African Festival

A few Sundays ago, we headed to the Halifax waterfront to experience a part of the African Festival. This is a small festival but I love the venue and the events. Plus we all love the food. Peter had the sampler plate from the Ethiopian booth. Gaëlle had a curried chicken wrap from a Caribbean booth. We all had lots of Ethiopian Puff Puffs. That is sweet deep fried dough shaped like a ball. Yum.

We all enjoyed the drumming demonstration. But none of us tried it out. 

We got to see several styles of dancing which was fun. So many gorgeous costumes and dresses. 

We did walk down the boardwalk to get some good ol ice cream.

It was a beautiful afternoon and just great to experience the multicultural flavour of the Halifax community.

The Vegan Foodie

Both of the older girls have experimented with their food choices over the years. I can remember the first time Emily decided to eat vegetarian. She basically removed meat and replaced it with meat substitutes. I don't think she was a fan of meat substitutes but it was an easy thing to do. 

This past year, Emily has gone back to a vegetarian lifestyle and it has become less about healthy eating and more about responsible living. Kaylin came back with her summer of cooking for tree planters where there would be a revolt if they didn't serve some kind of meat, and has decided to eat vegan. For her, it seems to be a desire to eat healthy. 

Both girls have introduced us to delicious food and recipes. Last night Kaylin treated us to Black Bean- Red Lentil Burgers. They were so good. She also made a quinoa salad which was unique tasting but so yummy. Peter wanted seconds and even thirds. 

She's home

Kaylin arrived home Sunday night. Unfortunately we weren't here to greet her but we were all smiles when we finally arrived home Monday. Now she has a month to relax and get herself ready for school.

Caton's Island Family Camp - Part 2

Sunday morning we had a giant Highland Games Competition. We were still in our same teams and had to rotate around the course through the different events. This was the log toss. 

This was the rock carry. We had to carry 2 milk crates loaded with rocks around the course and try to get the best time.

Peter did really well with this. For some reason, I stopped taking pictures at this point which is too bad. There were some really clever stations. Our team did not place in the Highland Games. But that's ok, it was fun.

Sunday night Peter was busy counting out our money for the pie auction.

We were the successful bidders on a cherry, Rolo chocolate, and lemon meringue pie. There were 11 of us in our team but at the end everybody is swapping pies to get a piece of the one you really want and there is always a ton left over. 

The camp provides the pie crusts and the ingredients for any pie you want to make. Anybody who cares to cook one can make a pie for the auction.

Some of the pies cooling.

There were so many families this year, that several brought tents and one family brought a trailer.

The Churchill gang on the barge, in the rain, going home. It was a different camp than previous summers because the older girls weren't there. But it was still fun and I'm so thankful for these opportunities to get together as a family.

Caton's Island Family Camp - Part 1

This past weekend was Family Camp at Caton's Island. We have been going every summer since Peter and Gaëlle have been part of our family. This was the 4th summer and it was different because Emily and Kaylin couldn't join us. As much as we miss them, you can see that the excitement was still pretty strong. One of us could barely contain herself.

It was a little more rainy than it often is. So the kids spent quite a bit of time in the rec barn.

Gaëlle was in heaven connecting with old friends and making new ones.

Regardless of the rain, the first night there is always a campfire and so a campfire was built.

It was surprisingly good.

My hood was firmly in place, but I still managed to eat my share of marshmallows.

There were hot dogs galore.

At the moment, this marshmallow was white, but the majority of the marshmallows consumed by Gaëlle were pretty dark.

There were 150 campers this year and 40 staff members, so the island was full. We started Saturday morning with a giant game of "Amazing Race". 

We were paired with another family who had triplet boys and a teenage daughter. Our first event was a basketball toss.

Robin showed off his mad skills in the fire building by piling up rocks and then building a tiny fire on top to burn the string. 

This was one of the more fun events but also the most challenging for us. We had to get our entire team over the wall and we couldn't use those nice wooden boards on the ends. 

The 2 dads went to the top of the wall and hauled us all over. This is the end when they threw themselves off on the net.

The rock climbing wall is always a huge hit. Josh was our adult member and one of the triplets did the kids side.

There was a bit of a delay waiting for the archery.

Waiting.

Josh helped Gaëlle with her turn.

We had to pour water in a trough and then into a bucket until it was full. We blew through this event. 

Robin got a little wet.

The kids had to dig clay and then make a bowl that would hold water.

Peter molded the bowl for our team. We ended the event in 3rd place which was pretty good. We were earning Monopoly money during the entire weekend for the pie auction at the end.

More time in the rec barn.

The canteen is always a hit with the kids.

3 cuties looking out the window.

Saturday afternoon was a little cold. Can you tell by the staff member who is spraying the slip and slide for the kids while she is wearing a coat, jeans and wool socks.

Peter is taking his turn on the zip line.

Gaëlle getting all buckled up for the zipline.

Finished and still smiling.

4 girls were trying one of the events at the rope course. You had to swing from one stand to another without falling off. 

There was lots of laughter.

Another highlight is the campfire when the staff does camp songs. 

Let's just say the staff was super energetic this year and it was a lot of fun watching them.

Saturday night ended with a movie and popcorn. They usually hold the movie outside but it was a bit wet.