until we get rid of them.....I mean until all the fun times are over!
Today as promised was an action-packed one. Headed out down the 401 again for our TO day trip. We parked at Yorkdale mall and took the subway down to Union station. It's a bit different than our LRT. Comes in at a great rate of speed, opens doors, closes doors, see ya later! We had to have a little chat after our first ride and the near loss of Tammy in the doors:( After that they kinda caught on. Boy those shirts were a good idea. Makes the hundreds (or are we at thousands Tammy?) of head counts much easier. Oh yeah, that's when they aren't wearing sweaters over top (who needs the sweaters, it's stifling!!) Can you tell that's a bit of a sore spot??
So...walked to the CN tower and toured around there for awhile. Very cool glass floor! Then back to the station and on the subway (quicker) up to the Eaton Center where the kids were set free again for lunching and browsing. Then back on for a few train changes until we reached the ROM (museum). The had about 1.5 hrs. to see what they could see. It's huge also and so of course, they only scratched the surface. I think J, Ava and I were the only ones to go see the Terra Cotta warriors exihibit. It was an extra charge but who knows if we will ever get to Xian, so this was our chance. Another group tried but waited too long and it was too close to closing time.
After that it was back on the subway to the mall where we had parked. The mall had a Rainforest Cafe so that's where we had supper together.
The weather was overcast today (but still very muggy) and there were some drizzles here and there. The traffic was crazy and it was packed or bumper to bumper all the way back to Cambridge tonight - Monday night at 8 pm. Go figure.
Today Mason was personal assistant once again (I think he's ranked highest) but her bestest buddies were Bruce, Jacob R. and Tim, (and then there's faithful Kristen but she's a given). But of course, everyone has to play along sometimes too. She did decided that everyone needed a hug at the tower today and went around one by one. She's having the best time. She is so excited when she spots 'one of her team' when the kids have their free wandering time. Very funny! Always telling them where they need to be (or dragging them there - and they let her!) or telling them they have 5 minutes left. I think Sam B. was PA for her on the way home but tonight most of them were snoozing by 8:30 in my van at least so he was pretty much off the hook for duties.
Tomorrow it's pack up and off the see the other monkeys, I mean animals at the zoo.
I'm sure they will all have lots to tell and will have happy hugs for you tomorrow night:)
Take care all. It was a privilege and lots of fun to be part of the group for some of the time.
Beth (Helena and Ava too)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
PLace to find more Gathering Pictures
Hello,
If you have a facebook account you can subscribe to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and see the many photos posted on their pages. Look for our green shirts and you will see lots of the Youth.
J
Here are some of the missing blog entries. We haven't had time to post them until now. The internet connection is a little shaky and I need to sit on the front steps of the church to get a good signal (outside). We will hopefully be able to get another update from the Youth Monday. (These posts are unedited)
J
Blog Entries for August 19
Wow I never thought I’d get to see one of the wonders of the world, it was so intense!! I love coming here so much, it’s only been 2 days and it feels like an action packed month passed by!
-Jacob R.
Hey everyone back home miss ya all. I’m having a great time and yes dad i miss the shop and it has been amazing here from the falls to the car rides i love it here even tho we don’t get to much sleep
-Sam bochke
The last few days made the plane ride worth it . This trip is awesome, I’m glad I chose to come
-Cody T.
The past few days have been really fun and everyone has enjoyed it a lot. I do miss home though but the week will go by fast with the amount of events that are planned. It is beautiful at the Falls, and it was a once in a lifetime chance.
-Cossette
Hey family!! Hope its goin’ good back in e-town! Niagara Falls was AMAZING!!! So beautiful! We are on our way to St. Jacobs Market and the Gathering right now! Im so psyched! Have fun!
-Kristen!
Hey family! Wish you were here! The plane ride was horribly early but it was worth it! Niagra falls was crazy amazing and I had a ton of fun. Wish You were here!
-Sam
Hello family! It is great to be back in Ontario! I am looking forward to the gathering and watch out for the bats!
