Here are some more pictures

Dad's newest skill, photography.  Pretty cool hey?

Our last day in Ontario

Nee-ah-ghair-ah-fallen!  Beautiful!

We also took the plunge, (literally) and went on the Maiden of the Mist.  What a thrill!

The idea of this post was supposed to be in a different order, regardless Home again Home again!

This was Wallaceburg, in honor of our Jonathan, his birthplace.

This one is to show how much the tree grew in just two short years.  This is the tree the Ontario family bought us when they were here for Keri and Mark's wedding

The sunset on our vacation.

The mist was so beautiful in the morning at the Dekens farm.  Dad had fun picture taking.

We're Home!

Home again.  It was the whirlwind we expected.  It was so awesome to see everyone but then again our immediate family and lives remain over on this side of the country.   Our kids and grandkids are here, and I don't think we could ever leave them.  It sure was so nice to be around so much family.  We miss out on a lot of the celebrations so it was so nice to be part of one again, altyhough we really did miss having our own kids there.  In a perfect world one day we may make one with all of our kids. 

Hope you enjoy some of the pictures, if I can get it to work! 

Back to the homefront

Well here we are back in the big T O.  Went to Niagara Fallen today.,  What a blasty blast!  Went to a 4D movie.  What fun!  We then did some shopping and then landed back at the hotel at about 9 p.m.   Time to hit the hay and enjoy some shut eye.  I enter a new post tomorrow again.  Here we go back to our loved ones.  It was so fun.  Too bad we didn't live closer to each other.  Love to you all, talk to you tomorrow!
So proud of all of you in your own special ways. 

more pictures

Isn't this a far cry from "Pay before you pump"!!!!

Pete on the job site.

Your dad trying very hard not to squint...........didn't work!

This is for Keri.  The sign does say Welcome to Listowel, Keri's birth town.

The aunts.

pictures

This is me with Andrea nee Van Kesteren and Jolene (Jeremy's ) Van Kesteren

The newest "sunglasses picture

Always dreamed of having my picture taken with a man in uniform!

The happy couple!

 Don't know why it's on here twice but oh well!

The Whirlwind

What an amazing few days we have had.  We came to Clarence and Ingrid's farm on Friday evening.  Travelled there with Lena in her "sky".  Felt again like Thelma and Louise without the scarves.  By the time we got there, there was no way a brush was coming within feet of my hair.  It was really quite something.  On Saturday we enjoyed the wedding.  It was absolutely beautiful and the weather cooperated like clockwork.  It was in your dad's old church so he was having fun re-living memories, seeing old friends he hadn't seen in a long time.  It was so sweet to see these ladies who were so happy to see little Leroy.  The reception was fun with a lot of dancing.  Not that we joined in too often, but your dad promised me he would dance to "Life is good today" so that was fun.  It was one of the few times he actually made it to the dance floor, really it was the only time, but it was great!

Many of "the cousins" showed up for the wedding and reception so it was so neat to see most of them.  There were a few we missed but that is life.  Life is busy and we can relate to how difficult it is so try and get in touch with everyone. 

Yesterday morning bright and early your dad was ready for church.  He had to go see all of the people he was excited to see.  Don't think he heard much of the sermon, but he did see a lot of friends.  Also went to see Art Veenstra yesterday who lives on the home farm that was your dad's second home.  That was nice.  I had really wanted to go see Vanastra which was an Air Force base during WW2 but it is no longer.  They have utilized it for geared to income housing.  The barracks are no more.  Too bad they couldn't keep some of it for a museum, but oh well, that is progress.  Not everything can be saved for the future.  It must be used or else torn down to make way for other things.

Later on today we hope to go visit my Mennonite relatives.  I'm sure they're waiting for us.  We hope to go out for dinner there somewhere so that should be great. 

After a bit of prying, your dad let me in on a surprise he'd been keeping from me.  Tomorrow we plan on going to Niagara Falls.  That will be so neat.  When we lived here I had always wanted to go there, but it was always a question of time or money.  Never ever had both at the same time.  Now we do.  I guess good things do come to those who wait.

Still haven't been around a computer that will accept the camera card, so again no pictures.  Guess we'll have to wait until we are home, but you should be able to see them then.

Well guys, hope all is well with you, of course we miss you and hope you can make it to the end of this.  It is so difficult to relate this all over the phone, but at least this way you should be able to keep track of us somewhat.  This is our last day with your dad's family.  It has of course gone by so so fast, but all good things must come to an end.
Love to you all, and yes Maya you will be able to sing songs with Gramma when you come to pick us up at the airport.
Until Wednesday, Love you.

