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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Kid's room art

Another summer home project was switching the kids around in their rooms.  I will do a post on that when they are all finished.  (Kendra's room is just waiting for her desk to be made).  So, with new rooms, I decided it would be fun for the kids to make some new art to hang on their walls.  I have seen this art done before but had never tried it with the kids.  They thought it was quite fun and loved how they turned out.
 
 
Step 1:  I picked up a value pack of small canvas's (sp?) with my Michael's coupon.  Using painter's tape, they each taped off their own design on their canvas.  We made sure to wrap the tape all the way around the edge of the canvas. 



Step 2:  Once they were happy with the design, it was time to paint!  I used acryllic paint from the dollar store.  Each section was painted a different colour.


 I did the older two kids first while Jocelyn was napping but once she woke up, she got in on the action too.  I was quite happy that I did the kids somewhat separately!  It might have been a little crazy with all three  painting at the same time!!

 Step 3:  Once the paint was dry, they could carefully pull off the tape, making sure to pull off the pieces in the reverse order of how they were put down. 

 Step 4:  Hang the art on the wall and enjoy their masterpieces!



Basement bookcase

About 3 years ago we decided we needed some more room in the house so we took over the basement.  Last year, we ripped out the carpet and Kevin laid some new laminate flooring.  This is now more of his at home office.  One of the other projects that needed to be done here was a library wall.  Last summer, we just ran out of time so that was the first  project on the list this year.  It is now finished!  And yes, we (Kevin) have way too many books!!
The basement as it was after the floors were done and how it stayed for the following year. 



The shelves built and stained and ready for books!

And finally, the books on the shelves! 

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Minter Gardens

Last week we had a wonderful day out at Minter Gardens.  This is one of those places that you often drive by on the highway and think, "I would like to go there sometime".  Well, that sometime was now.  We went with Oma and Opa.  It was a birthday gift for Oma and she treated us to birthday lunches.

This really is an amazing and beautiful place.  There are obviously more flowers than you can imagine but the entire setting of the place is very peaceful and serene.  It was a great time to go as all the flowers were in full bloom and vibrant with colour!  We arrived right at 10:00 (opening time) and we almost had the place to ourselves. 
The kids posing in from of the Canada Flag.  They thought it was pretty cool made up of flowers.

One of many little water features around the gardens.


The kids had a great time here too.  There were so many paths and little trails for them to explore, but without going too far or geting lost. 

Oma and Owen

Checking out the old water wheel.

It was a wonderful day spent with Oma and Opa.  We truly are blessed to have them as part of our lives.  They love spending time with our kids, even if they are exhausted by the time our kids are done with them! Thanks, Oma and Opa, for a wonderful day together!

Me and my buddy!
And finally, a few shots of some of the flowers!  The creativity and artistry of God was so evident today!





Jocelyn just couldn't make it to the end of the day without falling asleep!  Good thing for Daddy's shoulders!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Mount St. Helens

One of the other day trips that we took on our camping trip was a drive to Mount St. Helens.  This was amazing to see!  Seeing how much of the mountain erupted and came crashing down through the valley below was unbelievable.  We spent some time in 2 of the visitor centers, reading about how it happened, how fast and  powerful it was and reading some of the amazing survival stories.  If you ever have the chance to see this, it is well worth the trip off the highway!

"Look, I see it over there!"

"We're up here!"






In spite of all the devestation that occured over 30 years ago there, it was very cool to see all the regeneration of life that has and is happening there now.  Many species of both plants and animals are again thriving there.  We really do serve an amazing Creator God!