Rock Climbing

My sister Sarah came home this weekend for her birthday. Happy Birthday, Sarah! While she was here we decided to do a little rock climbing with the boys. Ardie had taken me for the FIRST TIME just this past week. It's really fun! I don't know why I haven't done it before. 

The only problem was I had all three kids, it was a difficult climb carrying Greta  just to get to where the ropes were and nowhere to put Greta down. 

Saturday we left Greta with Ryan (thank you, honey) and set out to Cougar Canyon.

There is nothing better than spending time with my sisters, my boys and nature.

The boys had a good time on the hike in.

Joseph gives me a pose as he gets his harness on.

Good thing Ardie is a safety nut. 

Edwin had tried climbing earlier in the week.... the more difficult climb... and decided he just wanted to do some free climbing.

Joseph did so well!  

Here he is rappelling back down. 

Then it was my turn.... like the crazed look in my eyes!?!

It looks like I'm totally relying on the rope here but I promise I wasn't. I'll show you the nasty sore on my knee to prove it.

I love this picture. (but not the size of my butt)
Thank you Ardie and Sarah for teaching us to climb!

Armstrong Fair

I remember going to the IPE as a young child with all my siblings. Mom would tow us around the fairgrounds to look at the prize winning zucchini and blue ribbon heifer.  I looked longingly at the other children enjoying the rides and playing all the games.  I promised myself that when I was a mother, my children would get to know what it was like to really enjoy the fair. 

Thursday I hauled Joseph, Edwin and Greta to the fair. I took them to the petting zoo. Then dragged them through all the exhibits to see the animals, poultry and baked goods. I just couldn't understand all the whining.  We still hadn't found the produce and my kids just wanted to play the games and go on the rides. I learned that fairs are good for throwing money away. I caved under the pressure (incessant whining) and let the boys play one game and go on TWO rides. I know, the extravagance! See, I didn't turn out like my mother :)

Edwin and Greta enjoying the Wallaby.  

These bunnies were frisky and I just barely took this photo before it jumped off Edwin's lap.

Greta was in good humour although she spent most of her time in the stroller. The only way to stay sane with 3 children by myself in a crowd.

Ride #1
Ride #2

We spent a bit of time and "Kids World" enjoying the live entertainment. Edwin was so excited to participate in every song.   He wasn't so sure after they dressed him up in what they said was an African warrior.

Then they gave him a tambourine and it was all good.

Thank you IPE for all the memories... zucchini, Esmerelda, cotton candy, getting lost in the crowd, animal droppings  and the good ole fairway.

Try-a-Tri

This morning I completed the Try-a-Tri in Kelowna! WHAT A HOOT! It's so much fun! I expect all of you reading this to sign up and do it next year. 

300m swim

 +15km bike

+3km run

+lots of smiles and laughter!

 = priceless memories.

Here we are looking well rested (ha ha) and ready to race at 6:30 am.

   Ardie, Michelle,                    Alex, Sarah and me

I  am not one to post pictures of myself in a bathing-suit, for obvious reasons, but this was too funny not to.

  Sarah, Michelle, Alex (behind), Ardie, Nicole, Kim and me

We all made it and are better for it too :) I just wish all my family and friends were there participating. 

The victorious competitors!

I especially loved the free massage at the end.

Check this out

My sister found this guy on youtube and he's crazy talented. As is the boy who arranged the medley.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12QVtuB0_Q

Click on his other numbers too. I highly recommend "Don't Stop Believing".

Hawaii 2

Here are a few more pictures of our trip to Hawaii. I could probably post all 300 more pictures but that might become a little boring so I'll try to be selective.

Ryan and Joe out boogie-boarding. 

I love this shot of Edwin... he looks like a serious boogie boarder.

Greta loved running in and out of the waves and being tumbled by them.

Hawaii

Yesterday we returned from our 2 week vacation to Hawaii! ( Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Kilistoff for letting us crash with you.)

Other than the trip there it was a great time. Greta was an absolute nightmare on the flight over. 

Here are the kids waiting at the airport while Ryan (khaki shorts in the background) checks in our luggage.

Ko Olina lagoons. Edwin tries out some flippers. ( No, that is NOT me in the background! you are so mean)

Joseph jumped right into the ocean and began snorkeling like a seasoned pro. 

Greta and Edwin were a little more timid of the ocean but played well together on the beach. ( I believe they were playing horsey here.)

Thanks to Uncle Bud we went hiking to J@$%*! Ginger Falls. It was absolutely gorgeous and so much fun!

 The bamboo forests were so amazing!
 Ryan went out fishing with his parents one  night and caught 5(?) fish. That's my boy! 
Ryan's mom caught a fish too...
but his dad was skunked.
Mmmmmm.... we love tropical fish.
We took another hike out to the lighthouse near Sea Life Park. Very dry and different than our hike to the falls but still gorgeous. We could see Molokai in the distance. 



 Ryan purchased a Canon SLR... can't remember the model right now but it's super slick. So, I'll do another post with those really good pictures once I download them.

ALOHA

Van's 1

Thank you for inviting us to your SUPER birthday party. We had a SUPER fun time and we love our SUPER HERO capes.