Time keeps slip-slidin' away. . .I can't believe we are nearing mid-July already!!!

The 5am Sunrise Devotional and Testimony meeting at Lakeside.





Bailey's Special Sunscreen Formula


We used almost 500 little stickers as records of completion. . .they were surprisingly popular with the girls.















Jane Modeling Triangular Bandage-wear

Last week found us at "Girl's" Camp where we did some hiking, campfire building practice, orienteering, knot tying, purifying water, building emergency shelters, and having lessons in triangular-bandage fashion (and other First Aid). The certification part of camp was my bailiwick, and I wanted the girls to learn what they were supposed to, but have fun too. I found out that junk food is the grease that keeps the cogs running smoothly for most of them. My supply list was something like:

• LOTS of M&M's (Lesson on what to do when lost)
• Candy Necklaces (treasure for orienteering)
• Candy Laces (knot tying practice)
• Chocolate covered raisins (rocks in campfire building practice)
• pretzel sticks (logs-Campfire building)
• Hickory Sticks (BBQ potato chip strips- leaf litter in campfire building practice)
• Cotton Candy (dryer lint CF building)
• Dried Apple Slices (Cardboard CF Building)
• Bubbles (More treasure)
• Cake Decorating Gel- Red & White (blood and burns in First Aid Scenario)

The couple who were to be our first-aid/Security people had a medical emergency and could not be there. Thankfully, Ron was able to come down as a last minute replacement for them.

I was pretty busy, so didn't get many photos, fortunately I was able to snake a few from Kaili's camera. The last morning we got up for a sunrise meeting at lakeside-5 am!


It was fun, but exhausting. . . Now I am working as much as possible, trying to get my stuff unpacked and working on a little crazy quilting project. This is what I have so far-



Dax left for Young Men's Camp this morning. . . I guess we will have to celebrate his 18th Birthday this week-end after he gets back.

We are experiencing a non-summer, summer here. It has been unusually gray and cool. Fortunately, there is a few really beautiful days sprinkled in to help us all stay sane.

Celebration of Excellence. . .

Monday night Elizabeth got to sleep with the fishes and next week she is going on a school camping trip! Her class spent last Monday night "sleeping" in the Beluga whale exhibit at the Vancouver Aquarium-How COOL is THAT!?! Next Tuesday they will be hiking to the local Scout camp and spending the night in cabins. . .again, how COOL!

Tonight Ron and I spent the evening with Dax and Kaili at "The Celebration of Excellence" at their school. They both made the Honor Roll of Distinction (GPA= 3.5+). Dax was disappointed because he missed the Principal's Honor roll (4.0) by 1.4% in ONE of his 8 classes. . .SO close!!! Kaili also received recognition for Jr. Dance and Textiles 9. . .WTG Girl!!!

We took them out to DQ afterwards in honor of their accomplishments, they have really done well this year!

On other fronts, no riots (yay!) and no mail (boo!) in Courtenay, and though it has been cool the sun made another appearance today.

June 10, and another attempt at a quick update. . .

Wow, time has really been getting past me lately! I tried to post this a few days ago, but it got eaten or evaporated somehow. . . Since my last successful post a few things have happened:

• Ron, Dax, Elizabeth and I all attended the annual inspection and general meeting for St. John Ambulance-Dax and Ellie took their oaths.
• Elizabeth competed with her school at a track and field meet.
  
• Mom and Debbie came up for a nice visit. While they were here, we got to attend the Highland Games and watch Kaili compete. She got 3rd place in the swords!
  
• Dax has completed bike and radio courses, he has one more day of training, then he can be a member of the Bike First Aid Squad with St John.
• The weather has finally gotten REALLY nice for a few days running now and I have been playing in the yard as often as work, chauffeur duties, and chores allow. We are also able to give the dryer a rest and use the clothesline--YAY!
• Dax and Elizabeth have also been to another first aid competition (this one included a banquet and dance)
• Ron has nearly completed his training and is taking on cases as a family history consultant as part of his service mission. . .just call him "Elder H." now ;-)
  
• Adam and Elizabeth performed together at music recital this evening. She played her clarinet, he his base clarinet and a friend accompanied them on the piano, then she played two piano pieces. It was really nice to hear them play together.
  
• Oh yeah, Costco opened here last week, so no more trips to Nanaimo for Costco stuff.
• We have a new Bishopric in our ward.
• The girls went to a climbing gym last evening.
• Tomorrow Ellie has a car wash fund raiser she is working, Adam and I will be at work and Ron will be headed to Victoria for the day with the other two for the Seminary grad/ Scripture Bowl/ Dance.

That's it for now, the bed is calling to me, then it is time to get up,deliver Ellie and get ready for work.