This has certainly been a busy long weekend and we still have one more day! Today started off nicely with everyone getting ready to head over to Nathan and Ada’s to go to the park and ride and head off to the festival.

Chris and Chris Ready to Go

Actually we parked AT Nathan and Ada’s and then WALKED 8 more blocks to the park and ride. Of course also meeting Chris, Chris and Ted for this mini marathon. But regardless of the walk I (and the boys and Trinity) got our first EVER city bus ride! What an adventure, and even better – the kids were all.. FREE! Bonus!

On the Bus! (Zander)

We managed our bus ride, though Trinity was NOT impressed and cried the whole way. The weather was rather warm when we got to the park and joined the festivities. Luckily we were able to get tickets for food for the people who had been unable to get theirs in advance and then start our wandering. Trinity’s grumpy mood lasted quite a while but a few potatoe pancakes (Ireland) later and her brothers’ sippy cups of water to play with and we were pretty much forgiven, though I think the half a welsh cake (Wales) sealed the deal!

Welsh Cakes (Zander, Gavin, Emanuel)

Me and My Baby

There was tons to see and even more decisions to be made about what to eat. I did manage to get my two DEFINITES on the food list – a beef lemongrass skewer (Vietnam) – a total nom nom nom as Ken would say (he tried mine and then had to go stand in line and get his own), and a can of Pop direct from England (a sweet fruity one). Ken also had $2.00 in his pocket that he gave to me to get some candy at the England pavillion. I got a little bag of aniseed candies (that only Zander managed to finish his) and a bag of barley sweets I have yet to try.

Ted and the Oh So Nummy Beef Lemongrass

There was lots to see activity wise too. The Ireland pavilion had dancers. The girls were just too cute with their bouncing curls and green dresses and HUGE smiles. I had to stop and take a picture or two!

Irish Dancers

The Chinese area had some dancers too… my favourite were the little girls with fans. A very greaveful and beautiful dance. The boys liked the giant “dragon balloon” behind them more though.

Chinese Dancers With Fans

Another area had dragons. I think it was Borneo. I love watching the dragon dances. We only caught the tail end but the costumes were so bright and colourful.

Dragon

The Arab pavilion was by far the most creative. The boys even wanted to go in and peek around. You could, for a fee, get your picture taken in traditional outfits and everything! Maybe next year?

The Front of the Arab Pavilion

At the Thailand stage there were quite a few dancers who even braved the rain to do their pieces. The costumes were absolutely gorgeous! And their food mmm. Ken got their curry and I got pad thai noodles. Both were excellent though the boys absolutely loved the noodles with the peanut sauce! I am so proud of how many new things they tried today! And how they walked so far and braved the rain!

Thailand

Karyn After Enjoying Her Pad Thai Noodles

The England area also had a town crier AND Morris dancers! I had read about them but never seen them before. I didn’t get a picture but the German area had a man playing an accordian and quite a few other pavillions had dancers or singers. Truly TONS to see and try.

Town Crier

Morris Dancers

I have to say by the time we were done… around 2pm everyone was pretty well done in. There had been some rain (explaining my umbrella that so does NOT match my shirt!) and sun and tons of fun.

Me

Ada, Zander and Gavin Sharing an Umbrella

Nathan and Ada :)

There were also a lot of people in costumes wandering while not at their areas. One of my favourites were these two ladies in Japanese clothing.

Japan

Oh and I can’t forget this sign… for some reason many of the people in our group snickered at it??? Can you figure out why?

Chocolate Covered Banana

Ken used the last of our tickets to get a couple items at the Zimbabwe pavilion and we headed back to the bus. It was at the bus that Trinity FINALLY fell asleep for a few minutes. And then we had to walk BACK the 8 blocks! But it was so worth it! (I even made the treck up to the 4th floor to see Nathan and Ada’s apartment… rather nice place!)

Asleep (Though Zander just had his eyes closed in the pic)

Now for our bit of surprise news – Our lovely Miss Esther is heading off on her very own adventure on the 12th of this month! She is gone for A YEAR to Grenada to get her masters! Of course with such short notice we are a bit frustrated in our lack of ability to give her a proper send off but are VERY thankful she managed to come see us and say some good byes.

The Fabulous Miss Esther

With Karyn here I as usual got quite a few pictures, my favourite being this one of the Esther and Karyn together!

Esther and Karyn

Ted came over after he and Ken ran to Ikea to get a slip cover (Ted’s dad is going to be in Edmonton tomorrow for 2 weeks! First time he has seen his day – who is from Ethiopia – in about 5 yrs!). So I got this gem as well…

Esther and Ted

Of course Ken had to get HIS picture with his beloved sister. I am sure he is going to miss her as much as we are as these two are truly kindred spirits.

