to Emerson and Whittaker proceeded to scream at me for taking it.  Amber tried to comfort Whittaker and explain that Emerson needed it right now.  After a few seconds I felt confident that Emerson was going to be okay and I handed back the water bottle.  Whittaker sat on Amber's lap and held the bottle, staring at the screen.  (He never did drink any of the water!)

Emerson never did completely calm down after that.  He wanted to snuggle and was whinier than ever.  I needed to stand and rock him.  So I took advantage of the empty space between me and the wall and stood up... oh yeah... in the vomit!

So there I stood.  Pressing my body as tightly as I could against the wall of the theater which I was sure had children's boogers, gum and popcorn grease on it, so that I wouldn't block the view to those sitting behind me, sweating profusely in the non air conditioned theater, trying to calm my 30 lb baby who had just escaped a choking emergency, while convincing Whittaker who had realized I'd moved and insisted on standing next to me mauling, holding onto my overly sticky body, standing in the vomit.  All so we could take the kids to see an Epic movie for free.  I think I'd have preferred to pay to stay home.  It was at this point in the movie that I looked up and made eye contact with Amber, who had been trying to help and we just started laughing.

EPIC

Go see it in a theater near you today...

Better yet... stay home where it's cool, and manageable and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

Violently Vomiting in the night and Evil Camp Dr.'s make Cooper a Happy Lad

We began our week without Patrick, Caleb, Sarah and Miles with a bang!  We decided to clean today and play the rest of the week.  We set a timer for 10 minutes and chose a room.  We all worked together until the timer beeped and then chose another room.  For each room they completed they earned 5 minutes of Wii time for the afternoon.  We cleaned 8 rooms this way and they were all busy little helpers.  It was a fun morning.
Things I learned as we cleaned.

*Cooper likes simple errand tasks best so he became official delivery boy of things we found in the wrong rooms.

*Mackenzie is of course helpful with anything she is assigned...  except perhaps keeping Emerson happy... but that might have something to do with him wanting me and I was not taking him.  She did finally just take him to the other room to play.

*Duncan, as we were cleaning the bathroom commented, "I think I like cleaning the toilets the best!"  We discussed what he liked about it.  He wasn't a fan of tidying up things but actually cleaning and scrubbing was fun.  I gave that boy a dust cloth, broom and a wet rag!

*Whittaker likes to do anything Derek is doing.  They became a team.

*Derek is in my opinion the most cheerful worker in the house.  We awarded him the Top Dog Happy Cleaner award when we were finished.  While Derek was working alongside of me we chatted.  I learned a LOT.  He began one of our conversations with,
"You know what Nova.  I like you now.  Sometimes I don't want to come to your house because I didn't know if I liked you but I will remember now that I do like you.  You are nice to me."

Wow!  He didn't know if he liked me? (What is not to like?)  Cleaning my bathroom created a bond between us that caused him to like me!

Once we completed our cleaning for the day we headed to lunch to celebrate!  Of course I already posted how our celebratory lunch went ... SWAT!

We returned home, shaken and dismayed at society.  The boys took advantage of all their earned minutes on the Wii, Kenzie and I began a fun craft project and Emerson so cooperative now, took a 4 hour nap.

I was feeling good that we could survive the week without the older kids.  I will no longer refer to them as my helpers, I have dandy helpers here with me still!

As the afternoon came to an end and we were discussing dinner and evening plans we decided a movie night would be in order!!  We would head to the library and pick out a new movie.  We had plenty of leftovers so dinner wouldn't take long.  I told them we would leave as soon as I had finished walking on the treadmill with my friend.

Plans change very quickly sometimes.  As I began walking on the treadmill, I began to feel light headed, then a little queasy.  I wasn't increasing my speed as I normally do, instead I felt like quitting.  I walked at a slow pace as long as I could stand it and then I made a dash for the bathroom.  I was sick.  It was so sudden.  We had had a fun filled, active day, how could I be so violently ill so suddenly!?  No time to question it... I continued to be ill for the next 2.5 hours.  Amber took all 6 of the kids home with her and sent me to bed.  I went willingly.  I only woke when the phone rang and she was bringing them home again.  I continued to be ill for about 1.5 more hours.  She tucked each of the kids in and was still here when Duncan began his run to the bathroom.  The flu was hitting in full force.

By morning, both Duncan and I are well again.  A little tired and sluggish but no longer living by the porcelain pot.  Whittaker and Emerson appear to have escaped the bug.  A phone call mid morning notified us that both Caleb and Miles had begun a trek of their own into the woods around 3am.  They were feeling better but Miles it would seem was showing signs that he had bells palsy now.  The Dr. at the clinic at camp was a little surprised that my response to such a diagnosis was... "I guess it's his turn.  He'll be fine.  Let him rest."  I explained that we are no strangers to Bells Palsy and I knew there was nothing he could do for him and that Miles wouldn't be contagious to anyone from the palsy and would be so sad to miss his merit badge classes. I suggested that he find his brother Caleb at the camp who has had the palsy twice and have him hang around with Miles for the day.  The Dr. suggested that I come and pick him up so the rest of the camp doesn't become ill as well.  We are at an impass....  I felt like the exposure to camp has already occurred and sending him home won't change that.  I am waiting to hear back on the decision.  I may be going for a long drive today.

