We have had some fun the last couple weeks. Monday a bit back, after Dave had had a really not excellent day. His car died, he didn't have lunch, most of the guys that work for him had not made it into work for various reasons. As he was just crawling into bed, Leah called and said their car had also died. They had stopped at Tim Hortons with friends for hot chocolate after FHE and it was done. Nothing they were doing was getting it going again. We made plans to go up on Friday and see what we could do. Leah had plans to go hiking in Banff that Thursday. Fortunately she was not driving and Cora had a few bus tickets, so she would be able to get to work. (Cora was most disappointed that she had to work and was not able to also go hiking) They had a nice friend that helped tow their car back to their place, where it sat and waited for us. Leah had a blast on the hike. They drove to a friends parent house in Calgary Wednesday night and then went to the hike Thursday morning. She said it was cold and windy, but a beautiful and so much fun.
This picture was taken by a friend on the hike. He takes great pictures.
Friday we started out very early. Dave had packed every tool and car part he could think might possibly be wrong along with insulated coveralls and other warm gear. I packed us a lunch and chicken in sauce to feed everyone for dinner that night. We even took sleeping bags just in case the car took a long time to fix. We got there, quickly said hi, Dave and Blake got to work. He determined it needed a new battery. We dropped Leah off at work and picked up a battery. The boys worked at getting new battery in, changed a belt that was starting to go, tightened some pulleys, and topped up all the fluids. He was done by 5. Not to bad. I was about to start dinner, but Dave wanted Seoul Fried Chicken. We drove to the mall to see where the girls work. It is kinda fun, they work across the hall from each other and said they sometimes wave at each other. We picked up Leah, picked up chicken, ate and back home we went. It was a long day, late night but so thankful they were able to get the car running again.
Saying goodbye at the girls' house.
Saturday was our annual ward Food Drive. It seems faster to pick up the bags every year. It is by far my favorite activity of the year. After lunch we took Blake to work, his bike doesn't work consistently in the cold. Jared was pounding posts, Dave and I went out to hang more boards. We got a great system down and got a lot done. We had gone out with Blake a few nights earlier and it was bitter cold. We only worked a few hours and it was not fun. Saturday the sun was shining and we were on a roll.
We signed Blake up for drop in basketball. He has really missed playing this year. He said it was fun and felt great to get back on the court. Dave is going to try to go with him as much as he can. We all had a good week. Nothing significant. School, work, house cleaning. Blake didn't have school Friday. He needed a haircut and some new shirts. I had decided to do an advent calendar for Cora and Leah since we won't see them till after Boxing Day sometime. Their registration was due and were coming down Saturday to pick up the pink slip and take pictures for our Christmas card. So we got up early and went to work with Dave, did our shopping and were home by noon. Dave and Blake then feed cows and made me props for the pictures.
Saturday was beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a better temperature to take winter pictures. As we were getting ready, Grandma came for a visit. We then headed off for pictures. The kids all had a lot of fun and took many pictures after my Christmas one, as Dave and I were cleaning up. We ate a late lunch, all 3 kids had homework. Not all 3 DID homework. :) but they all had homework. We just relaxed and played some games before dinner.
Dawson was coming to hang out with Leah. We ate late and then they played some more games and chatted downstairs as Cora and I chatted upstairs. It was a fun day.
Sunday was church, lunch, and then Cora and Leah packed up and went back to Edmonton. We had a youth fireside that Blake was asked to conduct. It was a really good fireside. All the speakers did an excellent job. The girls made it back safely and even had time to party with friends. They took all their ski stuff and skates. Things are very closed down at the moment, but they can do outdoor things. I am glad they have the knowledge, ability, and equipment to do these things. It was so great to see them again. Blake really looks forward to being with them. School is wrapping up for the semester. Both girls have decided what the next steps will be for their schooling. Leah has enrolled in an optical assistant course and will start in March. Cora is applying to her field and if all goes well will start in April. They are having a great time. Despite the shut downs, in person church, institute and FHE are not being held right now, they are making the best of it. Meeting in small groups, outdoors and trying their best.
