Memorial Weekend

This year's Memorial weekend was spent at our sister's place up in Manitoba, Canada. 

We were blessed with some very beautiful whether while we were there. Normally its either raining or snowing. But this year bright sunny days and steaming hot days greeted us with a smile.

For awhile now Andrea and Joel have been dreaming of putting up a fence around their house for a bit more privacy in their quaint little town. It just so happened that their fencing arrived the day before our visit. So hey! Why not take advantage of the beautiful whether and extra crew and get the job started?! And that's what they did!

Digging the holes with this lovely little machine. Thanks to a hired man for his service in the job this task went rather smoothly.

The skid-steer wasn't quite able to dig all the holes that were needed, so the rest got done by hand.

Lining up the posts, trying to get them straight. 

And the work is on! We didn't get the job near finished but did manage to get a big chunk of the work done

Time spent with these kiddos is always so special!

Miranda and Allison had great fun keeping the kids entertained playing in the pool.

Another thing that happened while we were visiting was this new play structure coming on to campus. Ethan and Leana were beyond delighted!

Tons of smiles and laughter took place around this slide in particular. 

Especially when you make it into a slippy-slide. ;)

Watermelon and an aunty; for this little guy I don't think much more could make him happier on this hot summer day.

The trampoline was also one of his favorites.

After a long day of hard work we thoroughly enjoyed this scrumptious, refreshing meal of yummy goodness. 

For the past few years Andrea and Joel have been wanting to take us all out on some awesome hiking hills just an hour away from their place. But due to the bad whether that seems to show up every time we go up to visit it has never happened. Until now...

Taking the bus we all rode together. You could say it was like one big party with all the family squeezed inside (minus one brother, Justin, who had to stay home due to his work schedule).

It was quite the ride!

We all find it pretty amusing how Ethan has taken after his favorite uncle's looks.

He loves Matthew so much! Makes us aunties feel a wee bit jealous. ;)

So our Sunday afternoon was spent at the Provincial Park of Pemina Hills. 

The whether couldn't have been more perfect for a picnic together, followed by some hiking.

Joel did an amazing job grilling our burgers and brats for us.

Time to eat!

Our dear daddy with his grand-kids.

 Now off for some hiking!

 This place is beautiful to hike!

Lots of great views, such as this one.

Aunties + Niece = lots of smiles from everyone. =)

We were all so proud of Leana for making the whole hike with us. 

I think we figured out that we hiked a full 4 miles. And that was hard hiking too! 

Up and down ravines, valleys, in and out of woods, crossing streams, you name it.

 It was pretty awesome!

This little guy... We all love him to pieces!

Then later, towards the end of our hike, we came upon this tower.

The view from the top was amazing!

Daddy and little girl... so precious! 

All good things have to come to an end. Our time in Canada was short; but very sweet! We greatly look forward to our next visit with our sister's family.

Before we left a picture was taken of all the sisters, including Leana.

Time has a way of changing things, but not the sister bond that these girls have.

We will greatly miss you, Andrea!

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,

 with all your soul, with all your strength,

 and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

Luke 10:27