Thursday morning I had an orthodontic check up. Then we went to Sunrise Animal Hospital again to see a few people that hadn't been in the previous time. After an hour long appointment somewhere else that didn't get anything done, we went to Momma and Daddy's where Momma was making PBJ sandwiches for us. We threw the rest of a picnic lunch together, changed, and picked up a very excited Adalyn. Then we picked up Sierra and Renae before heading to Pippy Park playground.
After eating and playing on the playground, which included jailing Uncle Matthew, being pushed on swings by Uncle Matthew, Uncle Matthew helping to do the monkey bars, Uncle Matthew helping do the stepping stones thing, Uncle Matthew....yeah, you get the picture! We had contests rolling, running, hopping down the famous hill.
Before heading out, we stopped by the bathrooms and this was out front so of course each girl had to have her picture taken in the duck face!
After getting stuck in traffic all the way up Kenmount Road, (St. John's traffic is CRAZY!) we finally surprised the girls by arriving at Menchie's (frozen yogurt) instead of home! After the two younger ones finished, I took them to the bathroom to wash sticky hands. Soon as hands were dried, one hand to go potty 'very bad'. So of course the other one wanted to go as well. Then three sets of hands washed and ready to go, but wait, water is dripped all over the floor and they felt like they needed to clean it up! We didn't, but Matthew said there was someone waiting outside the door for a long time and then finally gave up and left! As Matthew kept saying, "At least you grow into this and don't usually start with three kids all at once, and a 3 year old, 4 year old, and 7 year old!" None-the-less, it was a blast having the three boys and then the three girls all at once, for a few hours! :)
That evening we went to Caleb and Amy's for dinner. I loved watching the clouds change. After dark, there was a thunderstorm at the end of the bay and Matthew did something very close to Amy's 'Snoopy dance' in excitement! Then we dashed home through the rain!Friday, after a morning appointment, Matthew and I went to Signal Hill to do the hike there. We hadn't gotten to do it while courting, but I really wanted him to experience it, it is such a classic!
We parked at the visitors' center and walked up Queen's battery to the top of the hill. I've probably done that before, but I don't remember stopping at Queen's battery before. For those of you who have been to Signal Hill before, you might remember that beyond the fog out there is a point of land which is Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America.
The Narrows going into St.John's harbor.
I thought it was interesting how the wheels of these guns were on a track so they could be rotated. I don't know all the history here, but these guns have been used for protection! And during the wars there was a metal net hung under water across the Narrows to stop German U-boats.
Cabot Tower. Normally you can go inside to the top of the tower. It is a lot of fun, but they were doing construction to the inside so we didn't get to go in.
Then begins the stairs going down! and down and down and down!
The trail along the cliff.
I'm sure this has a name, but since childhood I've always called it "The Penny Slot". Like the top of a piggy bank, ya know?! You can hear the waves gushing in and out.
A few pictures of Battery Road. We had gotten Matthew to drive out here one day when we were courting! The trail ends into Battery Road, then you walk to the main road going up the hill, and hike back up to the car. As we were leaving, the actors/tresses were gathering to practice for the Signal Hill Tattoo. Check it out here. They played "Jack was Every Inch a Sailor" as they marched out to the field. That brought back memories for me as all of us kids sang it for a HomeSchool program years ago. Matthew got a kick out of me singing along. It isn't often I know a song that he doesn't! :)That evening Daddy and Momma took us to Chafe's Landing in Petty Harbor for fish, Matthew's first time for fish 'n' chips in NL. We had a 45 minute wait for a table, so we toured the village and explored all the little windy roads!
Saturday was our last day in NL. In the afternoon, Matthew and I took fresh pumpkin bread around to visit the neighbors. We ended up having some great chats and special times!
I love lupins in Ca, but I do miss NL lupins!
Matthew took a picture of the iceburg through the binoculars.
Daddy's fish dinner! Mustard pickles, broccoli, Momma's coleslaw, NL beets, and NL turnips (rutabagas). Titus found his sunglasses in the toy box! I couldn't stop taking pictures of this little guy!
Lloyd and Linda, Patrick, Orrin, and Titus. (NEWS ALERT: baby girl Evelyn was born July 12!)
David, Becca, Sierra and Renae
Caleb, Amy, and Adalyn
Desserts! Momma made a gluten/dairy/soy/egg free coconut cream pie and chocolate pudding pie. Also glutenous blondie brownies and pumpkin bread. Nicole, Hailey, and Julie also came over for a little bit and to say good-bye.
So tired on the way home! Matthew was awesome as usual. I was exhausted and emotionally drained, but Matthew was very considerate and supportive.
Leaving NL at 5:something in the morning.
Home!
Getting ready to go to town. I think I was still asleep!
(No, I didn't actually go out the door like this!)
Thank you to everyone who we were with!
It was a wonderful time reconnecting with family and friends and neighbors.
Now I am itching to go back and meet my newest niece!
Congratulations to the family
and we praise God for her safe and healthy arrival!
Until next time, and life is happening fast!
P
H