Sister and Brother Together One Last Time

Don’t forget the boys! Aunty Esther is a GREAT favourite. They had to get in their moments with her and of course a pose or two for the camera.

Emanuel, Gavin and Zander With Aunty Esther

Trinity was being her usual grumpy self so I held her and we got her a picture with her God-Mommy Esther anyway. I am hoping that by the time Esther gets back (all educated and nicely tanned) Trinity will be more than willing to sit and chatter along. As it is she amazed her Esther by running around like a big girl!

With the God-Mommy

Just a half a day with our Esther before she left but it was SO worth it! A year is quite the time to be apart BUT as Esther says it goes by fast AND she has promised to do things like write, take pictures, Skype and maybe even use a webcam so we will be kept in the loop! I have not shed my tears yet but I will… and I have to admit am bursting with pride that she is taking this chance and going on her Great Adventure! Good luck Esther we are rooting for you!

So I took my kids to the cemetery today so they could ask very… interesting questions… things like: Why is there a hole in the ground? How did they dig that hole? Is someone going to fill the hole? Why are they putting flowers in the hole? Can I put one in the hole (which they let them do)? Why is the jar in the hole? Is it a MAGIC jar? When are the flowers coming out? and the all time favourite – Where are we going next? The funniest answer to one of their questions BEFORE we got to the cemetery was my mom’s to the question – What is a cemetery? – her response… a field! Oh dear! So now I am pretty sure we will have some interesting moments when one of the boys yells out LOOK there is a CEMETERY and there are COWS in it!

Cheeky Monkeys I Love Them So (Zander on left)

Our Dolly

Now for the reason we were at said field.. I mean cemetery… A year ago on February 25th my Grandma MacLean’s youngest sister June passed away. That year half of her ashes were buried with her husband and the other half were held onto until today where her kids were able to fulfil her final request and place them with her parents.

Great Aunt June Now at Peace

Her son did a short reading of scripture and said a few words and then they placed the ashes in the hole and had people put roses with them. Pink and white – they even let each of our boys and a couple of my mom’s cousins’ kids (she has 5) do so. There was quite a nice sized group and one of the other sisters said a few words.

Urn and Roses that Went Into the Grave

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Morse

Right next to my Great Grandparents was the grave of my Great GREAT Grandma as well! The plaque has been jarred lose so there are plans to replace it but it was really special to be able to visit so many generation of my family at once!

Great Great Grandma

The day was warm and the sun bright and the kids did so well. Trinity had to be taken into the shade after a bit but all in all it felt like we all really paid proper respect to Great Aunt June.  A couple of my Uncles and one of my Aunts was there as well. Though I did not know the names of most of the extended family it was great to meet them again.

Paying Our Respects

Great Aunty

My Mom and Another Great Aunty

After the cemetery we all headed to the hall for lunch and visiting. At that point Aunty June’s son said a few more things.., reminded us about my grandma’s childhood (her father died when Aunty June was only 1 leaving my great grandma to support 12 people during the depression!) and what wonderful people we can claim relation to who have gone before us.

Made by My Grandpa Donated to Hall

Plaque Under

After that my Uncle Wayne presented my surviving Great Uncle with two plaques commemorating the fact that the Morse family has farmed on the same plot of land for 100yrs! He is in his 80’s himself and now one of his nephews also farms with him. What an accomplishment! We took pictures of him and his wife and then all the surviving siblings as well with the plaques! I just know my Grandma would be proud!

Surving Brother and Sisters and His Wife

The Plaques

My Cousin Veronika and her boyfriend made it a little before the speeches so I did get in a visit with at least one of my cousins. She will be in the city at the end of August and I am really looking forward to having her over for visiting and dinner. We did not stay too long after the presentation as we had to head back home, stopping off for a quick hello and giving me the chance to peek at Karyn’s new place and then home for the night.

Cousin Veronika and Me

Mom and Her Cousin Barbara

The drive past Karyn’s was a bit hairy as we had severe thunderstorm warnings but we made it home in one piece and just a little soggy. Thankful to be home and feeling good about the day I am looking forward to tomorrow and the Heritage Festival… here is hoping the weather works in our favour.

It Got Dark and Wet FAST!

So tonight I ask everyone to say a little word for a loved one they have had to say good bye to for now and remember that they are all so proud of us! I know my Grandma MUST be watching over my 4 kids. She always said she loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren best of all! Bless!