-Tim :P
I went to Justin Biebers’ home town!!!! The gathering is going to be awesome and i really want to go swimming!
-Marissa
P.S. Send more underwhere!
-Jacob
Maeve Blog entry:
Hello all, the gathering has been really fun so far. I’m almost done my sock. I’m on the toe!! Happy me. I’ve enjoyed being in a group at all. If I had gone with my church it would have been my youth leader and I. I’ve yet to spend all my lunch money. I found a zauberball at the flea market. It’s really colorful. The flea market was amazing, it was so big. Anyways good-bye
Safe and Sound
Everyone is safely back at St. Peter's in Cambridge. The girls and I arrived early to pick up the group so we got in on the last hour of worship. The kids were pretty pumped! Just from some video clips and the atmosphere in there I could tell it had been terrific. Everyone in my van had great things to say about the gathering.
I thought more of them would nap but I think they were not ready to unwind. A couple of families from St. Peter's hosted a BBQ at a home with a pool. As luck would have it, it poured rain as we arrived but the kids still had a blast. Supper was hotdogs, hamburgs, chicken, salads, corn on the cob (I saw a side of Maeve I've never seen, or should I say heard! - her family will understand that reference), and make-your-own sundaes. These people have been SO hospitable and welcoming to us it's incredible. The kids played Wii for awhile and then headed back to the church to wind down in the movie room. I'm hoping they get some rest as we have two very full days ahead.
B
I thought more of them would nap but I think they were not ready to unwind. A couple of families from St. Peter's hosted a BBQ at a home with a pool. As luck would have it, it poured rain as we arrived but the kids still had a blast. Supper was hotdogs, hamburgs, chicken, salads, corn on the cob (I saw a side of Maeve I've never seen, or should I say heard! - her family will understand that reference), and make-your-own sundaes. These people have been SO hospitable and welcoming to us it's incredible. The kids played Wii for awhile and then headed back to the church to wind down in the movie room. I'm hoping they get some rest as we have two very full days ahead.
B
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Just a Note...
to let you know what little I know about what's happening at the gathering. They are apparently having a blast and they had to take the kids back early on the first evening because some were falling asleep (we can be bribed for names when we get home - which goes for other tidbits too!). And on the note of info, we'd like to know who is missing matches to their socks when the laundry gets done at home...valuable info to use against them:)
Girls and I will head back to pick up our load tomorrow afternoon. We've had a great time visiting old friends but are anxious to hear all the awesome details of the gathering. I'm sure they've been so busy James has not had time to post the rest of their blog entries from the first two days.
Girls and I will head back to pick up our load tomorrow afternoon. We've had a great time visiting old friends but are anxious to hear all the awesome details of the gathering. I'm sure they've been so busy James has not had time to post the rest of their blog entries from the first two days.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Blog Update from the Kids (and a few pics)
Here are a few post and pics from the youth
(typed while driving and edited for spelling etc by PJ)
Heather’s Blog Entry:
What a great time we’re all having in Ontario so far!! We’ve been to Niagara Falls, which was a highlight for everyone… Even being followed around by a giant Reece cup guy! (But that’s a story for another time.) We stayed in St. Peter’s Lutheran and the people there are positively wonderful!! Thanks, your hospitality is greatly appreciated! :) Now onward… Today is the first official day of the gathering, and on our way to London we stopped at a farmer’s market where I bought 4 little carved kittens and a pair of my iconic fancy-earrings. Anyway, onto the gathering... I’m stoked already; it’ll be a blast! I can’t wait to get to know my Heavenly Father even better, while surrounded by friends from all over the country! Oh, by the way, this time we have hotel rooms and don’t have to stay in stadiums… WOOOT!
Bruce’s Blog Entry:
Firstly, Sam [Bochke] and I are best friends now, but Heather and I are best mateys… HURRAH! It’s been a great time in Ontario so far, seeing Niagara Falls, and going to the farmers market (Sam [Bochke] and I bought sunglasses, before Jacob and Mason). There was even a bat, which Jacob named Bartholomew, who stayed with us in our room for a night. We’re on our way to London now after spending the first two days at the St. Peter’s Church in Cambridge. The people there were so nice, making us breakfast and giving us bedding to sleep with. Thank you, and it will be great to see you again before we leave. We’ll be at the gathering later today, WHOOO!
