Walk in the park

It was warm and sunny on Sunday. So in the afternoon - Jon James, friend Terra Friesen, Amanda James and I went for a nice walk around Prince's Island Park. I believe it is the Bow River the floats through the city and the site where last Spring's massive flooding occurred. There was a pair of Canadian Geese cauking loudly when the 4 of us sat on a bench for a breather. After that, we went back to Chestermere, had supper watching the latest Harry Potter flick - Goblet of Fire. I think Spring is around the corner, that would be nice.

Me and My House

Laura in front of her new house!! I have windows and a door too.

These sliding doors off the kitchen nook, will lead to my future deck to enjoy the evening sun.

This is my second bedroom - my "guest room"

Sara took a photo of John P and I in the front door of the house

My place of relaxation - the master suite!!

For those cooler nights - curl up with a good book in front of my corner gas fireplace.

The stairs leading into the top level of the house into the living room area.
Welcome to my home!! Sara, John and their kids Sierra and Ethan and I drove by the house today (Tuesday) as they hadn't seen it yet. Sara and John hiked into the front door and Sara took some photos of the inside of the house. She has no fear!!! Here she is peaking into my lower level which is still dirt - no concrete yet. Thanks for taking the pics Sara!

I took this photo on Friday after work. So excited when Melissa emailed me in Strathmore and told me the great news. Looking at the above photo - wow what they have done in 2 short days. How cool now to see it take form.

Bradley and Ethan

Here is a photo of Bradley and Ethan sharing some quiet time together. Bradley is playing on one of those hand-held gameboy things. It was a cute photo I couldn't pass up

Happy 60th Birthday Andy!!!

Well, what an awesome weekend for you Andy!! Celebrating your 60th birthday surrounded by your family and friends near and afar. You are a very special person and loved by many. It was wonderful to be a part of your celebration and meeting the different people who have made an impact on your life. Personally - thank you for being there for me, loving and accepting me as part of your family (as you and Mark said in your talks - the 8th adopted James kid). You have definitely enriched my life by being a part of it. Wishing you a Happy Birthday Andy and for many more to come too. Hope you have a great time with Erika in Victoria this week. 

A quiet moment

Journey and Ethan taking a quiet moment with Auntie Katie. Lately both seem to be sucking their thumbs more often. It is a cute photo though. 

Andy's Mentor Stanley

One of the guests that has had a great impact on Andy's life is Stanley and Shirley Birky from Minnesota (?). I am so glad they were able to come up to celebrate Andy's birthday. I had the honor of picking them up at the airport. Of course, not knowing what they looked like, I made a little sign with their names on it and off I went to the airport, international section. Also at the international section were signs for the World Figure Skating Championships & Speed Skating Championships. So I fit right in there. It was nice getting to know Stanley and Shirley over the weekend. Here is a photo of Stanley and Shirley with Andy, Char and myself.

Room for one more?

Time for relaxation and visiting with out of town family and friends. This is the most people at one time I have seen in that hot tub. It is a great way to relax though. (Sierra - back to us; Jon, Matt; Mark; Richard; Peter; Journey; and Amy. Some were prunes when they eventually got out of the water. 

John Harris and the kids

John Harris having some playtime with Sierra and Journey. 

Amy & Garron

 

The James Family Clan

Here is a photo of the James children and spouses with Andy and Char. (NB: Sorry Garron, you were just outside of my view-frame.) Just think we get to have another photo when Peter and Kate get married in June (plus David & Erin and children will be home from Moscow for a visit) 

Some photos from the Timeline

 

Trying something new (collage a group of photos), so I don't know if they will turn out okay. On the Saturday there was an open house at Sara & John's new place,for family, friends, and the congregation of CCF to come by and give best wishes to Andy. Amy did a mini-timeline of Andy's life. She did an awesome job!!! She also had photos on our tables at the dinner on Friday too. 

Kananaskis Country!!!

This is one of the scenes we enjoyed along our walk path. Breath-taking isn't it? And it is such a short distance from Calgary. How lucky is that! 

Enjoying the scenery!

Amanda, Bradley and Ocean enjoy the moutains and other scenery along our walk around the Delta Lodge. Kate and I joined them - it was beautiful sunny day for this walk too. 

Here is Sara enjoying the company of her grandpa Mofar. Being that he lives in Dorion, we don't get to see alot of him. It was great to have him here. 

Bedtime Song

Andy's children - Jon, Amanda, Mark, Sara, Amy along with their children (Ocean, Sierra and Journey) sang the Bedtime song that Andy always sang to them at night-time. The tradition continues as they sing it to their children. It was a very special moment. 

Ming shared the first summer when Andy came to take over as camp director for Camp Chestermere. Not only did Ming and Andy become a great team but also are good friends too. 

Ode to Andy

Paul, Dale, Richard Pepper (from T.Bay) and Jon James provided us some Bob Dylan tunes (one of Andy's fav musical artist) but with lyrics sharing Andy's life up until now. Jon wrote the words to the last stanza (knocking on heaven's door song). Richard later sang the song he wrote "Time" - very moving song and had some of us in tears. Thanks for sharing guys & Dale! 

Mae James and her husband Mark came for the weekend from Nebraska. I think the last time I saw her was at Sara's wedding (2001), so it was great catching up with them both. I was able to show them where my new house will be too. 

John & Barb Harris came from Dorion. Close friends to both Andy and Char - plus were like second set of parents for all the James kids too. John shared some memories he cherishes about his friendship with Andy. Paul & Dale Jensen, originally from Dorion, now working with Andy and Char at the Chestermere Christian Fellowship. Paul shared how he appreciates their friendship as well as being able to work with him again. Behind them is Andy's son Mark, tonight's MC (Mark and his wife Mae flew in from Nebraska for the weekend). 

Char's family was able to join us too - Martyn & Sandy(Char's Sister) from Leduc, AB; her brother Mark (Chester, PA) and her dad Mofar/Mr. Jordan (Dorion). It was great seeing them all again. 

Rod Wise (a great friend from his years as Camp Director at Dorion Bible Camp) 

Andy & his Siblings

This past weekend, Andy James celebrated his 60th birthday surrounded by family and friends in Kananaskis and Chestermere. Char planned a surprise dinner gathering in Kananaskis Country (gorgeous mountaineous views!!) of all his family (we missed not having you there David, Erin, Emma, Josiah, Hudson, Mary and Peter) and close family friends who have had an impact on Andy's life. Instead of shocking him all at once, Char arranged all the rides with out of town guests to be staggered so Andy met some while relaxing at the hotel's hot tub or in the hallway. It was a wonderful evening sharing stories, songs and our love for Andy too. Oh yeah, a few tears too! It was awesome to be a part of the celebration. Above are Andy's siblings who flew in to celebrate with him. His sister Erika from England and brother Scott from Toronto area.