Ottawa fun... a taste of normal!

The move to Ottawa has been interesting as I am sure anyone who has moved countries would admit is normal.  The move is the easy part, the transition is somewhat harder and takes a longer time.  We have now been here for three months and are honestly feeling settled (or at least appropriately settled for the amount of time we have been here).  There are so many things we miss about our friends, family and home in the UK.  Life runs differently here and we have to relearn what that looks like.  We are so thankful for the bursts of NORMAL that go beyond our expectations.  Last Sunday Eden and I (Eileen) went downtown to stroll, have lunch and just relax with two friends and their daughters who are both Edens age.  A simple gesture of friendship from them that spoke Life for us.  The idea that slowly normal was returning... 

The First Snow

Zachariah & Jeremiah with their snowman.

The first snow came this weekend and the kids were pretty excited. 

Waking up on a Sunday morning to a blanket of white is idealistic for your first winter.  

We will have a lot of snow this summer and the kids will enjoy it but we are sure as the winter goes on there will be more snow than even children can be excited for so today....  we are enjoying it!!

Ottawa!!!

We've done it!!!  

We are now moved!  It takes a while to feel settled and there are lots of new things to get used to and learn how things work.  At this point we can say that we are doing well and settling in.  We are no where near settled, but that is something only time can do. 

The kids are enjoying their schools, at least as much as kids can enjoy School. 

Thankful!

Thanksgiving day pumpkin pie in Canada!
(made by Eden)

 These last few months have been busy, maybe hectic would be the better term.  Not the type of hectic we normally talk about but instead the hectic that has your emotions up and down so fast you find yourself asking “hmmm... that was an interesting reaction”.  The process of moving had been simple in some ways, difficult in others, traumatic even at times but through it all there has been times of fun, relaxing and even enjoyment. 

the kids passports...

Transform 2017

WOW! 50 years!!

June 24th 1967 - June 24th 2017

A few weeks ago we celebrated Randy & Margie's 50th wedding anniversary.

The pic above shows all six of their kids with all six of their spouses and their 24 grandchildren.  Margie's sister Dail is also in the picture, she was the 'surprise' for the event as she flew over for the week from Wisconsin.