Despite forest fire haze from RUSSIA, not BC, the kids are having an absolutely fabulous time at Tulameen. The pictures are worth a thousand words and I probably don't need to write much more. Tess reports Jasper's asthma well under control. He struggled with it a little the first few days but now it is fine. Here at breakfast Jasper managed to wriggle his way out of cereal, but that might be for a lack of available soya milk. This week the crew went on a two hour hike, making some fantastic finds including an old rusted out car complete with bullet holes shot through it. Do you think Bonnie and Clyde once ventured this way? I am sure Sebastian was super-delighted to find this vintage treasure.

As you can see from the pictures there are exciting, green trails to walk. They are having an amazing time. However, civilization called so Wednesday the gang travelled 34 kms to eat at A&W. I suspect other shopping took place – it wasn’t all about fastfood. This is where my theory of outlet malls and swelling, or even additional, suitcases starts to come true. I’m sure of it. Mac, Charmaine's son, has a nasty foot injury from a few weeks ago. This is limiting his water activities but not his energy, reportedly.

The kids all took their "Gratefully" books to Canada except for Carys who managed to forget hers. I found it while sitting on the girls’ bed this past weekend and reflecting on Tess and the kids’ absence. I've decided to update Carys “Gratefully” book for her each day. I either write things about Carys for which I'm grateful, or reflect on the pictures Charmaine posts on Facebook (thank you again Char!) that prompt thoughts about what Carys would be grateful.

Yesterday and today were a painfully long days. I slept very poorly the last few nights: those types of sleepless nights when you "wake-up into" a work issue that's hanging over one's head. After leaving work the last few days I had interviews at church for one of the pastoral search committees on which I serve. All went well but still long days. Tomorrow morning my men’s fellowship group comes for coffee so I am going to call it a night. (The kids at left watch some TV before heading to bed. Tess works on ICM stuff in the background.)