Kelsey’s Blog Entry:
Ontario is so AMAZING already! We were at Niagara falls yesterday- it was wet and exhausting but also truly beautiful!! We saw a awesome 4d movie about the falls… and me and Marissa screamed a few times but that’s been typical lately since we have a bat living with us in the church (it almost flew into my face!) St. Peters has been very generous, making us a dinner and a few Breakfasts, and also giving us a place to sleep and bedding :D thanks! Well we r off to the gathering and just got into London!!!
Masons Blog Entry:
Ontario is picturesque. I’m amazed at the plants, scenery and beauty that surrounds us here. Niagara Falls was just breath taking, and I couldn’t even wrap myself around the fact that someone fell from these falls and actually survived the rocks, water pressure and fall itself. I love this place too much. The people are really nice and we’ve learned a lot about different cultures and religions as we’ve stayed here. We’ve done awesome activities and had very peaceful sleeps. I could not ask for more on this trip. We saw a 4D movie which was so much fun … you’re in the movie! We even got to go very close to the falls on Maid of the Mist! All in all, I’m having a great time. Miss everyone J So, now we’re in London and going to the gathering today, so we’ll see how that works out. Hope to see everyone from the mini-gathering in 2009! :D!
An old order Mennonite in St. Jacobs.
Ava and her new best friend!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I always forget something!
Once again I must give credit to the youth for their terrific patience with Ava. Today her personal assistant in the van (the person lucky enough to sit next to her) was Jacob S. I think Mason, Marissa, and Helena have done their time too. Duties include helping with her DS (new to her for the trip), getting her juice, candy etc., holding random important items, throwing out her garbage, and generally catering to her every need. I'm hoping they are still all speaking to her at the end of the trip:) I'm sure she'll tell you all she has a whole bunch of new best friends when she returns!
B
B
The Gathering Begins...
Today started with a trip to the St. Jacob's Market. PJ caught the line for apple fritters when it was only 10 deep and I don't think anyone else bothered as they were too busy taking in the sights (although he did share with his family and Tammy so we can vouch for the fact that they were delicious!). I think everyone made some sort of purchase but even after 1.5 hours I know we didn't see it all. The girls and I will probably make another trip on Saturday.
We took the scenic route (on purpose) to London, stopping in Stratford for lunch. In case you're not up on things, this is the hometown of Justin Bieber which excited certain members of our group - who are not obsessed they say, just curious! There was no neon arrow pointing to his former residence so all we have is pictures of some places he might have frequented in his younger days. Maeve's sister was also born in Stratford.
In hindsight we probably should have headed for the 401, but we took the back way all the way to London, which took longer than we would have liked. The scenery was beautiful - lots of farms (mostly corn and soybeans) and old stone houses and lots of trees (an observation made yesterday by Mason). We arrived at the hotel later than we had hoped but it wasn't really a crisis. I only saw the lobby but the hotel looked very nice.
At 4 p.m. the kids had the opening activities for the gathering. Helena, Ava, and I headed back to Cambridge with a stop at some friends about 1/2 hour off the highway.
As much as we have had fun these past couple of days, I think the girls (well Ava at least) will benefit from some quieter times as there has been a lot going on. They plan on sleeping in and having a swim in the morning and then who knows! Your children, however,will be even busier if that's possible.
I'm hoping PJ will post some pics from the kids while in London and I know they have all written a little something for the blog, just not sure when it will be up. Their schedule is VERY full so you'll have to be patient. I will not bore you with details of our adventures without them but it probably will not be as much fun as the last two days. I have not laughed so hard in a long while (WITH the kids of course:) I might even miss them a little.
We have switched passengers every day so the kids (and drivers) can mix it up a bit. I'm sure that my van is the most fun though! OK, I'm the only one with the DVD player and I finally figured out how to use it last night.
