A few weeks ago I met up with some friends for a drink down the street, and I remember saying, "I feel like I'm ready for another adventure.." I didn't specify, I didn't dwell on it, I just said it and we moved on. And then one or two nights later, I come home and discover James' searching for flights out West. Music to my ears. We spent 10 fabulous days with our family in B.C, and the adventure itch was fully satisfied. I was a little apprehensive about flying with the kids, and sleeping schedules, and blah blah blah, but there was nothing to worry about. The kids were just fine. I'm discovering that they actually do put complete trust in us, and if I said it was O.K to jump off a cliff, Jesse might just do it. In fact, even if I didn't say it, Jesse might just do it. I was pretty happy to get Jesse to B.C in one piece. A few days before we left he stormed his little quad off of the tennis' court retaining wall (a 3 foot fall) and landed on a rock. Last year, he just ran off it and landed on that same rock. Next year he may try and tackle it with a bike. I'm currently lobbying my dad to remove the rock and replace it with a grass ramp. It's only logical.   When we got to B.C he pulled a couple stunts---jumped from the fourth stair into the invisible arms of who-knows-what and 'landed' it, despite buckling knees; and launched himself out of his swing, mid-swing, although I may have set that example without thinking of my little sheep. A.K.A-  total follower. Other than that, he played it pretty safe, and we kept him in one piece for the flight home.

It was so great to be back. I needed a chance to revise my former perception of the province, and this was the week to do it. Sunny skies, warm weather, clear views, and major beach time. Jamesis not typically a beach guy, but the beaches here come with grass options, and although Jesse and I opt for sand, Anneliese and James are grass people. Win-win.

But the sun and the beach were not the highlight of this trip. Seeing our family again, celebrating Oma's 80th, getting to know my sis-in laws better, seeing James around his brothers, his mom and dad, his new niece-- and especially seeing Jesse bond with his Oma and Opa- that was special. It was so fantastic telling Jesse at 5:30 am to leave us alone and knock on Oma's door instead.  Even more fantastic that mom actually opened the door and changed his diapers for us. Not to mention potty training him! Three cheers for an experienced mom of four boys! It was also so great that everyone was around and wanted to DO things! This made for full days, which I love. We planned our days to match what the kids could handle, so we were usually out the door exploring things early, and home in the afternoon to let the kids crash, and to get in some solid adult time. The adult time was centered around the kiddie pool where we could cool off from both ends- feet in pool, cold beer in hand ;) As dad would say, "Delicious".

We managed to squeak in a few evenings with friends, but we tried to keep those visits (as nice as they were) to a bare minimum. This was family time, and that's what we wanted anyways.
It was neat bringing a brand new person to James and Jesse's home away from home. Anneliese is about the age that Jesse was when we went to Ecuador, which blows my mind because I can't believe how much time has passed since that adventure. Anyways, Anneliese is 6 1/2 months old, has two teeth with a 3rd on the way, and is on the verge of crawling, if not already there. She likes to pull herself up to her tiptoes and watch the world. She doesn't sit in one place long, which reminds me of her brother at that age. Sitting is not a stage- it's a means to crawling, which is a means to standing, and soon, you can't let them out of your sight. So that's where we are at with her. She is still adorable in my books, but that has a lot to do with how much she laughs and smiles, and eats. She's into solids now, and I am not as anal as I was with Jesse about what I introduce and when. So far, her stomach seems to be able to handle it. It was also cool having Elizabeth around to keep our baby girl company. I wish they could grow up together. Maybe Mark and Leah should move.. ;)

Anyways, that's the update. One summer trip has come and gone, but there are two more on the near horizon. Who works anymore, right? ;)