Buddhist Temple

On Friday morning we headed out to Richmond for the day. Our first stop was the Buddhist Temple. We like to give our kids a wide range of experiences and so we talked to them a little about Buddhism, explained to them about what would be happening at the temple and that we could not be a distraction to those that were worshipping. This experience really showed us how much Ben is growing up. He took it so seriously and I have to say that I haven't seen him "walk" so much in a long time. He's always running around everywhere but he knew he had to be quiet and well behaved. He also loved the fact that the gardens and the temple reminded him of one of his favourite movies "Kung Fu Panda." Then he saw a panda and said "There's Po." It was great. Hannah had a different type of experience. You could see the wheels turning and so I tried to figure out what she was thinking. I think she thought that us being at a temple meant we were doing something a christian shouldn't do. I explained that there was nothing wrong with it and that it was good for us to learn about other religions and that would help us understand when we talked to these people about God. You could tell she was really thinking about it. I told her as long as we aren't worshipping, it's ok. Here are some pics of our time there.

This is Ben and "Po."
This is the beginning stage of a lotus flower and then next one is the end stage. I thought it was beautiful.

That evening when I was saying our prayers with the kids Benjamin prayed "Thank you God that I don't have to go to a temple to worship you and that I can talk to you and worship you anywhere." That was awesome.

VBS

What a whirlwind of a week. Last week I directed our VBS. It was a crazy busy week and I was exhausted, mostly because the week prior I spent setting up. My decorating boss kept me mega busy but I couldn't have done it without her. Thank you so much Jen. All of the kids had a great time and I think they even learned a few things. I asked my kids what their favourite things were and Hannah loved the Bible Story Station and the visit from the Reptile Guy. Ben loved to sing and dance. I have to say it was quite an experience getting to see the snakes the reptile guy brought. I figured I would never have the chance to get up close and personal again so I wrapped a 90lb python around my neck. Crazy!!! Another highlight of the week was the missions project we had. Because our theme was set in the Bayou we decided to collect money to send down to Louisiana for people who are still homeless because of Hurricane Katrina. We raised $417.00. I was very proud of the kids.

White Rock

Today was such a beautiful day that we decided to head to White Rock. We realized that we had never taken the kids to just play in the water and on the beach. While it was a bit windy, we really had a great time. You just have to love the picture above. They were looking at something and I was holding the camera waiting for Marc to stand up, but he wouldn't, so I just took the picture anyway.
The kids couldn't decide whether they wanted to wear their hoodies or not. It was sort of a back and forth effort however by the time we were done, everything was wet and sandy. Only one thing left to do...eat.
Time for fish n chips and hotdogs. The kids were cold. After eating they got dressed and we went for a walk along the path and down the boardwalk. It was a great family outing and the kids can't wait until we can go back. I agree.

We love you Daddy!

Both Marc and I are very blessed to have such wonderful fathers. Yesterday we took them out golfing and we had a great time. The two "old men" zoomed around in a cart while us young kids walked the course. The fact that both of our dads have such a dry sense of humor made for a hilarious morning. We love you both very much.

Today was Marc's day. After church and a wonderful meal together Marc decided he wanted to take the kids to the driving range. It was their first time and I have to say I was very impressed. They really seemed to enjoy it as well. I think it was nice for Marc to see them enjoying something he really loves.

I'm so thankful that my kids have such a wonderful father. He gives of himself so much and I know they both feel like they are two very special kids to have such an attentive, loving father. Thank you Marc for showing them what it means to be a great dad.


The kids and I worked very hard this past week trying to make these father's day gifts for daddy and all the grandpas. After a trip to the river, paint all over my little boy and the wonderful artistic capabilities of my daughter, this is what we came up with. Cute eh!

Monster Trucks

Today we had an awesome family experience. We went to the new Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center and watched the Monster Truck Spectacular. I know most of you are probably thinking this was Marc's idea or Ben's, but no, it was me. I am a huge fan of monster trucks and any type of motorsport show. It was quite neat to watch the kids faces when the motocross bikes took their first jumps and when the ashphalt junkies (stunt bikes) did their wheelies and the riders would stand on their seats without actually holding on to the bikes. Ben loved Bounty Hounter the best and I...well, I screamed my lungs out cheering everyone on. I think my kids saw a completely different side of me today, but it was a good side...I think. I screamed so loud that they threw a shirt at us and Marc caught it. It was a great way to spend some family time...and I highly recommend it.

Lego

Benjamin is such a fan of lego so when I came across a blog named "Lego a Day" he was thrilled. Basically every day this guy posts lego men in various situations and writes little captions to go with them. They are hilarious. Ben wanted to try the same and here are the results.

Happy Mother's Day/Birthday

This is me on my 9th Mother's Day and my 35th birthday. It was quite a wonderful day. I woke up to a little treasure hunt with messages just for Mommy. Both kids made me wonderful gifts and beautiful cards. The biggest surprise was the Wii Fit...as you can tell by the bottom picture. It is such a fun game and a good way to exercise too. The whole family loves it.
After church we picked up some lunch and headed to MacDonald Park. We had a wonderful little picnic and then went for a walk. After that we headed to Birchwood Dairy for some ice-cream and then spent the rest of the day hanging out in the yard and then trying out the Wii Fit. It was a fabulous day. I am so thankful for my children, my wonderful husband and the rest of my family and friends for making this a special day.