A random piece of info I forgot yesterday - we saw people along the road in Niagara from The Amazing Race TV show! Not sure if they were actual contestants or people doing a dry run b/c the were wearing yellow vests with the show name on them and I don't recall that ever being on tv and the two couples looked like they were on a Sunday stroll so who knows? The bus guy said the show has come through before and no one runs excepts when the camera guys are right there.
I have also not reported on the weather. Yesterday was mostly cloudy but still quite warm. Even though I grew up here, I am still surprised at how sticky you always feel. Today was sunny and quite warm again but not unbearable. We've been quite lucky so far.
Blessings,
Beth
We took the scenic route (on purpose) to London, stopping in Stratford for lunch. In case you're not up on things, this is the hometown of Justin Bieber which excited certain members of our group - who are not obsessed they say, just curious! There was no neon arrow pointing to his former residence so all we have is pictures of some places he might have frequented in his younger days. Maeve's sister was also born in Stratford.
In hindsight we probably should have headed for the 401, but we took the back way all the way to London, which took longer than we would have liked. The scenery was beautiful - lots of farms (mostly corn and soybeans) and old stone houses and lots of trees (an observation made yesterday by Mason). We arrived at the hotel later than we had hoped but it wasn't really a crisis. I only saw the lobby but the hotel looked very nice.
At 4 p.m. the kids had the opening activities for the gathering. Helena, Ava, and I headed back to Cambridge with a stop at some friends about 1/2 hour off the highway.
As much as we have had fun these past couple of days, I think the girls (well Ava at least) will benefit from some quieter times as there has been a lot going on. They plan on sleeping in and having a swim in the morning and then who knows! Your children, however,will be even busier if that's possible.
I'm hoping PJ will post some pics from the kids while in London and I know they have all written a little something for the blog, just not sure when it will be up. Their schedule is VERY full so you'll have to be patient. I will not bore you with details of our adventures without them but it probably will not be as much fun as the last two days. I have not laughed so hard in a long while (WITH the kids of course:) I might even miss them a little.
We have switched passengers every day so the kids (and drivers) can mix it up a bit. I'm sure that my van is the most fun though! OK, I'm the only one with the DVD player and I finally figured out how to use it last night.
A random piece of info I forgot yesterday - we saw people along the road in Niagara from The Amazing Race TV show! Not sure if they were actual contestants or people doing a dry run b/c the were wearing yellow vests with the show name on them and I don't recall that ever being on tv and the two couples looked like they were on a Sunday stroll so who knows? The bus guy said the show has come through before and no one runs excepts when the camera guys are right there.
I have also not reported on the weather. Yesterday was mostly cloudy but still quite warm. Even though I grew up here, I am still surprised at how sticky you always feel. Today was sunny and quite warm again but not unbearable. We've been quite lucky so far.
Blessings,
Beth
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A First Attempt at some Pictures.
A few pictures from the trip!
This one is of us sitting on the front steps of the church in Cambridge. If you notice a few new faces they are from our host youth group. They have treated us so well that we have adopted them (or at least made them honourary members!).
This is a picture of the Maid of the Mist (actually 2 of the boats). We rode on one of these boats on our Niagara Falls excursion today. It was a high for many of the Kids (and Tammy)!
We also made it to the Hershey Store and this guy was a group favourite!
More pics later...
J
Over the Falls!
OK, I don't actually mean someone went over, I mean the trip there is done!
We spent a very full day in Niagara Falls. Vans pulled out shortly after 9 a.m. We had that adventure pass and managed to hit every event on it. First was the 4D movie (the first place we donned the plastic capes - blue). The floor shook, the water sprayed and we learned how the falls were formed. Then on the people-mover bus to the Journey to the Falls where we once again sported those lovely capes - yellow if you didn't go the environmental route and save your blue one. We went down a series of tunnels to walk out quite close to the falls here. Then back on the people-mover to the rapids walk - a .25 km walk along some of the most dangerous rapids there are. Finally we headed back toward the main area to do the Maid of the Mist but not before making a stop at the Hershey's chocolate shop:) Maid of the Mist was quite the thrill. I'm not a water person so for me they spent too much time right up there in the swirling water but some brave souls stood right at the front of the boat for the full experience. Once again those plastic capes came in very handy.
