December so far...

The first part of December was still warm enough to play Frisbee in our T-shirts.  I don't enjoy Frisbee, but I enjoy Blake, so I go out and toss one around with him.  Much more than I would like, not near as much as he would like.  But it was a beautiful day for it. 

A few weeks ago, everyone went skiing.  Castle wasn't fully open yet.  It was just the early bird runs at the top that had received more snow.  The boys got a discount with their WOW cards and another with the early bird special.  It was a bit sketchy.  They really had to watch it, but of course had a great time.

They were not sure about Blake's boot size.  His ones from last year were just a bit to tight.  They went over to the farm to grab Grandpa Puzey's old boots but they were a bit to big.  Dave decided to take both and see how the day went.  A few runs in, Blake kept slipping out of his skies.  He was getting a little annoyed.  Dave said they would tighten bindings at lunch. As they were walking in, Blake looked down at this boot and saw that it was cracked. No wonder he was slipping out.  So he changed into Grandpa's boots and he skied great the rest of the day. He was pretty excited since Grandpa's boots were orange and black like his ski gear. And Dave was feeling inspired to have thrown the second pair in.

That same weekend Cora and Leah went to Marmot Basin in Jasper.  There were about 12 YSA kids that all went from Edmonton. They left at 3 in the morning to make it to the hill by opening time.  This was the girl's first ski not on Castle and Cora's first in two years.  She was so happy to get back on the hill.  They had a blast.  The drive up and back, the skiing, being with that group of kids.  All around fun day. They were asked to go again today, to Lake Louise this time, but both decided it just wasn't in their budget this time. 

Every year I say it's the last time I am going to send out Christmas cards.  But here we go again.  This started out as a simple, hey what about this, and grew.  Dave says, "suddenly I was building props!"  but I like how it turned out and we had fun.

I had seen a postcard style on one of the card sites I was looking at, and loved it.  No licking envelopes.  But it was much more than I was willing to pay.  I did a lot of looking around and finally found a site that would let me design my own.  Twas fun.

This year for Grandma Puzey's tree I did just one decoration for all the kids instead of individual ones.

We got to go over and set up her tree this year and see all the past ornaments from everyone.  It was so fun to look at them all and remember. 

We used to get a live tree every year.  I love the smell, and watching it fall open when it warms up. I didn't like the watering everyday, and hoping it didn't wreck our carpet, or the needles all over the floor. A few years ago when we went to Mexico, we just didn't think it was worth it as it would die as we were gone. So I stuck a small tree we had on an end table and called it good. Then we just kinda started doing that each season.  We kept saying we were going to get one on sale after Christmas, but still could not believe how much they were.  A lady in our community put up on the local buy and sell they she was giving hers away for free. So Blake and I went into town to get it and worked fast to get it all set up before Dave came home.  I wanted to see how long it took him to notice. Well long story short, Blake walked in from the garage behind Dave.  Dave was staring right at the tree and Blake said, "I see you have seen the new tree" faster than I could stop him.  Dave had not noticed.  Haha Ha seriously after we had worked so hard.  He felt bad, but in the end it was kinda funny.  Dave insisted on still lifting Blake up to put the star on...because....tradition.

House all lite up.

I have been working at the local food bank this month.  Because of restriction they couldn't have volunteers as they usually do.  So they hired me to work almost full time making Christmas hampers and getting and wrapping presents.  It was a lot of fun.  The only thing was I started just when it was announced that Blake would be staying home for online school.  It bothered me to leave him everyday.  Dave and I tried to work it out that sometimes I would come home early, sometimes Dave could.  Once he was able to work from home. I really enjoyed 'shopping' for fun food and extras sometimes for the hampers and deciding what to give those in need.  I hope to be able to go back next Christmas.

Dave is the councillor over the teachers quorum.  Blake is the only teacher in our ward. So Dave was joking about the ski activities they were going to have and winter camp.  But they did set up a YM's zoom activity.  Dave put Blake in charge of the agenda and contacting everyone. They talked about their goals and things they didn't like about COVID and one thing they secretly liked about it. :) It was a short activity, but nice for them all to interact again.  It has a very long time. I think they have only been able to have 1 or maybe two activities since March. 

