Mani-toot-a

First and foremost, I neglected to add this to the blog this afternoon (Tim's internet in Kenora was slow, the walkie talkies I used to communicate with the kids were not working right, and I was parked across the street in another restaurant's lot), so here it is:

The 33" Northern caught in 2008 from the shore at Naobi Lake.

Tonight was a bit of a cheater night. I'm sitting in one of Randy and Olive's guest rooms, and not the tent trailer. I offered to, and fully expected to, set up the trailer in the driveway, but I didn't protest too much when beds inside were offered. It made today an especially easy day. Overall, it was the easiest day yet. We only travelled about 250 kms today, so there was far less travel. We also slept in, and lazily packed up. In fact, so lazy was the packing up that I never did get around to those pancakes and bacon. It was bagels instead. We did go fishing for a bit, and then meandered out of Ontario and into Manitoba.

Today was the sixth day in the row the girls have been in the truck for at least a few hours, so the silliness was not too surprising. We stopped at the Manitoba information centre, which prior to today I had never visited. There, the girls were each given a bunch of swag, including a pin, a Canadian flag, and a balloon. Those balloons entertained Jordan and Marley all the way to Winnipeg. It also resulted in Marley deeming the province, Mani-toot-a. This was followed by an expulsion of air from a partially inflated balloon, and thunderous giggling. I didn't think it was quite as funny as the "Manure Power" that the Playmobil animals were relying on earlier in the drive, but it was nice to hear the girls giggle together. All in all, they've done fabulously. Tomorrow, with at least eight hours of driving, will be a real test.

Posing in Manitoba!

Tonight we enjoyed ourselves in Winnipeg, visiting old friends. Randy was my dad's Bible College roommate, so he and his wife Olive have known me my entire life. Randy was later a professor of mine, while I returned for a year to the same Bible College. He also officiated Leia's and my wedding. Most importantly, he's a good friend. I always enjoy sitting around and talking with Randy. Inevitably, we talk theology; but our conversations go far beyond that, and usually are fodder for much consideration. 

Evelyn played shy for quite a while tonight - something she's been doing lately. Being exhausted likely didn't help. But, even she was impressed by Randy's magic tricks. Unfortunately, those pictures are on my phone, and I don't have any way (or desire, presently) to transfer them. Likewise the pictures of the girls getting ice cream. We were graciously treated to ice cream at a local hot spot. Eating ice cream covered with sprinkles started to open up Evelyn a tad.

We also visited a great kid's park, where Evelyn refused to slide down a giant slide into Randy's arms. I guess the ice cream glow didn't last long. But, it was fun nonetheless. The kids were worn out, and hopefully have a good sleep. Only one more night until we are in Edmonton, and the constant journeying is over. Part of me (a very small part) is sad about that. I've really enjoyed this time with the kids, the nightly blog while sipping a gift beer (tonight, Prison Break, by Double Trouble Brewing), and the constant reminder of how great my life is. The rest of me (a very big part) is happy to have Leia back on Friday.