Summer memory-making...

One of my summer highlights, by far, is having my brother and sister-in-law, Craig & Jen, come for a visit. Seeing as they're the last of our family left in Saskatchewan, we usually only end up seeing them once a year, when they come out to BC for summer holidays. We were spoiled this year because we got to see them twice... first, when they came out for Viv & Rich's wedding, and now in July, for their 2 1/2 week visit. This visit was SO good. They stayed with us for the majority of their time here -- it was just perfect having them around again.

Many evenings (and afternoons for that matter) were spent playing tennis, baseball, bowling & GOLF on the Wii. Jon's mom bought one for the daycare she owns and was very generous in letting us steal it for the week and a half that C & J were here. It was definitely put to good use so THANKS AGAIN Mom Esau!! We had a blast with it!

Craig & Jen refining their baseball skills...

I was fortunate enough to get some time off work while they were here. It was really nice to just relax at home, do some shopping with Jen and take a day trip to the Othello Tunnels with Mom & Dad and C & J. Craig enjoyed them so much last year that he wanted to go back, so we spent an afternoon basking in the sun and dipping our feet in the frigidly cold river.

I love this picture! Caught Craig in his "happy dance" and utter delight at being back at the tunnels... makes me grin from ear to ear every time I look at it :)

Another fun thing we got to do with them was go to Vancouver Island. They did a day trip to Victoria with Viv and my parents (Rich, Jon and I all had to work), but we had a wedding to attend in Courtenay last weekend, so they joined us for some more island fun.

Surviving the wind on the ferry to Nanaimo...

Jon showing off his mind-bending camera tricks... :)

Our friends Kathleen & Jackson, tied the knot on Sunday, July 13th at the most beautiful waterfront property in Courtenay. Kathleen was such a stunning bride, as I knew she would be. It was such a wonderful blessing to be part of such a joy-filled day.

The beautiful bridesmaids...

Saying their vows...

Mr. & Mrs. Wall!!

Our wonderful friend Carly, at the reception...

her special day is also just around the corner. Can't wait!!

The happy couple...

Kathleen's sister-in-law, Dayna, made them the most exquisite wedding cake. And let me tell you, it didn't just look incredible, but tasted great too...

Cutting the cake...

The reception ended fairly early so we were able to fit in a little "post-wedding" fun with C & J. We cruised all over Courtenay and Comox and found a few great spots for some quick photo ops...

lots of good laughs entailed...

Captain Jon, reporting for duty...

A little bit of Jack and Kate...

reminiscent not only of Titanic, but also the two lovebirds we celebrated with at the wedding that day... :) haha

Pretty fitting I'd say...

Craig & Jen did some beach hunting while we were at the wedding and found some beautiful spots along the water. We stopped at "Goose Spit" (a small peninsula on the outskirts of Comox) and hit some golf balls into the ocean. This was a definite highlight...

The clouds and sunset were remarkably beautiful that night...

Jen and I found it very entertaining watching the boys prepare their golf shots...

it seemed to take them forever to actually hit the ball.

Aww, such a good night though... one I'll remember for a long, long time.

Craig & Jen headed home to Saskatchewan yesterday and the apparent emptiness of the house now is almost more than I can bear. It just felt so 'right' having them around again... I already miss them so much.

It has hit me harder than usual this time and I haven't quite figured out exactly why that is. I guess I just love the way they challenge me spiritually (we had SO many awesome late night talks), and they encourage me so much in everyday life. Life is just more rich when they're around and I hate that there is always the inevitable goodbye at the end of every visit. I'm realizing more and more each day, what an unbelievable gift family is.

We love you C & J! Thanks for making the last few weeks so wonderful. We'll be thinking of you and praying for a smooth transition as you prepare for your move to Regina.