Now I wonder if I should call and warn Sarah's camp.

Our fun plans for today are shot.  I assured the boys we would not cancel all our activities, just postpone them until we could enjoy them more.

Water Play Sr.

Thankfully, John had a water proof camera and shared the photos from the older crowds water day.  There were many more than I will post.  Most looked like this....

at least it was proof that John was there.

Other photos looked like this...

Those who were there will see this as a reminder of how much work was required to maneuver their tubes through the constantly moving river.

Their stories of sore arms, muscles and sunburns were mingled with stories of tipping over, floating into the bushes, murky waters, hints of who was graceful and who was....  not so graceful, were a hoot to listen to.  

Fortunately, these photos also tell the story of a great time that was had by all who floated along the river for the water activity in the over 12 years category. 

What a blast!

Water Play Jr.

We planned a day at Liberty Park, one of my favourite summer water park getaways in town.  It's a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of exciting and simple fun for kids of many ages.  We determined that for our purposes the under 12 crowd would have a water play jr. day at Liberty Park and I think they had an enjoyable time.  Here they were taking a break from running through the splash pad to make music with water bottles with varying amounts of water in them.

Paddle boats was the surprise water activity of the day for the jr. crowd.  We have been to this park a few times and never mentioned that paddle boats were available.  Our group size meant we needed three paddle boats.  We all compared tired leg and difficult steering mechanism stories when we docked.   The boats weren't exactly kid friendly.  The seats were adjustable but not enough so that the kids could reach the peddles.  We managed to switch driver mid ride without anyone falling in thankfully.

 I wish I had a photo of Valerie's crew out sailing.  Valerie ended up kneeling in the back and leaning up front to assist with the steering.  Both of her shipmates needed slightly longer legs for peddling to be more effective.  The paddle boats were fun, but definitely could use some maintenance and or some updating. 

I was fairly nervous heading out with Whittaker and Alyssa rear facing and out of arms reach.  It was difficult to maneuver with the life jacket on.   The ride was calm and fun.

By the end I was tired of constantly trying to turn around to check on the two little ones, so Kenzie and I brought them up front and I peddled with one on my lap while Alyssa helped steer.  It made the ride so much more of a work out and less comfortable, enjoyable. 

Three 8 year olds cheering us on! 
You can't tell from the shore, but I told Whittaker and Alyssa to hold hands, then they wouldn't be able to lean over the side of the boat. They were so well behaved and adorable back there holding hands.

The locals couldn't bear to watch the amateurs on the pond trying to steer the boats.

They finally could stand it no longer.  They set out on the water to show us how it should be accomplished gracefully.

Keeping hydrated was important on this 102 degree August day that we chose to spend completly outdoors!

Not every moment was filled with fun and cheerfulness by all.  In fact it took Cooper over an hour at the beginning to decide that he wanted to take part in any of the water day at all.  Then Derek spent some time at the end of our long day impatiently waiting for a turn on the paddle boats.

Of course, there were some who were so unimpressed by the fun and excitement that they slept through it all.

All in all it was a good day for the jr. crowd... the adult chaperones may have taken in a little too much sun and gone nutso though!

From a Child's View

 A get together was arranged.  Ideas and suggestions for activities were discussed.  Many activities that could feasibly be accommodated were fit into a few short days.  Merriment and chatter ensued!  The above photo reminds us that fun was had by all and that although 22 people were present, 18 were missing!!!  The photo below reminds us that many of those present were under the age of 12 and they had a completely different perspective and list of activities on their agenda.

not pictured in the under 12 category is Kenzie.

 Take note that the boys in the photo are all decked out in their Japanese shirts.  Easily done since they wear them constantly!

 Roasting hot dogs over a camp fire.

 Eat yummy food!  Have dessert!!  Eat outside!  Stay up late!

 Jump on the trampoline whenever you like.  Be adorable.

 Sleep in the tent with cousins.  Include some of the over 12 crowd.

Cheers!

There is something about summertime, water, boys, and creative imaginations.  At first they were trying to cause the water in each of their cups to collide in air to create one water mass... but it didn't take long for the activity to become a water- throwing - free - for - all!  I'm glad I captured their 'cheers' moment before they succumbed to the drowned rat state. 

Lofty goals

This summer we did our traveling early.  We were going to have half of June and all of July and August stretched out before us to fill with fun, simple, relaxing and lazy days of summer.  I fully intended to make a visit to a park a weekly event, and a splash park was a definite must.  We were going to go on picnics, fly kites, blow bubbles, make popsicles and make it a great memory making summer.