First day in Chatham

Had a great time today!  Dad started off the morning by golfing with the boys.  Can't tell you a whole lot about that other than I know he had a great time.  The weather was perfect, not hot like we had expected.  Just the type of warm summer days that we have, no humidity!  It was just beautiful. 
While Dad was golfing, I went to visit Cortney and she made me into my regular old "one hot mamma" self!  I got spoiled with the wonderful head massage, the whole works.  She was even impressed Keri by your hair cutting skills on my bangs!  She didn't mention that she would hire you, but then again, it wasn't the worst she had seen either!  It did the job for the two days I had it.  At least they were not hanging in my eyes!

When we got back to Lena's we went exploring in her car!   Wow was that ever fun!  Top down, wind blowing through my recently done hair, just wonderful!  I wanted to wear a scarf like Thema and Louise, but didn't.  Those movie shots were your hair just blows back in the wind, just are NOT true!  It just doesn't work that way!  My hair was blowing EVERYWHERE BUT, behind me!  It was in my face, in my face and then in my face some more!

We went to visit Pete on the job who still works for Henry Heyink.  It was cool to see all of the new machinery, and dad see some of the guys he used to work with.  We then went to see Derek also who still works for Henry.  What an operator he is.  I don't know a lot about machine operators, but I watched that young man operate that huge hoe with great expertise!  One attachment to another, with such ease and grace!  He's not the little boy he used to be although he is not your dad's mini me he is your dad's maxi me!

After the nice tour, we went to what used to be a bustling mall.  Well it used to be a bustling mall, it has now taken the hit like all other malls, lots of empty stores.  We did find a Bluenotes though, so those nice shorts you bought dad Curt we can exchange.  That should happen today. 

Dad wanted to visit his old boss.  That was a nice visit.  They live in probably one of the biggest houses I have ever seen.  We could probably park our Yukon on their kitchen table!  They still are such wonderful people though.  It was so nice to see them.

When we got to Lena's, her whole family was there.  Those kids are no longer kids.  They all have wonderful families with sweet little darlings.  The boys were playing Billy the Exterminator.  They had quite a few rubber snakes (which didn't sit too well with your dad) but they had such fun.  Four boys just being boys.  Greg had a sweet Sophie with him who is just a little lady.  So fun to see another generation of Dekens growing up.

I did get to watch Big Brother.  Your dad promised me they did have TVs in Ontario, and I did get to watch poor Lawan exit the house and bad Brenden re-enter.  Look out now!

Well guys, your dad is waiting for me to get ready, so I hope that some pictures will make it to this blog.  Keri found our camera!  Now to get some pictures on here.!

Off to Ontario

What a trip that was!  Twenty four hours from door step to doorstep.  That was such a great idea!  The famous words "well we can sleep on the plane" will ring in my ears for a long time to come!  Just exactly how long can you sleep during a four hour flight?  Let me tell you, it is NOT four hours!  Regardless, we made it safely to Chatham where the sun was shining, wind was blowing and your dad's family was very happy to see us, and we them. 

That evening we went to Lena's baseball game.  That was great to watch her.  As I was sitting on a chair, well I was overcome by fatigue.  I can sleep during just about anything, and yes, during a baeball game also!  I thought I would be fine once Ted and Marg showed up, there would be lots of conversation and I could stay awake.  Did not work!  Needless to say, there are pictures at my expense and they do involve a cigarette.  Would be really funny if it were someone else.  They will however, not make it to this blog. 

We then went to Faye and Dave's for some fun and fellowship.  That was very nice but due to exhaustion, I once again fell into dreamland while sitting around the table.  No pictures this time, but embarrasement none the less!  They may call that flight the "red eye", I have another name for it!

Going to see a REAL Canucks game

Your dad  and Curt surprised me big time.  Your dad has never been a great secret keeper but he pulled this one off like a pro!  When we were on the plane yesterday I asked him  "are the Canucks playing this weekend"  "Yeah."  "Well why don't you and Curt go to a game?"  "Oh we'll NEVER get tickets, It's been sold out for weeks"  "oh, that's too bad, that would have been fun"
We lo and behold, this morning he drops the bomb, "we're going to the Canuck game!"  WOW!  He tried to get tickets from every supplier we had, but to no avail, so courtesy of the Hamhuis family, we are going!  I've never seen a Canucks game let alone an NHL game!  I've been to one pro-sports game and that was many years ago when we lived in Chatham, and your dad and I went to Tiger Stadium.  So I really am pumped!  Curt had brought his Hamhuis jersey to Las Vegas, to wear during a poker game (so he said).  Well they never let anything leak until this morning.  We're going to have a blast! So THANK YOU Dan and Sarah!

