We’ve left the rush and bustle of the city for a couple weeks while we’re visiting the Grandparents Jay.

It’s our annual trip and I’ve written about our visits here before. My inlaws have a beautiful home on stunning Vancouver Island and we get spoiled with beach visits, forest walks, and grandparent love. The kids love every minute, and Dan and I are blessed with rest and relaxation as my generous inlaws chase after our children and our messes.

Neither of us realized how tired we were until we arrived here (collapsing across the threshold). Now we’re starting to feel like ourselves again with a few longer nights of sleep under our belts. I’m thankful for the freedom to rest now that I’m coming to the last weeks of pregnancy. I’ve picked up a book, knitting, and even a couple naps. It’s blissful.

And with this extra freedom, I’ve finally picked up my camera again. I’ve been lazy lately and grabbing the convenience of iPhone shots and instagram sharing, but I do love picking up my canon. The weight and click of a proper camera is a familiar comfort.

The last couple of days I’ve followed the kids around (who are mostly moving too quickly on bikes and scooters) and enjoyed photographing their play and the detritus of it.

There is such joy in these childhood days.

(Also, I have to ask…are there many things sweeter than a babe in leggings??!)

Is the sun shining in your neck of the woods? More spring rain to grow the garden? Or a change of season into cooler days and longer nights?

It’s been busy days here for us.

There was that bout of sickness…Then it spread. But not across the board. Thank God.

We said goodbye to Dan for the week. Him to Vancouver for a weeklong course. Parting was hard on us all. The first bedtime was touch and go.

We filled our days with fun distractions and the weather was on our side. Cheese farm to visit the animals. Fish hatchery to visit the salmon. Beach to visit the waves…and then again, and again. Walks after dinner to keep us moving through picky eating complaints and get us ready for bedtime without too many tears over daddy.

My inlaws have been wonderful. They are so giving of their time and home. They take good care of all of us – even as my mother-in-law got more than she bargained for when we passed on our virus.

And while kids are spinning grandparents round and round with requests and questions and, er, demands, I’ve grabbed camera and snuck around their garden snapping late summer beauty.

Towards the end of the week Mira and I packed our bags and snuck over to the mainland for a quick weekend with Dan in Vancouver. Us girls hung out at the hotel, his course finished, and we headed out to see some of our favourite sights.

Dan came willingly to the Vancouver Art Gallery with only a few peeps about me reading everything in the Matisse exhibit. We walked around downtown, ending up on the waterfront with a phone call to five sweet littles. Then wandering for dinner through Kits, eating far too much good bread on the beach and disappointing souvlaki back in the hotel room.

A morning visit to Granville Island, a little pottery shopping for my early birthday, lots of good food. As I deliberated over food choices Dan astutely remarked, “You just love food”. How true. So there were crepes, and a taco, and donuts. Yep. I only just missed out on the french onion pot pie.

A missed ferry gave us a leisurely dinner in Horseshoe Bay with the little miss. Then daddy, mommy, and baby sis back in time for bedtime kisses.

And now we’ve got the rest of the week – this one with Dan to enjoy our vacation. I’m looking forward to lots of ocean eye-candy.  I’m loving this time but I’ll be ready for autumn rhythm soon.

::

And if you survived that long run-down of our week I thank you! Are you settled into a fall routine or are you still on summer mode?

A night of illness after a day of travelling from mountains to ocean,

but finally finding sleep (and a slightly calmer tummy) after lots of ick;

sick hubby out on the couch with the sick boy, kind inlaws cleaning up after sick boy;

seven healthy bodies, three recovering, and feeling grace blessed;

a long mid-day sleep;

a bright sunny day, perfect healing weather;

no one missing the beach visit while playing in the sand and flying on the swings;

Grandpa-caught salmon for dinner prepared by the fisherman himself;

Grandma tucking kids in bed while I rest;

sleeve knitting and early bed.

A new day bright rising, everyone feeling much improved;

local blueberries on hot porridge;

the luxury of an oil-scented bath uninterrupted;

plans for the beach after naptime;

a family of quails passing the front door;

five children happily playing with grandparents;

pizza on the boardwalk and a swim in the ocean.

A big trip today – back to the mainland with only the wee lass for my sweet cousin’s wedding;

the promise of a couple days with aunties, uncle, and cousins while Dan takes a course in the city,

and evenings exploring one of my most favourite places with two of my most favourite people.

…But now a brutal change of plans: my flu was not as gone as I thought and Mira somehow woke with a cold;

and this morning I’m remembering gratitude, albeit with difficulty, as I rail against my plans failing.

Gentle days, grace ripened, kindness felt…and patience stretched.

Oh, I’m still growing…with eyes wide open to grace.

::

What are grateful for this weekend?

once again I’m doubling up with these two beautiful friends

:: joining Amanda for weekending:: 

:: giving thanks with Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday ::

A long weekend visit with my dad and brother;

a trip to see the dinosaurs;

budding geologists and avid collectors just like grandpa and great grandpa;

dinner by Dan waiting at our return;

another day of adventuring – picnic in the mountains;

macro lens, and wildflowers;

a family favourite walk through a retired coal mine;

passing snacks and knitting rows on the ride home;

take-out pizza blessing us with full stomachs and a clean kitchen;

sneaking out with five kids after dinner – four running to the park, one behind to grip my hand;

laughter, swing pushes, and surprising joy;

snuggles with a brand new darling, hugs for the new mama,

mother and daughter both full of promise and wonder;

a last supper followed by a day of goodbyes –

my brother back across the world,

my dad back across the country,

us reeling from a wonderfully full long weekend.

Family, exploration, miracle, and joy.

It was a blessed long weekend (and we took an extra day to enjoy it). 

::

May your day be touched by the wonders and miracles of life.

xoR

once again I’m doubling up with these two beautiful friends

:: joining Amanda for weekending:: 

:: giving thanks with Taryn at Wooly Moss Roots for Gratitude Sunday ::