Train Ride

Nipawin does not have trains go through the town anymore, that is why it is such a big deal when we are in Lang & we hear a train go by every 1/2 hour or so.

But now Nipawin does have what is called shortline railway,going from Nipawin to Choiceland. I don't know of all the details but it is called Torch River Rail & it is owned by local farmers. They use the train to haul their wheat.

Our friends, The Clearwater's(who also take the kids for combine rides) called & invited the kids to go for a train ride. They jumped at the opportunity and Bryan went along too.

Our kids & Caleb C. waiting for the train to hook up
(Don C & Westin in the background)

Micah,Calleigh, Simon, Caleb, Don & Westin

And off they go....

It started out to be very nice but the clouds rolled in.

Just coming up to the bridge

Overlooking the river. This is the bridge that goes to my parents.
It was neat to watch the train going over the bridge. I drove
on the bridge as they were crossing on top.

Simon waving to me in the van. I waited here for them. I wish I could have captured the look on Simon's face. It was priceless. He was grinning from ear to ear.

The rain started just as they were arriving in White Fox, where I picked them up.

Our Summer Holidays

We usually go to Alberta for a week of holidays every summer but we thought it would be a bit much as the twins first log van ride so instead we decided to just visit with family. We made a long weekend & went to Ogema & Lang.

The girls were just so happy to be out of their car seats. They rolled around on the floor and just relaxed. Lauryn just relaxing on Leah. They did really well being "out of routine" and in strange places.

The weather was great for the entire weekend. The kids played at the parks and we "ran into" Nipawin friends who were camping at the Ogema Regional Park. The Anderson's were there for a family reunion.

I had to be in this picture just to get Calleigh in the picture.


Grandpa & Grandma West with the 5 kids.(and me)

Grandma Heiberg doesn't usually let anyone take her picture but here she is with the twins. We had a tea party with her as well as supper before heading out to Stephenson's.

The twins did make strange a bit while we were away which made it hard but did great overall.

The kids heading to do chores with Auntie Berta -

they saw the chickens, kittens, bunnies, horses and a pigeon.

Oh & 2 dogs which Simon is terrified of.

Lauryn enjoyed the swing. The kids jumped on the trampoline, we had a Heiberg potluck supper & a bonfire. What a great place for a holiday. I love going there.

They just bought this swing & put it up that day. Lots of fun. That is as close to a horse that kids need to be.LOL

Tried to get a family picture. It is hard to get all 7 people looking at the camera & looking happy.

Auntie Berta & Calleigh playing with playdough while the boys were watching football.

On the way home we stopped at Wascana Lake in Regina to let the kids play for a bit & it was Simon's idea to take these pictures.

It is always good to go away but it always good to be home.

Stuck?

The twins have really started rolling around lately and the other day,

Lauryn rolled under the coffee table.

She was happy under there but then started to cry because she kept bumping her head.

The other day I asked Simon to watch Leah for a bit. I came back to find Leah under the coffee table & Simon laying beside the coffee table sleeping. (no pic though)

Have You Ever Been in Love?

We headed out to Love Gospel Jamboree on the weekend. The weather was nice and very few mosquitos out there, probably because the dragon flies were out. There were more ants than anything but we were sitting on the ground.

Micah holding Lauryn

Leah
I usually always have the girls dressed identical but Lauryn spit on on herself so what do ya do??

It was so hot in the sun so I had to try to keep them under the umbrella. They kept wanting to roll around.




It was a tired crew heading home.

(notice Calleigh's leg - over Micah's)

Hopefully we have more times like this on our holidays, rather than fighting.

Happy Canada Day

We headed out to Pasquia park for the day. (We have done this once before on July 1st so that makes it a tradition) The weather was great while we were there.

The twins did really well. The water was a bit cold for them but I did sit on the edge with them & dip their toes in.

The kids played at the park for awhile before we went mini golfing. It was so hot!!

We had a picnic under a tree. We needed some shade.

The bugs really weren't bad out there at all.

And then swimming - they have a great pool for kids because it is gradual entry.

Calleigh loved the water there but I tried her in swimming lessons here & there was no way she would get in.

Micah has so much more confidence in the water now after his swimming lessons.

Simon is finally loving the water again. The last 2 years he wouldn't go in the water at all or if he did he would choke you b/c he held on so tight.

We had thought we would do a weiner roast at the Nipawin Regional Park for supper but by the time we came home we were all so tired and as it turned out, it poured with rain so we were glad we didn't go out in the evening.

School's Out

The boys both had a great year.

It is hard to believe that Simon is done kindergarten and is headed to grade one. I will really miss him not being at home every other day. He is a big help to me & likes to have "talks" with me. He is looking forward to reading in grade one.

Micah has completed his time at CPES. (sniff, sniff) I remember the first day of kindergarten & at that time I thought about him completing grade 3 and having to switch schools. That time went by so fast & now he is heading to grade 4 in a different school. It will be a new adventure & I think he will enjoy the intramural program they have over there.

Both boys had male teachers this year & they have both have female teachers next year

Sophia

I am posting these pics for you, Tanya.

Sophia & Lauryn

Calleigh holding Leah & Sophia holding Lauryn at assembly.

Micah's Swimming Lessons

This year Micah was able to take lessons through school. He did great and passed level 2. Swimming was not his forte but he really worked hard & thanks to his great instructor, he has a new love for swimming and is now working on level 3 and doing well.

What a difference it makes to have a good instructor. She was so encouraging yet really made him work hard.

Good job Micah!!

Grade 3 Field Trip

The grade 3's took a fileld trip to Greenwater. Bryan was able to go along as a chaperone.

Micah's class

It wasn't just for fun, they did some learning as well.

A Pond Study:

Julie(one of the Moms along) showing the boys a crayfish.

A little break

And a bit of free time just to "wade"n the water

Freezies as a treat from the teacher

They also went on a nature hike but we have no pictures of that.