Christmas is coming soon.  Our house is still Cora and Leah's permanent residence, so they are allowed to come home for Christmas.  It really has been a strange year.  I wish that they could just get out and meet lots of new people.  They have meet some and continue to meet a few, but it certainly is not what we had thought. I'm glad they have each other. And we prayer that Leah's job will continue on in the new year.  She was hired for seasonal.  They take one of the seasonals every year and hire them on permanent, but with shut downs she isn't sure they are even doing that. They both finished their first semester yesterday.  Leah started again in March and Cora should start April.  They have lots of time to work and are very willing.  Lots of prayers. Blake finished his online schooling yesterday as well and is looking forward to the break. He was part of a Secret Santa this month as well with some kids in the stake.  They drew names and then he delivered the gift.  They then did a zoom meet where they opened and guessed who their present was from.  He enjoyed it.  He is also texting friends from school regularly, so he has some interactions outside of his house.  He is looking forward to going back to school.

What we have been up to.

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.

Wisdom Teeth, Thanksgiving and Birthday oh my

We have had some fun already this month and lots happen.  Leah's last dental appointment in March she was told that yes her wisdom teeth were in but she had a lot of room in her mouth and didn't have to have them out.  She was a little concerned about them moving her bottom teeth and so we had decided to take them out anyways, at Easter time when she was off school.  Well we all know how that went.  Dentist had to shut down for a while.  Then not enough time between Cora's quarantine, moving etc. She thought she would just keep them.  Since school was online and she didn't have a job and one tooth was starting to go sideways and stabbing her cheek when she ate, we booked her an appointment.  A few days before she was coming down, Leah was told she had a job.  Hallelujah! She is working at Bath and Body Works and loves it.  It is seasonal and only goes to Jan. 2, but we are very thankful for what she has.  She was told that they usually take one person from the seasonal staff and keep them on.  She is working her butt off to be the best employee and be the one they keep. Fingers crossed.  Her appointment was for Thursday and she started work the next Sunday.  At first we thought we would need to cancel, but decided to go ahead.  Long story and many changing details later, I went up to get her Wednesday.  9.5 hrs on the road, 30 mins to see Cora.  It was a long day.  I had a great time just driving with Leah and hearing all her stories.  Thursday she got them out.  Meds did not really kick in.  I was really looking forward to Leah being drugged up.  She is off the wall and random anyways, I was sure this was going to be awesome.  But she was very lucid.  She even paid for her own appointment, which she likes to remind us of.  Dave has really great coverage.  For all meds and surgery it only cost me 72 cents.  I didn't have any change on me but Leah did.  So she paid.  Leah also remembers them asking each other if they remembered to put her back on oxygen, they had not. She got lots of good stuff, but really didn't do anything to her.  Sadly no fun videos. She did awesome. Some pain Thursday night and swelling Friday morning.  Friday night she was almost normal. I promised her I wouldn't post any pictures.  Dave and I went to Atwood's house Friday with all the Puzey parents for a dinner.  I used to call it a Puzey Adult dinner, but Leah and Cora kept joking that they were adults now too, so should be able to come.  I changed the name and uninvited them. It was nice to be together and talk.  It was a delicious meal and nice to relax.  Saturday Leah drove back up.  Worked Sunday and then the girls both drove back down Sunday after church and work. Leah was on the road a lot that weekend.

Monday was Thanksgiving and Cora's birthday.  I was excited to spend her birthday with her.  We have not been with Cora on her birthday since she was 17.  Four years ago.  And really, who knows when it might happen again. 

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY CORA!!

We had an excellent breakfast then Cora opened her other presents.  We had given her a longboard the month before so she could use it before it snowed. Both girls had homework due and Dave and Blake needed to get some farm work done.  

We had a small chicken and accessories for lunch with  Angel Food Cake for dessert.  Cora's requested.  I had made a pumpkin cheesecake the week before and froze a few left over pieces, as well as a small pumpkin pie for Dave and Blake.  Leah chewed slow and carefully. :)

After dinner we relaxed for a short time.  Leah and Blake played some games.  Cora played frisbee with Blake and we dug some potatoes for them to take. Dave switched tires on the girl's car to winter tires and made sure all fluids were full.  They had planned to leave at 3, but then a friend of Cora's called from England to wish her happy birthday.  It ended up being about 6. 

It was another short visit.  I am glad they live close enough that we can do the short visits.  It was beautiful weather.  Autumn is usually my favorite day of the year.  Hahah, but this year we got a good six weeks of perfect fall weather.  With the cool crisp mornings, warms days, gorgeous colors and things in the garden ready to eat.  I love it all. We had a great weekend.  Cora and Leah are having so much fun together.  They are making lots of friends and always have something going on.  They like to experiment and try recipes together.  Enjoy their roommates and their ward.  Both are really struggling with what to take next year in school.  Looking at lots of options and ideas.  It is a big decision. Blake is doing really well in school.  He has a group that have fun together.  He is not enjoying the homework that he gets, but tis life in high school.  Snow has come and my perfect autumn is over for now.  But we had a fabulous one. 

