Day 313...Monday, November 23

Rob and Lana went to the hockey game. I got to spend the evening with their kids (and Seth). Once Ty was asleep and supper gotten out of the way, the girls and I played a game of 'Life'. The girls were in top 'silliness' most of the time.

Day 87. Sunday, march 29....Goodbye Daniel Party

Lots of photos today....lots going on.

We had a family gathering today so that we had one day with everyone together before Danny leaves for 5 months.

Kathryn and Seth stayed overnight the night before, so they were the first to 'arrive'.




Andrew was next, bringing a quad with him to have fun with.......but it didn't work.

So, the boys played "Guitar Hero" instead.....

Enough of that.....Andrew and Jim try to figure out what is wrong with the 600 snowmachine. Conclusion: bad fuel.

While they are working on the sled, Rob, Lana, and the kids arrive......

Ty was all dressed up for church and did not change before coming out to the farm.

The Ritchies were the next to arrive......these photos were taken while we were all just visiting - well, mostly giving Daniel a hard time.

Michael, Victoria, and Kaden arrive, now everyone is here!

Kissing Cousins......

Time for supper.....the girls all help in one way or another......

The little girls and Auntie Kathryn watched a movie in Gramma and Grampa's bedroom - after the little girls had played outside for a couple hours, at least.

Poor Jim was SO tired......he is just beginning to recouperate after working so many long days in a row - coupled with having been on night shift for the previous 10 days. But he enjoyed having his grandbabies and children around him while he tried to stay awake.

Supper time........

After supper, when there was just Mike and Tor left, the five of us played a game called "Things". It was fun and there were a few hilarious moments.

Just before Mike and Tor went home, Mike challenged Daniel to a crokinole game or two.

Kathryn and Seth stayed overnight again since Vinj was at work all night. Here is Seth getting his nighttime 'meds'. He takes it very well.

A good day - except that I felt sick and Jim was very tired.....but our only chance to have a 'family day' before Dan is gone. Next gathering will be without Danny. Hope it is soon, though.

Day Four - January 7

The girls were here for the day….playing, going on the computer, drawing, etc.

I worked on the tree, brought some more paper in from the trailer, tidied here and there, and I don’t know what else – I didn’t write much down. I enjoyed listening to the girls play.... they love to play on the treadmill - it becomes a road, a plane, a train, a car.....whatever suits their fancy at the moment.

Bear had an appointment at the vet at 3:30 so I took the girls home at about 3:00, then took Bear to the vet.

After that, I stopped at Kath’s to check on her. I got Seth up from his nap – he was so happy to see me! I did not stay real long since Bear was in the truck.

In the evening I worked on getting everything off the tree (not quite successful)

Elizabeth is a prolific artist......after she leaves, I always have several new drawings to save.

Emma and Sophia 'going places' on the treadmill

Elizabeth isn't the only one who likes to draw. Sophie also leaves me a few drawings every time.

Yeah, I cheated again....this time by posting 3 photos...but I wanted one of each girl.

Day Three - Tuesday, January 6

I got up with Jim then did some blog reading before I left Drayton Valley.





On the drive home, I listened to the Oath……





Rob called and asked if girls could come home with me later and stay overnight – to give R & L a chance to catch up on some housework.





So, I got home about 10, let the dogs out, had lunch, made a couple phone calls, then went on the treadmill 30 min 1.36 mi.





I organized the top 2 drawers of the filing cabinet, brought in and put away half the paper from the trailer, began to undecorated the tree, then at about 3 I picked the girls up and brought them home.





Not a lot to make them for supper, ufortunately. Soph helped with some undecorating of the tree

This is Jim early that morning...standing in the 'kitchenette' in the hotel room he stayed in for 3 weeks.