Ken and Myself

Why is it that every “W” word in my vocabulary today is one that is inherantely frustrating? Ok so the first 3 have positive uses but the last one… now don’t worry intrepid reader… this will not be a “woe is me” type entry in the blog that is Lisa’s life. Merely a momentary blip before I go over what ELSE has gone on in our rather cloudy and mildly rainy day.

So basically today was not exactly a day that “went as planned”… The weather did NOT co-operate for us to go to the homeschool park date which was quite the let down for all concerned. Even though there was not a TON of rain Trinity’s cough has me concerned enough that I don’t want to be trekking her out in unknown weather. After all this weekend is setting up to be BUSY! The boys were very upset about the cancellation and so were quite happy to act out… to the point where poor Emanuel came up with a smacked up face! I did figure out who the culprit was and had him appologize and give hugs. I am still at a bit of a loss as to how to stop the minor lying going on but I am working on it. All of this and Trinity not having a decent nap led to a cranky enough Lisa that Ken sent ME to nap! ACK!

Looks WAY Worse in Person!

Ok so now onto much better things (see I told you it would be worth the wait!)… I got a TERRIFIC surprise today in the mail, a package! One of the ladies from my online sewing group Chatty Stitchers Exchangers (a yahoo group of ladies who cross stitch – talk about a TERRIFIC group) – Sherry – sent me some cardstock she had extra and then in the midst of a cleaning binge sent me CHRISTMAS CRAFT SUPPLIES! Talk about Christmas in July! The kids are ecstatic and I already have ideas brewing! Everything from pipe cleaners to pom poms to coloured googly eyes (the boys are REALLY excited about those!). So keep an eye peeled for Christmas crafts and be ready – Christmas this year in the Reinsch-Johnson home is going to be HOMEMADE! My favourite kind!

Christmas in July!!!

So since we couldn’t do the park thing I decided to have each boy sit down with a piece of paper and his box of crayons and make a picture for Grandma Anna, her birthday was the 26th and we will see her this Saturday. Since she and Mike are riding on the Harley to the gathering I figured the pictures would fit in their storage compartment. So each boy did his rendition of Harley the puppy. I was very strict with Emanuel and made him draw  HIS OWN picture without help and was quite pleased with the results. Now all I have to do is make a little coloured folder to keep them in. I also need to take some time tomorrow and get Trinity’s thumbprint on the card. I want to do up a few extra to keep for her baby book and maybe give to her god-mommies. (Another craft for a rainy day in this house has got to be thumbprint people…)

Harley By Emanuel

Harley By Gavin

Harley By Zander

Ken spent some time taking Sean to get his vehicle and when he did finally get back came bearing the much needed diapers and milk (can’t go without either in this house!) AND my tickets for the Heritage Festival! EXCITING! AND on top of that Sean took him out for brunch and sent a meal for me. Steak and potatoes… I ate the steak and the boys ate the potatoes. Mmm. See how the day is picking up?

Add to that my raspberry harvest for the day! What a bountiful harvest it was! I had to go out after my nap so only went out once instead of my customary twice a day but I think I got all the ripe ones. Ken spent at least an hour out there cutting back more of the weeds and long grass around the bushes. This is so going to simplify my battle with the bushes and maybe even give me a bit more of an advantage. Right now I have tons of scratches on my arms!

Today's Harvest

So as a reward for all his hardwork Ken pulled down our blender and took some of our strawberries, a little sugar and milk and made strawberry milk! Not my kind of beverage (unless you add some ice cream which we are not in the way of budgetting into the house right now) but all 4 of my boys thought it was delish! Supper was less of a success, I added chicken oxo to rice and well, EMANUEL LOVED it… everyone else… not so much…

Strawberry Milk

I have started the next Star Trek themed project! For my nephew and all done in *gulp* shiny braids and potentially blending filament… it will be the insignia from the Star Trek uniform and hopefully will turn out as well as Ken’s pattern makes it look. I am loving the help with design and am hoping to post the one I did for my sister in law (pattern that is) on the site to be downloaded and used very soon. The one for my cousin as well. No picture tonight but maybe tomorrow if Trinity lets me sew tonight? Her cough is keeping her up and she is rather demanding of the Mommy attention.

So for all the W’s (we are still Waiting on TWO things related to Ken – one should be resolved either way by the middle of August) today may have started out rocky but a surprise in the mail, tickets in hand and raspberries by the bowlful and I think I can handly the most difficult W of them all – Worrying – as Ken says something I am VERY good at, but you know what? Sharing my worries and talking to friends, admitting to fears and working through issues with Ken… well I am getting much better at letting go of that W and moving more into WAITING which is a little easier to deal with. After all sometimes the things we wait for are TERRIFIC right? Even SURPRISING! And who doesn’t love a surprise???