more birthday stuff

Back to Levi's birthday... we had a good day, just Levi, Mommy and Daddy, for his "real" birthday (the 14th) but the older kids were all away on an overnight school field trip, remember? So, we went for a BBQ at our friends' farm the following night. We had a great supper (steak, potatoes, and salads for the adults, hotdogs and chips for the kids), did some swimming, and Levi opened up some presents. He had a great time and the kids were no longer upset at having missed his birthday!
blowing bubbles!
everyone swimming
Isaac

Zech (and Lukie in the background)
Ruthie

"cheese!"

1, 2, 3, GO!


I had posted last time mentioning that Josh and I were going to Regina - we had such a nice, relaxing even though busy, time!
Josh's mom was still here (she left on the 1st) and stayed with the kids - no worries, they were very busy with Grandma - they went to the beach, had ice cream, played at a park, and had pizza, and that was just Friday! Saturday they all went to town and came home to make a surprise for me - so sweet.
We left Friday at lunchtime, arrived in Regina shortly before 4pm (their time, having gained an hour along the way). Got checked in to the hotel (beautiful! see?)
lobby

our room


After a few minutes to freshen up we met Josh's brother for supper at a nearby restaurant - yum! Yes, we had no kids with us and I ended up ordering a grilled cheese sandwich! It was delicious!! Mat went ahead to the theatre to get ready, we went back to the hotel to get changed and walked to the theatre as well. The hotel was only a couple blocks from the theatre (and that restaurant), it was really nice being able to walk everywhere. There was even an antique car show at the park then.
The play (Buddy - the Buddy Holly story) was fantastic! We really enjoyed it, and it's always special and fun to watch someone you know up there on stage! (On that page, watch the rehearsal clip at the bottom - Mat is playing the bass - and if you go to the cast list Mat is the first one listed.)
So, that was fun!
After the play, the father of one of the girls was playing with his band at a club downtown. We got changed and went along with a lot of the cast. We didn't stay all night, but quite late (being still an hour "ahead" ourselves) and got a ride back to the hotel from Mat.
The next morning (which started at 6:30am there, 7:30am here... the same time we always get up with the kids!) we walked around a farmer's market in the park across the street from the hotel. Then back to the hotel for their breakfast buffet - recommended by Mat, and amazing!!! We ate as much as we could, then took a rest in our room and packed up. Another walk to an art studio/cafe/jewelry&clothing store, a peek around inside (but sadly nothing to eat as we were still so full from breakfast!), and we set off for home.
...
more photos and my surprise to come later!