CANADA- Take EIGHT- And that is that! Last post

Ok, for those of you who are sick of Canada, no worries. This is my last post. I had to make it good so of course it is of my little lovers, Gabe and Malia. Enjoy!!





My favorite little band aide/ chip crumb face boy!

Sweet Malia by the barn.

Malia and Cousin Hannah

This is just to show you how stylin my little boy was in his tight hurley jeans and pumas. So cute!

A classic boy moment. This tomboy-at-heart Mommy just melts looking at photos like this. Who knew that throwing toys and running after them could be so much fun!

Alas... it is time to return to the good old US of A. Gabe takes a quick stop at the magazine rack to catch up on some cartoons while we wait for one of our MANY flights. Thanks for all the memories Canada family! We miss you!

CANADA- Take SEVEN- The River

Our last day in Canada we had a little picnic down by the river, not too far away from the farm. It was beautiful and everyone had so much fun playing... even me! Check it out...






Mike and the kidos checking out the river


Look at that little smooshie face! I want to go wake her up from her nap right now just so I can smoosh and kiss it!


The picnic site


" Oh no! I am naked and full of mud!"


"OH wait a minute! I did that on purpose and am LOVIN IT!"


Gabe wanted to get in on the mud action too. They say it IS good for your skin you know.


Everyone in the river.

And yes, that is my muddy pregnant belly at 6 months along.



I did not think too hard before hand about how I would get it off of me without getting my pants all wet... oh well, it was worth the photo!

CANADA- Take SIX- A shmorgishborg

Ok, just a few more Canada posts guys and girls, bear with me. Here are the portraits I took at the family reunion, and some more photos from that day. Enjoy!



This is Willi's whole family. My Mom, Laurie's, birth mother, her half brother and his kids and all of us. Minus my Dad and my little sister who is not allowed in Canada... that's for you Jen. ;)

The whole family- All of the Vanderleest family and their children and grand children.

The Vanderleest siblings.

Malia with Uncle Lance. All the little kids love Uncle Lance. I think it is the beard and stash.

Auntie Petra and her boys. The Smithinski family.

David and Peck- We stayed on their farm while visiting. They live right next to Petra's farm.

Mr. Jones and yours truley with the baby bump in full action.

The Smithinski Family...

And here they are showing their TRUE colors ;)

Petra on David's horse.

And me on the horse... I know I know, I am not supposed to be on a horse while pregnant but I was really careful and just walked him around.

Niece Hannah and the other Becky petting the horses.

Niece Allie with Hannah and Gabe on the swing set at the farm.

What is going through her mind at this particular moment you ask? "Don't get between this girl and her quad... or else!"

Ready to go!!

Ok, classic shot, probably NEVER to be duplicated! Who is that you ask, riding on the back of that quad with NO HELMET ON!?

Yeah, that is Nurse Roberts (aka Grammy). Here she is giving the look of, "Oh no! I got caught!"

Yeah you better put that helmet on (that is 3 sizes too small for you I might add)!! You are in SO much trouble!!

TIME : 10:30pm... Still bright as can be outside. Having a little bon fire on the farm.

Malia with the "big girls". She could not get enough of this girly brigade.

What else can I say but ... REPRESENT!!

And finally at about 11:00pm the sun went down so we could get going on some marshmallow roasting.. yummy!

CANADA- Take FIVE- A Celebration

50 years, can you imagine? Grandma Willi's sister Cathy and her sweet husband Tony celebrated their 5oth wedding anniversary while we were all in Canada. The way they reacted to their surprise cake that their granddaughter made for them, was so priceless. It made me reflect on how grateful I am for my eternal sweetheart and how much I look forward to the next 45 years with him... and beyond.
Watching these two get all choked up as they stare at the old wedding photo of them on the cake really shows you how fast time flies. How much a couple can go through in 50 years and how much your love for each other can grow. I guess it is this excitement of the unknown, the awe of being companions with someone for 50 years of your life, that makes me all gitty inside for what my future holds with my sweet Mr. Jones.

CANADA- Take FOUR- Photos of the Farm

Here are some photos I took of different things around the farm. It felt good to get some creative shots in to feed my artistic side.






The RED gate leading into Petra's farm




The road between Dave and Petra's farms














Yes, that is correct. This horse is smiling and sticking out her tongue at me. HE-larious.