It's very very cold here in Vancouver!  It is actually snowing outside.  There is also a real biting wind.  Amazing how you can be relatively close to a region, yet the weather can be so different.
It sure is great though to be back in our own country, where you know what to expect.  People are regular folks.  Even without even speaking, we stood out as Canadians.  I wonder what did it.  I am proud to be Canadian though.  What a great country we live in!
So unless something else exciting happens today, it is farewell for now.

Back in the homeland

After a very stressful day of travelling through the United States of America we are safe and sound back in Canada.  It was a very long trip this time, but thankfully we are back this far safe and sound.  We live in a wonderful country and I am very thankful that we do.  Las Vegas was fun but I do understand why they sell trips for four days.  That is about all anyone can take of that kind of lifestyle.  It's nickname of Sin City fit the bill well.  There were people on every street corner, most times five to six deep passing out cards for prostitutes.  They drove up and down the street with bill boards advertising anything and everything you could think of.  They wouldn't be doing this if there were no payoff for their advertising.  The people on the street corners were mostly Mexican.  There were peep shows and strip bars and nudie clubs just about everywhere. 
Don't get me wrong though, we had a blast!  It was so full of excitement, the shows were spectacular!  It was something we are glad we did.  Your dad would love just to go and play poker for about 14 hours a day for five days straight.  Never mind the entertainment.
By the time we got to the airport I had heard and seen enough slot machines; I thought it not possible to be enough players to fill them all.  From what we understood, Vegas is really suffering from lack of tourism.  The unemployment rate of 14%, we were told is the highest in the country.  We were also told that if there were 1000 less taxis there would still be enough work for everyone.
One comedian at a show put it perfectly.  "Have you seen all the casinos, the glitter and glitz, the gold and bright lights like you've never seen before?  Thank you!  You did that!"  He was so right.  If it were not for the dollars pouring out of people's pockets, it would not be possible.
Anyway, as for now I'm headed for some relaxation in a comfortable bed.  We are staying right across the street for the Marriot where I "worked" during the Olympics for a couple of shifts.  I knew the hotel Keri had booked sounded familiar, yet it wasn't until we pulled up that I realized this hotel was known as the Family Hotel 3 during the Olympics.  My old stomping grounds!  Really cool!
So until the morrow, I bid you good night!

Homeward Bound!

I write this from San Fransisco International Airport.  Although it sounds so extravagant, it could be anwhere.  We had to change planes here.  Our trip started out with  a lot of stress.  In the \States they expect you to travel without any luggage.  There is a $25.00 fee PER SUITCASE!!!  So I guess you've figured it out, everything went into ONE suitcase.  We have a whole lot of hand luggage, but so be it.  The lady at the desk said "well if you would do more travelling you would know these things.!"  I kept my cool.  I just kind of laughed it off.  Dad and Curt were stressed enough for the whole lot of us.  The one lady actually threatened Curt with calling security.  I'm still not sure what that was all about, but I think a comment was made "you sure think you're something don't you."  Couldn't believe the garbage that was going on.  A small way down the desk was a counter for West Jet.  I was ready just to ask them to take me home please.  The attitude of these people is just crazy.  Regardless, here we are in the big San Fran and not being able to enjoy it.  I think I can see the Golden Gate from the window.  Boarding is about to start, so if there is energy left when we land in  Vancouver.  Until then Adios!

Wednesday

I do remember blogging yesterday but I guess it never got saved.   What I MEANT to write was this.  Wes tarted off the morning by heading to go see Chumlee and the other Pawn Stars.  When we got there there was a line about a block long.  Things were not looking good.  The line was not moving at all in fact.  Word down the line was that they were filming inside.  When the line did start moving, it only took a few minutes and we were INSIDE, all excited waiting to see the famous employees of the shop.  Much to our disappointment, there were quite a few employees inside, but none of the ones "as seen on TV.  We did get to see some of the antique guns that were sold on an episode, as well as a coke coler, barber chair, pinball machine, and other familiar objects.  It was a good thing they started selling T-shirts, because everyone was buying them.  We were among those people.

