Winnipeg

Excitement settled into patient waiting as we set off on our trip to Winnipeg for Val’s 27th birthday. We were all so glad we could fly!  After many road trips this year, Luke and Elise definitely like flying better. It was their second flight to Winnipeg as I also took them in July. 

Reunion!!! 

Our rental home was perfect for us. Luke got his own room, the girls shared a large double twin room and we had the third bedroom. 

Stacy sent Val a musical teacher desk mug. She was very happy. 

Valerie took us to a political party at the Teitsmas’ home on her birthday evening. We got to meet a lot of people, and Dad was surprised to learn that Joanne Teitsma was a Vandermeulen- friends of his parents from years ago. 

On Saturday we went to a school fundraiser where Elise had her hair chalked green. She also bought a winter coat for her doll. 😊

Of course, we had to go see Val’s house and marvel at the improvements made since summer. It was Dad’s first time to see it. New basement flooring, new sloped landscaping, more parking in the backyard, bedrooms all with new flooring… wow! 

We had dinner at a pub(!) while Valerie played her violin in a live musical group which included Dawson Riley. 

Sunday we attended Redeemer church in the morning, had lunch with the Val’s coworker from school, married to a wonderful man in a wheelchair. 

We had a dinner with David and Zee, also friends of Val’s from church. 

This is the basement in our rental house. 

Green hair chalk made her very happy. 

Playing games in our little kitchen was fun. 

And before we knew it, it was our final evening there. We had to celebrate with our own little party- but already emotions were ready to surface at the thought if of saying goodbye. 

Yup- goodbyes are hard! 

But returning home is also sweet. We were glad to see Caleb again… and of course the dogs are always thrilled to have us back. It was a fantastic weekend!