Jordan observed the other day that she felt very comfortable being back in her home town. Leia and I couldn't agree more. We really like Edmonton, and it is great to spend time with some great friends. We've been quite busy since our arrival. Obviously, the recent death in my family has mired the mood some. Seth flew home this morning, and I fly back tomorrow. We both felt it was important to support our Dad and to show up. Seth's church family generously has supported his trip home - a gesture I know that is meaningful and appreciated by many, so to any of these individuals that ever happen to read my blog: Thanks!
It has been great to see Seth and Kayla and the kids. They came by on Saturday, and surprised Jordan and Marley. It was great to see the cousins play together and have fun. Camping this coming weekend in Drayton Valley and Jasper will prove to be quite the adventure.
We've also been busy with Ximena, Nelson and Andres. Andres is a great kid, and holds a special place in Leia's and my heart. When Ximena and Nelson announced their pregnancy, we decided shortly thereafter to start our family. I remember singing to Andres as a baby, excitedly anticipating my own. As Andres is into some pretty extreme sports - he skateboards, rides BMX, snowboards, and rides a scooter - we spent some time at a local skate park. The girls did some sick moves - mostly sliding down the half pipes on their backsides. Marley actually wore a hole in her pants!
Seth and Kayla came back into town Sunday night, as Seth stayed here so I could get him to his early morning flight. We had a lot of fun trying to get the kids to catch the ball. There have been numerous park visits, and lots of playing outside. Although Kayla returned to Drayton Valley with the kids, and some sense of normalcy for them, Seth's company Sunday night proved for an entertaining night catching up with Becky.
Today it rained. Lots. So Leia and Ximena took the kids to West Ed. When we lived here, we always took visitors to West Ed. How could you not? It is a pretty unique place. But, that said, it is also just a giant mall. We tend to dislike spending time in malls. I was shocked to learn that Ximena and Leia spent nearly five hours at West Ed today! It is amazing that all four children came back in one piece.
Don't be fooled by the smiles - it wasn't all fun and games at West Ed!
This photo of Evelyn captures one consistent theme so far: tired kids. Lucky for me, any major melt-downs, attitude, or general discontent has been since Leia has returned. The kids are certainly exhausted and completely out of a routine. They maybe also sense that they have more latitude for good 'ole misbehaving. The long hours of sunlight is something our kids are also using to their advantage. Evelyn continually observes that it isn't dark, so how could it possibly be bedtime.
The long days have an advantage. I neglected to run yesterday, and haven't yet today. It is light enough for a few hours that I could still get a run in. I should. The trails in Edmonton are amazing. I should be taking better advantage of them whilst here.
Plans are shaping up for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, I won't be here for two days, making the remaining days a bit more compact and hectic. Thankfully, today was an easy day for me. I got to do one of my favourite things: sitting in a coffee shop, vacillating between working and pretending to work, with Ubaka. Pho for lunch, followed by sangria and listening to Bob Dylan and Radiohead made for a perfectly relaxed afternoon. It was pretty comfortable indeed!
(Note: some photos taken by Leia!)
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