We were lucky that even though there were a lot of lines today, none were very long. Your kids have been very generous with the little miss, shouldering her, enduring her full-on running into them and pretending to hold and feed her 'baby' aka her blankie wrapped up! She was a trooper today frankly and thrives on the action and movement. Big kids seem to be holding up well so far too:)
We knew we wouldn't make it back for the pool option so during dinner PJ and Tammy arranged for the kids to use the YMCA here in Cambridge for just showers during adult lane swim. Afterward the vans smelled so sweet. I'm waiting for the load of T-shirts to finish in the laundry as they've already had them on 2 days with quite a few to go. Today in Niagara someone stopped and asked if we were going to CLAY. It was the Manitoba bus tour on their way there and they'd seen us with our shirts - kinda cool!
I didn't mention meals but they did eat today - lunch was before any of the activities and dinner on their own after Maid of the Mist - there was chocolate in there somewhere.
Quote of the day (by a stranger - we have tons of others from the kids but they are too numerous to mention and I'd have to start laughing hysterically again). He was getting off the elevator to the rapids walk and we were waiting to get on to go back up. The doors opened and there we were and he said "Do I really want to do this - look at them, they're all green!"
Other misc. things: boys have a bat in their room at the church, currently laying on the floor.
Yesterday I found a left item on the plane and told them next item would cost them $10. Had the $10 item today and another by the same person later in the day (but Tammy was soft and gave them a freebie!) Next one is $15. By the time we leave I'll be ahead:)
Not sure if PJ managed any pics from the kids tonight. I'm too tired to try and figure it out here.
Again the kids send all their love and they wish you were here to share all the special moments with them.
beth
We spent a very full day in Niagara Falls. Vans pulled out shortly after 9 a.m. We had that adventure pass and managed to hit every event on it. First was the 4D movie (the first place we donned the plastic capes - blue). The floor shook, the water sprayed and we learned how the falls were formed. Then on the people-mover bus to the Journey to the Falls where we once again sported those lovely capes - yellow if you didn't go the environmental route and save your blue one. We went down a series of tunnels to walk out quite close to the falls here. Then back on the people-mover to the rapids walk - a .25 km walk along some of the most dangerous rapids there are. Finally we headed back toward the main area to do the Maid of the Mist but not before making a stop at the Hershey's chocolate shop:) Maid of the Mist was quite the thrill. I'm not a water person so for me they spent too much time right up there in the swirling water but some brave souls stood right at the front of the boat for the full experience. Once again those plastic capes came in very handy.
We were lucky that even though there were a lot of lines today, none were very long. Your kids have been very generous with the little miss, shouldering her, enduring her full-on running into them and pretending to hold and feed her 'baby' aka her blankie wrapped up! She was a trooper today frankly and thrives on the action and movement. Big kids seem to be holding up well so far too:)
We knew we wouldn't make it back for the pool option so during dinner PJ and Tammy arranged for the kids to use the YMCA here in Cambridge for just showers during adult lane swim. Afterward the vans smelled so sweet. I'm waiting for the load of T-shirts to finish in the laundry as they've already had them on 2 days with quite a few to go. Today in Niagara someone stopped and asked if we were going to CLAY. It was the Manitoba bus tour on their way there and they'd seen us with our shirts - kinda cool!
I didn't mention meals but they did eat today - lunch was before any of the activities and dinner on their own after Maid of the Mist - there was chocolate in there somewhere.
Quote of the day (by a stranger - we have tons of others from the kids but they are too numerous to mention and I'd have to start laughing hysterically again). He was getting off the elevator to the rapids walk and we were waiting to get on to go back up. The doors opened and there we were and he said "Do I really want to do this - look at them, they're all green!"