Another School Year Begins.

Blake had a staggered start back to school. He started on Sept 4th.  We are getting emails almost daily about protocols and stuff.  I have a series of questions I am supposed to ask him every morning and night.  Becomes a bit annoying really.  The school provided each student with two reusable masks.  He doesn't mind them near as much as I do.  He was a little nervous to start Grade 10.  He had not contacted his friends much over the summer and wasn't sure what to expect.  Blake is enjoying his classes, he has a construction class that he is really liking and got put in a psychology class for some reason.  He was going to transfer out and then decided, whatever, he wants all the credits he can get. His good friend Gilbert is in most of his classes and they usually spend lunch hour together.  He calls his sisters often when he gets home from school to talk about their days. His first day he came down wearing these same ratty shorts that he has been wearing all summer.  I have tried to buy him new ones twice, but he keeps saying he wouldn't wear them anyways.  Which is true.  He has always got attached to one outfit and will wear it completely out before switching to another on.

They have no lockers or changerooms, so Blake has to wear comfortable clothes the days he has gym anyways. His first full day was the 8th. He also started zoom seminary this day as well. It will be an interesting year for sure, but he is off to a great start.

Cora and Leah also started the 8th.  They are both upgrading at NAIT.  It is all online.  Cora was apprehensive as she hasn't been to school in 3 years.  She had taken all the courses she needed to be a drafter, but that is just not feeling right to her anymore.  So she needs Chem 20 and 30 and Bio 30.  She is really not sure what she wants to do and is hoping to figure it out soon.  Leah need to get a bit better mark in Bio and Chem 30 before she applies for the Lab and X-ray tech program she wants to go into.  It is very competitive. 

I asked them to sent my pictures and they did not disappoint. :)  The girl with the internet in their apartment moved out and they are having issues getting it back in.  Maycie has been kind enough to let them crash at her place every morning so they can do classes.  Once institute building opens they will start going there.  Hopefully internet gets resolved very soon. They have both attended some institute classes. They do get to do this in person.  Half way through Leah's first class she texted me to tell me how awesome it was and she is so excited for more. They have no idea if labs are in person or online yet, but everyday info is coming.  I am very sick of COVID.  I just want me kids back in school, meeting fun people at church, getting to play sports, etc. (sigh)  But I love online seminary.  College girls and last kid in Grade 10.  That went by in a snap.

Photo Shoot

One of Leah's friends had the idea to have a photo shoot before Leah left.  These girls have taken tons of pictures over the last 4.5 years.  Natalie Toone has done many photo shoots with them as well and always does an amazing job. (Still trying to get pictures from Leah of the group grad shoot Natalie did) This time they hired photographer Jordan Faye Photography, and she did an awesome job.  The girls had so much fun.  Leah and Emily became best friends the end of grade 8 and the group has grown since then.  Leah has been so blessed to have these girls as friends.  There has been some ups and downs and some that have come and gone, but it has been a good group.  They have had each other back and loved and supported each other through tough times and the best times.  I know she misses them as will I.  Having them in our home, travelling with them, hearing their stories at games, and all the good times.  Jordan took lots of pictures individual, each girl with everyone, and group.  These are just a few of my favorites.

Off They Go

The sad day had arrived. A few weeks ago we moved the girls up to school.  They had spent the month before, packing up all their stuff.  Leah took a lot longer than Cora to pack.  She gets distracted easily and had a lot of friends to see before she left.  Also Cora's stuff was mostly still in boxes from before her mission. We fit in as much water skiing and family times as we could as well as, as many hikes as we could.  

Dave was able to borrow a trailer from work.  One of the perks of his employment.  Leah had wanted to go a little earlier, she is nervous about looking for work.  Especially with all the Covid and not knowing what is open and hiring.  But I told them to stay for Blake's birthday.  It would most likely be the last one with everyone at home. Tuesday Leah had a photo shoot with her friends and then went to hangout with Dawson and say goodbye.  Thursday they got the final packing done and everything into the living room, ready for when Dave got home.

Friday we took off fairly early.  We had a lot to do.  We arrived, got unloaded, and mostly things arranged.  When Leah had texted her roommate letting her know what time we would be there to get a key, we found out there was a miscommunication.  There was a girl living in the basement.  She had sublet it and thought she had it till end of August, Leah had told another girl that they were coming in on the 14th and all three had paid August rent. Nobody's fault really just not a great situation.  So some of the other girls stuff is still there, but she did find a place to crash for two weeks. We couldn't fully arrange the girl's room with her stuff there, we did our best then took a trip to Ikea to get a desk and nightstand for Leah. She was hoping to get the same one we got Cora a few years ago and it was still available.

