Introducing: Ruth-Ann and Ben Tiemstra

 After months of planning the day had arrived! And although the forecast was for possibly rain that day, it was a crisp day with lots of sun, love and laughter.  It started bight and early for the bride and her girls (yup I was included) as we went to get our hair done at 6:45am.  The rest of the morning was spent at the Tiemstra's Poultry farm where we had pictures done.
The Oosterhoff's joined the wedding party at the Tiemstra's for lunch and family pictures before church.  I must say getting that many goofy guys (brothers) altogether makes for a lot of hilarity - poor photographer ;)  While she was snapping away a few others took my camera as well as Natasha's and here are a few fun ones to give you a bit of an "in" on the day. 

Bridesmaids for a day!

 Here is the whole family minus 7. (That wouldn't make it the whole family then would it?)  Richard and Elora with their three children, Sydney, Norah and Judah, as well as Aaron's wife Lyndsay and their blessing Levi, were unable to make it out.  We missed you! 

The Bride and Groom!!!!

Andy was my hero of the day taking care of all three boys, dressing them, getting them fed and keeping them presentable. 

The wedding took place a couple weeks after the tragic death of our cousin (from Neerlandia) Jorge Vanderzyle, and it was good to be all together to also give thanks to the Lord for his constant care and guidance in our lives, whatever may happen, rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn.
 It was fitting to sing the song "In Christ Alone" together.

"In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid ground,

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My comforter, my All in All,

here in the love of Christ I stand."

Pre-Wedding days

August was a crazy month.  I'm not even sure what to do with myself now that it's over.  ;)
The first half of the month was filled with preparation and anticipation for the wedding of my youngest sister Ruth-Ann to her love, Ben Tiemsta.  It meant company was coming and since we happen to live in Alberta we not only got to attend but also we got to enjoy some company here at our own place, to have some pre and post party get-togethers. 
First to arrive were my Opa and Oma Oosterhoff.  It was so special to have them here for a weekend, and as I had grown up seeing them weekly I have a real soft spot in my heart for them.  They are like old furniture, comfy to have around.  It's not every child who gets to enjoy such active great grandparents, and we made the best of the time together.  xoxox - thanks for coming, and come again.

We went to Henderson Park in Lethbridge for a walk and some play time.

After Opa and Oma left for camping on Monday, we had a few days to get ready for our trip up to Neerlandia and for the next round of guests.  It was warm, so of course we had to spend some of the time in the pool...even though the water wasn't public-pool-clean, it was very refreshing and alot cleaner then swimming in the pond.  We are still trying to figure out this whole pool/pond maintenance thing;)  

Then, finally, to the great excitement of our boys who love going on an adventure, it was Friday the 22nd, time to pack up and leave for Neerlandia!  Oh Rowan, you are such a handful but so bright and cheerful - it makes up for it all. We stopped in Red Deer for Happy Meals.  Can you tell it makes him happy?
 

After arriving later afternoon we had time for the boys to run around and get the car wiggles out while enjoying a lovely dinner and catch-up time at Tiemstra's. 

Uncle Sam! And cousin Gavin!

Sulphur Mountain - Aug 2

Our final day in Banff was spent at Sulphur Mountain, which is just 5 minutes from the town site. We were planning on walking around a bit and seeing a few things from the van windows before heading to Calgary but the fresh morning weather lured us into staying a couple hours longer and doing one more hike.  From the parking lot we had the option of taking the Gondola up to to the summit where there were viewing decks overlooking 6 mountain peaks, or to get there by doing the 6 km strenuous hike.  Obviously we took the Gondola;)   We luckily had arrived before the crowds so after grabbing a Starbucks coffee to go, we boarded with some very excited children.  Which of course, makes up for the cost:) 

 From the summit we did the 1 km walk on the pathway to the Sulpher Mountain historical weather station/observatory.  It was a bit cloudy but still the views were beautiful. 

We stopped for a snack (Pringles anyone?) and Rowan fed one to a chipmunk, (which I found out was illegal) and it caused quite a stir with everyone watching and snapping photos of the cute little creature.  At that point we walked away so as not attract more attention.  :))

There was an interesting viewing deck over the gondola platform showing which direction and how far away various cities in the world were. 

Lake Louise, Banff - Aug 1 (afternoon)

 Lake Louise, Canada's "diamond in the wilderness", or so they say.... one of the most hiked places in Canada. Royals tour there, foreigners snap pictures like its going to disappear... another gorgeous glacier lake, known around the world.
Which would also make it a place we wanted to see.
A fantastic place to stroll on the boardwalk, eat chips on the benches, dip toes in cold water and people watch:)

Rundlestone Mtn