Other misc. things: boys have a bat in their room at the church, currently laying on the floor.
Yesterday I found a left item on the plane and told them next item would cost them $10. Had the $10 item today and another by the same person later in the day (but Tammy was soft and gave them a freebie!) Next one is $15. By the time we leave I'll be ahead:)
Not sure if PJ managed any pics from the kids tonight. I'm too tired to try and figure it out here.
Again the kids send all their love and they wish you were here to share all the special moments with them.
beth
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
All is Well!
Hello to everyone back in Edmonton. The flight was uneventful, albeit a bit bumpy at times. Even the first-timer(s)? was at ease with PJ's reassuring play-by-plays "when we touch down they'll hit the brakes hard", "that was just the landing gear coming down", "thumbs up?". It took awhile to get the paperwork done for the vans. I am driving a Caravan, PJ a Sienna and Tammy a VW - so we have a variety. The walkie-talkies were very handy in the mayhem of TO traffic:)
By the time we arrived at the science center we only had about an hour to gloss over it. Some kids were disappointed to find out the new Harry Potter exhibition was not included in our pass but they wouldn't really have had time to do it justice anyway. I think they were happy enough with what they managed to experience - even getting kicked out of the 8 and under section (only because they didn't realize their was an age restriction).
We left in time to avoid the big rush hour through the city but still had crawling traffic at times. Some vans had a few snorers so they were not bothered by the volume on the 401. I must say that TO drivers seemed quite generous about letting people in when needed.
We were met by our hosts at St. Peter's, given a tour and set up the beds. A yummy supper of pasta, salad and buns was followed by cake. We also met Pastor Heidi (formerly of Edmonton) and a couple of the youth going to the gathering. Much to our surprise, people at St. Peter's have also arranged for breakfast for the group while we are here. Tammy and PJ had just planned on buying some groceries. We are blessed that they are so excited to have us.
Since H & A and I are staying at my aunt's place we cannot comment about the evening's activities as we headed here right after supper. The girls had a swim and Ava is now passed out on the office floor beside me! I am hoping it's an early night for the big kids too:)
Big hugs and love from all your kids (or I'm am sure that's what they'd want me to pass along)
Blessings,
Beth
After I post this I will attempt to post some pics but I'm not good with my own technology let alone someone's elses. If I don't succeed I'm sure PJ will have success tomorrow:)
By the time we arrived at the science center we only had about an hour to gloss over it. Some kids were disappointed to find out the new Harry Potter exhibition was not included in our pass but they wouldn't really have had time to do it justice anyway. I think they were happy enough with what they managed to experience - even getting kicked out of the 8 and under section (only because they didn't realize their was an age restriction).
We left in time to avoid the big rush hour through the city but still had crawling traffic at times. Some vans had a few snorers so they were not bothered by the volume on the 401. I must say that TO drivers seemed quite generous about letting people in when needed.
We were met by our hosts at St. Peter's, given a tour and set up the beds. A yummy supper of pasta, salad and buns was followed by cake. We also met Pastor Heidi (formerly of Edmonton) and a couple of the youth going to the gathering. Much to our surprise, people at St. Peter's have also arranged for breakfast for the group while we are here. Tammy and PJ had just planned on buying some groceries. We are blessed that they are so excited to have us.
Since H & A and I are staying at my aunt's place we cannot comment about the evening's activities as we headed here right after supper. The girls had a swim and Ava is now passed out on the office floor beside me! I am hoping it's an early night for the big kids too:)
Big hugs and love from all your kids (or I'm am sure that's what they'd want me to pass along)
Blessings,
Beth
After I post this I will attempt to post some pics but I'm not good with my own technology let alone someone's elses. If I don't succeed I'm sure PJ will have success tomorrow:)
Monday, August 16, 2010
Setting off...
Well, in about 14 hours we'll all be bright green (our shirts) and bushy-tailed meeting up to check in. Flight leaves at 6 am so we'll have some time (we hope) to do some exploring at the Science Centre in Toronto after we get in. Prayers for safe travel much appreciated:)
beth
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