We love setting up Ikea furniture.  It is fun how easy it is.  After the girls did some more unpacking, we went for dinner at Seoul Fried Chicken.  Hola was it good. Cora had recommended a few little places that she had found last time she was up.  Less then what we would have spent on fast food and sooooo much better.  We did feel a little barbaric however.  You can't sit down, it was only take out.  Dave found us a wide window sill from a business around the corner and we all just ate out of the boxes.  Very worth it.  Dave said it will become a regular when we visit the girls. Saturday they girls came to the hotel to pick us up.  We wanted to leave the truck hooked up to the trailer.  I was slightly paranoid about it getting stolen. Morgan had got a flat tire on the way up.  We were only one hour into our journey the day before when we felt it.  Now we know they know how to change a tire for sure at least.  Seriously! We finished the trip on the spare.  Dave had gone to a few places Friday looking for a tire and nobody had one.  He was getting a little worried about what he was going to do.  Saturday before the girls got there he had called around to places and found one.  We dropped off the tire, went to Canadian Tire to buy bulbs for the car lights, got groceries to stock them up a bit more.  I had sent up chicken pot pies, hamburger, bread and chicken all frozen.  Potatoes, peas, and green beans from the garden.  Homemade yogurt and lots of spices.  So they didn't need tons. None of our kids had ever eaten at Peter's Drive In.  They have recently opened one up there so we took them for lunch. Dave and I have never been a big fan, milkshakes are good, but not burger patties.  It is an experience tho and we thought they should at least eat there once.  After lunch we headed back to the Cora and Leah's new place.  They unpacked, Dave and Blake went to pick up tire, Dave decided to rotate the tires while he was at it. It was getting late and it was time for dinner.  In January when Leah decided she didn't want to go to her grad, we said we would do a fancy dinner somewhere instead.  Then of course the world fell apart and nobody was going out to eat. We did a combined celebration dinner at Boston Pizza.  Leah grad, Blake grad, Cora returned, girls moving.  Lastly Cora wanted Blake to see this place called the edge of the world.

It was really neat.  Hung out over the river and we could see forever.  It was time to have them drop us back off.  We would be leaving early Sunday morning as the girls went to church.  Dave gave them each a father's blessing in the hotel and many hugs later. I think that is when it hit Leah and Blake that life was changing.  It was a little sad.  He is sure going to miss having his sisters around.

It is an adjustment for Leah.  She had a great friend group, especially the last 6ish months. And she is starting over.  She is looking for a job and really stressed about that, and nervous to start school.  Cora was really nervous about everything. Driving, what it was going to be like to see friends again, getting a job and school.  Her and Leah have gone to many parties already and she has seen lots of old friends. Driving she is getting more confident. Getting used to the right side of the road again :) and she has already found a job.  They start school on the 8th and I hope it goes well for them. Please pray for Leah to find a job soon.  I really miss them and their stories and fun bubbly sense of humors.  I am glad they have each other and Maycie is up there as well.  Good luck to my beautiful girls.  Your whole life is ahead of you and I can't wait to see what you do with it.  Proud of both of you and love you tons. 

Happy 15th

Blake had a great birthday.  He had given me a birthday list when I requested one a few months ago.  Top on his list was a Nintendo Switch.  Although he kept telling me it was other things.  But I knew. He had wanted one last year and almost sold his xbox to put some money towards it, but then last minute decided to keep it and just save longer.  We don't usually buy big gifts like that for birthdays, so Blake knew he wasn't getting one.  He made up a chart and was putting 15 percent of each of his paychecks towards it.  For his birthday he just asked that we donate some money for it.  Then he asked for lemonade, a game, a new cube, and because he thought he was funny a pegasus.  Among other things.  Every grocery trip he would ask if we had got his Switch yet.  Then he would smile and see how close he was to earning one.  He had also been checking online and in store every time he went to town.  They have been backordered for months. About mid July Dave and I were talking about how hard Blake works willingly and what a great kid he is. He said, "you know we don't pay him anything for all he does,  I think we should buy him the Switch" So we started looking.  We put our name on waiting lists and called several places. Nothing.  Every time was asked where we were on the list they said they didn't know where list was but take our names again.  At this point we were pretty sure there really was no waiting list.  I finally asked when the next shipment was for us to try back.  It was Aug 12.  His birthday.  I was told to call at 11:30 and they would let me know if one had come in.  I couldn't run to town that day, so I called.  Well a voice recording said that they were not taking calls anymore.  Great.  Dave left work to go check.  Sadly he texted me and said Best Buy was not a go.  :(  I made up a card for Blake and explained that we wanted to buy it for him as soon as one came in.  He requested Grandma P's sour cream enchiladas for dinner and a rubik cube cake.  Dave was trying to get off work early so we could go boating.  I had been working on his cake when Blake left for work.  He was concerned about how small it was going to be and kept bugging me about it.  I told him to trust me, don't worry about it and go to work.  Later I received this text from him which made me laugh. 