Well.. it's over.  We went to one park. (I never even got the summer tub down with the bubbles, skipping ropes and kites) Thankfully it was a great water park, but it wasn't until late August.  I'd like to blame it on the weather being uncharacteristically unsummerlike.  That only made the days better though.  They weren't scorchingly hot.  They were lovely.  They were also filled with so many other activities and now they are gone. 

I guess we'll have to make up for it with an incredible winter.  Hot Cocoa season here we come!!  (Now that, I know we won't miss!)

Summer Finals

I think that just as the school year comes to an end with final exams, the summer needed a little finals week.  Only the exams are completely different for Summer finals.  Instead of summing up what you've learned over the last few months, it's an opportunity to complete what hasn't occurred yet.  Like a spattering of just what you really need to carry you through the next school year.

So our finals for this summer included things like the need to see this adorable little face...

The need for Whittaker to show off his ambulatory skills to someone who is just taking her own first steps.... (don't tell Whittaker that she's not yet one and she'll be running circles around him by the time they meet again!)

I needed the opportunity to bake cookies in this kitchen... this kitchen has baked, cooked, roasted and simmered incredibly delicious foods for hundreds of guests over the last century.  Sure they're have been a few different masters at the helm, a few upgrades of appliances, but the love of people and good food have been constantly there.

Cousins needed to sit on these great old stone steps and munch on cookies as they planned to do whatever they felt inspired to do next.  Those final lazy summer days that invite romps in the tall grasses, hours of fun throwing rocks in the 'crik', catching butterflies in a net, taking walks, to no where in particular, to do nothing planned, but something grand.

 Boys needed to climb fences... Some needed to attempt climbing and ended up just wishing he was as big and capable as the other boys. 

Of course the hay needed to be stacked.  Without much for us to do it gave us a much needed opportunity to watch the big trucks.  Both the ones in action and the ones which had already served their purposes and were awaiting being needed again. 

The ranch needed to be explored.  We needed another reminder of a simpler time, of a calmer life and of a majestic beauty in open spaces.

In the name of, 'need to explore', we enjoyed a tour via the prowler with seats for two, but the eight of us fit just fine!  We even had a tour dog.  He rode with us off and on.

The charm of the rustic, tractor seat on a milk can, high chair has been enjoyed by many children over the years.  It was finally Whittaker's turn to take the spot at the table.  He enjoyed his meals next to some of the friendliest eaters in town.  (Thanks for putting up with his willingness to share his meals and fall asleep at the table!)

This guy needed to feel a part of an older crowd.  Preparing himself for the adventures of high school.  He needed to do things the preschoolers and elementary kids that he spends 99% of his life with just can't do.  He needed to feel helpful and get dirty doing something good... and he did!  He needed to be able to say, "You can't... you're too young!" 

Of course, it wouldn't be fair to show up and relax and rejuvenate ourselves while the life of the ranch is about getting things done.  Although we aren't much help, it's important to do something even while they're young so they will be ready for more intense tasks as the years go on.  Thanks to Tina, she found some things for even the youngest to assist with.  Some (Duncan), even went so far as to lend a hand fixing the old baler machine!  He did let Uncle James help. 

 A good work ethic can be tough to muster up sometimes.  Especially if it wasn't your idea, or the job isn't exciting enough.

Sometimes it was a drudgery but a few words of encouragement changed the attitudes and suddenly he was back at it with vigor.  

Some work shouldn't be called work.  No shortage of cans to crush when there are hot, thirsty workers around!

 

Cooper needed a vacation.  He adds an element of adventure to any activity and a trip to the ranch was no exception.  He is a breath of fresh air and full of charm.  He always has something to say about everything and typically it's worth listening to his personal flair and perspective on things.  He is genuinely gracious and appreciative.  I lost count of how many times he thanked me for bringing him on the fantastic vacation and told me how he could sure get used to this kind of life on a ranch.

He, like most who visit the ranch, was incredibly impressed with the food to feast on.  He intends to open a restaurant some day and now believes that he has a few new recipes to add to his menu.  Not every meal gets that honor, but more than one at the ranch did. 

Visiting the ranch is never complete without visiting the horses.We need to work on animal recognition next.  Whittaker attempted to chase the llama calling out "horsie, wait, horsie wait."

Cooper felt the need to be formally introduced.  The horses humored him and they became fast friends.

Cooper went on to educate us on all the facts he knew about equines.   If you've never been educated by Cooper on any subject you are missing out on a great treasure of life.  The information he shares isn't nearly as wonderful, albeit quite impressive, as the way that he shares his knowledge.

Following in Cooper's example, Whittaker bid a fond farewell.   

As the sun sets on the Summer, according to the school calendar, we prepare to return home and embark on another journey!

I think the summer made the grade, now I simply need to do all my make up work and blog about it!