The afternoon. consisted of shopping first at a premium outlet mall and then a real outlet mall.  The Premium was wonderful for Curt had he been the rich boy he would like to be.  He's always been one for the brand names unlike his sisters.  They were always happy to find a bargain and proud of it.  Curt has always been a different story.  He ofcourse got a new cap, one which will probably be well worn.  After dropping poor shopped out Curt off at the hotel, Leroy and I went to the other one.  We were strapped for time, but he really does well at power shopping.   Looked real quick through the stores to find what he wanted and then out and on to the next.  The evening was again capped off by a poker tourney.  They've really had a lot of fun with that. I do remember blogging yesterday but I guess it never got saved.   We had a wonderful Cuban taxi driver on the way back who went out of his way to please us.  He was so happy to connect with us about Cuba.  I took some wonderful pictures on the way back.  At least I think they're great.  Can't wait to see them, in fact can't wait to just see the camera again!!!!!  I sure hope it turns up while we're packing. 
After the boys finished their pocker tournament we headed for old Las Vegas.  That was so cool.  It was what I'd imagined Las Vegas to be.  Of course at this time I didn't realize the camera was actually missing, but thought I'd just forgotten it at the hotel room.  There I bought a throw away one and hope those pics turn out.  I am just sick about it, and hope it will turn up.  Par for the course though.  Other than that it was a great day.
Sorry for the late entry.

Tuesday

Had another wonderful but busy day today.  After a morning of wait in line and then this line and then this line we arrived at our excitement for the day at The Price is Right.  There was a lot of hooplah and hype but the show itself was quite a disappointment.  The prizes handed out were minimal for the price we paid for the show tickets.  It was still fun though.  Tonight we went to off to see Frank Caliendo.  He was a laugh a minute and then some.  Very very funny.  We then spent some time in the Casino and had a blast playing Deal or no Deal.  The highest amount you could win was $100.00 but  it was still just as stressful and fun as the real game show.  We could all play it together.   Leroy and Curt then played at some tables, which is where they are as I write this.  They have a good time together.  I'm getting in some much needed relaxation.  The days go on and on here.  People seem to sleep when they can no longer go on,.
Leroy and Curt pllan to go to a time share presentation to get some freebies tomorrow.  We also plan to go see Chumley.  That should be real fun.  The time is late, so I'm planninng to start my relaxing right now.  \Nice to talk to you guys today.  I'm sure we'll probably talk tomorrow.  Until then hugs and kisses to all.

Viva Las Vegas!

We made it here and to say it is overwhelming is a great understatement.  Lights light lights.  It is absolutely amazing. The English language only goes so far with the adjectives, and I could use them all to describe this place.
Because this computer takes waaaaay too long, I'm not going to do any pictures, unless we find an internet cafe or something.  It just takes hours to do, I'm not kidding.
Anyway onto our day. Yesterday was basically just travelling here but once we got here, wow!  We have always experienced running into someone we know when we leave home only yesterday takes the cake!  We are in the US departure area, where lo and behold, Dad says, oh look there's Tim Warwick, our next door neighbour.  I'm thinking, oh yeah someone who looks like Tim Warwick.  You always see people who resemble others.  I said yeah it does look...That IS him!  Who would have thunk that! 
The flight here was  uneventful.  Just a lot of people ready to loose their shirt.  Here's my story....Playing Deuces Wild poker on a machine.  Had $10.00 in.  Got kind of bored betting 0.25 at a time and decided to up my bet.  Should have known, pressed a button and there goes all my loot into the next bet.  All I could think of was that that money was gone gone.  Up comes a full house and all of a sudden I'm $75.00 richer!  I just took my money and ran, my heart was beating so fast!
Curt has had some lucky streaks too as has your dad.  Today probably won't be like that but you never know.
We hope today to go on Price is Right.  I guess not the TV one, but should be fun just the same!  We also hope to go either to the Lione King or some comedian.  The sun is shining so brightly and it looks so nice and warm outside. 
The say a picture is worth a thousand words.  We've taken a lot of them and will try to find a way to get them on here.\
I'll sign off for now, and hopefully carry on later today.
Love to you all!