Dave let me know that he would not be able to leave when planned.  Dinner had a few more minutes before it was ready when he did get home so we opened presents first.  He got the cube he wanted and his standard lemonade.  As we set the table and got ready to eat, Dave went out to the car to get his lunch box and the paper he bought for me that day.  In he casual walks with a Nintendo Switch.  It tooks us all a second to realize what he had.  Blake was so excited and surprised.  He said he had gone to Best Buy and they told him truck was late.  He went back and hour later and it had arrived, but not unloaded.  Again an hour later he went back.  He just kept going till finally I guess he bugged them enough that they check the truck and had 11 Switches on it.  He said he would be back again and instead they text him and said they had one at the checkout for him.  He was determined to not leave town without it.  He surprised us all.  We then did quick cake and picked up grandma and out to the lake.

It was a bit to windy and cold.  We dropped at a beach for a while and it calmed down enough to have a good ski.  Still a tad chilly, but it was the girls' last night and Cora made the most of it.

 We had a great evening together.  Blake really is a fun kid.  He has grown up a lot this last year. And we have enjoyed the extra time we have gotten as everyone was home from school and seminary these last few months.  It has been fun to have him pass sacrament in our home and see his relationship with his sisters grow.  He is really going to miss them.  Happy 15th birthday Blakester.  So glad you are ours and we get to spend eternity with you. 

Fitting in as much as we can:)

We are packing in as much as we can during the few shorts weeks that we are all together.  We are taking the boat out every Friday morning.  Blake learned to slalom last time and loves it.  Cora got up on the wakeboard.  She had tried before moving to Edmonton, but wasn't quite there.  The other day she went longboarding with Leah and realized that she longboards with the opposite foot as most people.  Dave switched the boots around on the wake board and she got right up and went for a ride.

Also lots of skiing and tubing.  Picnics on the boat and in the field.  Cora had wanted to go raking, but she was still in quarantine when we got done. Leah has been out with friends as much as she can.  Both girls are packing boxes and sorting out their room.  They have started the online job hunt and seeing what is out there.  All prayers on job search would be appreciated. We have tried to keep them busy with garden, yard and farm work.  Blake works most day and then comes home and helps us.  A few weeks back Dave was going to check the cows water and asked who was coming with him.  I hadn't been for a while but was in the middle of making chicken pot pies to freeze. Cora and Blake said they would finish for me.  I came back to beautiful pies.  Much better than I would have done.

We got a hike in last Saturday.  We did Junction Falls a few years ago without Cora and had wanted to go again with her.  It is a beautiful hike.  Perfect for me as not much elevation.  Long, 15 km and you start by crossing a freezing cold river.

At the end you get to jump in to the same freezing cold water, but totally worth is.  It was going to be a hot day, so we started at 5 to beat the heat.  Packed lots of great snacks and had Subway on the way home.  Cora loved it.  Leah was pretty tired and sore as she had hiked Bear's Hump the day before.  She had wanted to do a sunrise hike with her friends.  They got up at 2:30 to make it to Waterton and up the mountain before the sun rose.

One Sunday we had all the Puzey's over to see Cora.  Everyone brought snacks and it was a nice time.  Then the next Sunday we had the Smith's and Myrna.  Levi and Cora gave fabulous talks.  Cora did a sort of homecoming and Levi is leaving this week to go on his mission so it was sort of a farewell also.  It was a fun day.

The YSA's have opened back up, so Cora and Leah have been attending.  There is a procedure to get into church and they have to wear masks, but everyone takes them off and hangs out in the parking lot after anyways.  They have enjoyed going, being back at church.  Cora had some fun days hanging out with Maycie before she moved. Blake has been doing all he can to be with his sisters before they go.  He has got a very quick funny sense of humor and he makes them laugh quite often.  So work, packing, picking course, updating resumes, job searching, saying goodbye to friends and fitting in as much family time as possible is what the girls are doing.  10 days until they move. So excited for this next chapter for them, very sad for me. I have loved having all my kids in the same house together.  Life moves on.