What a weekend, a little down but a lot of up! So let’s start with the sucky… the van… oh dear I can hear everyone groan! But for once, it is NOT the BANK… no this is just a transmission issue (I say just because it could be a lot worse – that mess from earlier this year all over again!). Ken had noticed the van had been “acting weird” so he called our mechanic Saturday morning (the guy who fixed the van 2 yrs ago when Ken hit an icy patch and broke the front wheel axle coming home with Trinity from one of her infant appointments… 600.00 LESS than the dealership estimated!!). The mechanic had him check some codes on the computer on the van and figured it was a transmission issue and not  to be driven. Thank goodness for AAA (Ken’s folks give it to us each year for Christmas) who towed the van right over there… AFTER Ken pulled everything out of it, carseats, diaperbags and all. We should hear something back on Monday.

This completely blew our Saturday plans out of the water. Michaels is not nearby so Echo and I went back to sleep and the kids and Ken hung out and played.

After the younger two had their nap and we all had a nice afternoon snack we decided to take advantage of the amazingly lovely weather (after hitting the – Celsius we hit +25!) and went on a family walk to the gas station. The leaves are changing and starting to fall off the trees and combined with the warm weather it was a perfect walk. Gavin even pulled the wagon for a large portion of the way both ways while Zander burned off some energy running ahead.

On the way home we collected leaves to do a painting craft. Gavin gathered a special handful for a craft he wanted to do on his own – making a leaf (and stick) lapbook all by himself. After over an hour of work gluing, taping, drawing more leaves and copying some words it was all done. (All this while the other 3 played downstairs)

I did manage to get a scrapbooking page done – another one for Echo. Tonight I have to do up the baptism invites for the people we need to mail out. I managed to get stamps last night from 7-11 and Ken knows of a not too far away post box so at least I can get THAT accomplished (and maybe use it as an excuse for another family walk?).

I did get in a little time with the camera and Echo Friday night. I tried out our fake leaves, but I think if I change them to black and white or sepia it would look better.

And another go at baby on Daddy’s hand.

Saturday night Chris and Chris came over and He Chris made garlic meatballs… yummy… they planned on staying the night so that we could all go to the museum in the morning. They had 3 spots free for the girls and myself and Sean (who bought Alan and Xinny’s old car) had 4 spaces for the boys and Ken. Thank goodness!!

We stopped at McD’s for breakfast on the run (of course the van has to be towed when we have not done our grocery shop) and then off to John Walter. There was games right out front – croquet, beanbag toss…

Croquet with Uncle Sean (Zander

Even a sort of trike/wagon thing. The gentleman in charge of the area was very patient and kind.

Next stop – the middle era house and the then dubbed “cookie lady” making sugar cookies on the wood stove. It was so lovely and warm in there and Chris, Chris and I hung out with Echo for a bit to watch . Then over to the craft table where they were making necklaces and bracelets out of wooden beads using the morse code to create each child’s name! Trinity had the most fun with the stringing of the beads, though she managed to get Sean and Ken to do most of the work towards the end!

In the 1901 house (the most recent there) they were making homemade ice cream. All 4 kids each had their own cone – Trinity’s first and made a HUGE mess but loved every minute of it!

After all the fun at the museum area we headed over to the leisure centre across the parking lot. They had a giant bouncy SLIDE! Everyone but Trinity went and had a few rides!

Once we got home and the little ones were in bed for naps Ken and Chris (he) ran out for the necessary groceries (thanks guys!) and to pick up a desk for She Chris. When they got back Chris (she) and I ran out for errands… Fabricland to pick up some stretchy lace (I ended up getting bra strap material), Michaels for my adhesive (in stock!) and then to the new H&W to get bananas and such since we are not sure we will have the van for our usual Wednesday trip. By the time we got back Karyn and her parents were over for a baby cuddle! Her parents are up from Saskatchewan so we don’t get a chance to see them that often!

So our revised schedule for the upcoming week is a whole lot of hurry up and wait! Ken is going to call in our homeschooling supply order tomorrow morning, though I am not sure how or when we will go pick it up. That is HUGELY exciting though not overly surprising how easy it is to spend the whole amount! Hopefully Ken will get me the rest of the pattern I a waiting on at least by tomorrow. I want to get my “to do” list more manageable!