Cathedral Grove

Had a wonderful day today exploring Vancouver Island.  Just a short way from Curt's is Cathedral Grove.  The trees there are absolutely unbelievable!  Huge!  I remember going there as a little girl and with our family there was no way we could reach around the trees.  I've been there a few times since and it is still absolutely amazing.  A storm a few years ago blew down quite a few of the trees, yet many many remain.  So beautiful.
It was also so amazing to travel from a beautiful sunny day to snow on the ground.  We also went to see the "Goats on a Roof".   At one time I thought this was just a building that had goats on a roof, yet they've made it into quite a tourist attraction.  A lot of artsy type shops, pottery, jewelry, scarfs, you know the type.  There were a lot of people with long hair eating granola and whole grain bread.  As we were leaving, someone actually saw a goat on the roof, but it wasn't me.  All I saw were goats in the field.

We ended off the evening by watching Curt play hockey.  That's been a long time.  Not many spectators, actually five, but it was neat to see him up to his old stuff again.  Anyway enjoy the pictures.  I'm sure we'll talk to you soon.
Sorry some of them are \"sidewards" but that too will come!
Tomorrow's the big day of travelling.  We're all really excited.  Who knows what tomorrow holds.  Love eyou.  By the way don't know if you can see at all but Curt is #4 in the dark uniform.

Chemainus

I can just see us all travelling to church on a Sunday morning like this!

Years ago we had a picture taken like this also, only we could fit on the bench beside these people.  Now we had to stand behind them!

This is not Curt's car.  Just belongs to a friend of his who gracefully let us use it for the day.

It was a wonderful day, we enjoyed the sunshine and great company.  This car though, is not easy to get in or out of, be it front or back seat!!  Thanks though to Curt's friend for letting us borrow it!

Charmainus

Well thanks to the always creative Chelsey for the new header.  Kudos to me to even know what it is called!  This blog is starting to look all professional like.  So thanks Chelsey, you are becoming what every mother should be, nurse, teacher, referee, cook, maid, and now you can add graphic designer to your multi-talents.
We had a very cool and relaxing day with Curt yesterday.  We did the shopping thing where I got $305.00 $341.57 worth of clothes for $55.00!!!!!  Good old Ricki's!  I got a nice blazer, two dress blouses, dress pants, skirt, and a regular turtle neck!  Couldn't believe it!  Then I went and spent $25.00 on shoes so I can wear the outfit!  Go figure.  Dad was a little cranky that I needed one suitcase for the shoes, but a good thing I took it!
Anyway, on to our adventures.  Went to Chemainus and looked at all of the beautiful murals.  I think it is one of my favorite BC towns.  One everyone who visits "The Island" should really make a point of visiting.  Just because of those murals, it is probably one of the smallest towns with the highest tourism market.  We saw yesterday, two big tour busses.  Remember it's the middle of February, probably one of the lowest times for tourism.  The streets were full of people just wandering.  There is also a wonderful theater, which I always try to get tickets to, but of course it was sold out.  Too bad because it was Patsy Kline's life story.  Oh well we still had fun. 
Anyway, hoping the pictures make their way to this page, if I remember how to do it. 
Miss you all of course, and hope you can live this experience trhough us!

February 19,2011

Well hope you guys can follow us once again.  We're having a great time visiting with Curt and company in Nanaimo.  He really lives in a beautiful house, in a nice neighborhood.  Not the type of place you would expect a bunch of life loving young bucks to live.  They have a wonderful place to live whilst learning about life and how far a dollar will actually stretch, or pennies for that matter. 
We took a short but beautiful walk along the docks last night where it seemed as though the moon was actually reachable.  It was absolutely huge and just glistened on the water.  While we were there we saw a beautiful heron and a bunch of ducks who were just waiting for food.  Too bad we didn't have any though.  We'll try again today, but not leave the house empty handed.
We hope to visit Chemainus today.  Curt's old stomping grounds of his Athlete's in Action days.  Chemainus has such beautiful murals, so it will be nice to see.  I don't remember if I actually took you there while we were here for Nik's wedding, but hope to show you some pictures regardless.  Chels, you weren't there then, but make sure Curt takes you there while you're visiting him here.
The one sad thing that always pulls at me when we go away, is that I wish we could all still do it as a whole family.  Maybe again one day we'll be able to do it all together.
Curt and your dad are going  for the famous "straight shave" just like they would have experienced years ago on the "Frontier" (if you know what-i'm-sayin"
Anyway, enjoy your day whatever it may hold, and I'll hope to re-post later with some pictures.
Love you.