BBQ with the hockey ministry

Friday was the annual BBQ with the hockey ministry where they close the end of the school year with a final gathering. It was so much fun to see everyone and have the opportunity to say good-bye with style. There were many games to play. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a dinner of hot dogs, chips, and juice. For a special treat, there was chocolate and vanilla cake. That evening, a Christian magician came in to show the children some fun magic tricks with a Christian theme. We didn't stick around that late since it was Adah's bedtime, but we heard how inspiring he was! 

We have been blessed to be a part of this unique ministry and hope it continues to expand each year. There are so many children touched by this program. I ask everyone to please pray for those involved with the program and pray that they will continue to find people to assist with the program each year.

Here are a few photos from the BBQ that you might enjoy. Please note how many children there are!:

Basketball

Face painting

Face painting

Candy given by roller skating clown

Kevin the clown, who decided to dress the part

Games

Parachute 

Putt-putt

Water balloon toss

Bowling

Le Village Québécois D'Antan

We had the privilege of going on another field trip this past week. It was so much fun! We went to visit the Old Québécois Village in Drummondville, QC. It is best described as an 18th-19th century (1810-1930) re-creation of a village. There is a blend of everything from those time periods of buildings, vehicles, and characters walking around to whom you can ask questions. We spent the day walking around, practicing French, and just enjoying the scenery. Here are a few photos from our time:

The village is complete with street names and signs

1917 Model T Ford in working condition, you can pay to take a ride

A gentleman in character demonstrating the
antique tools and their usage

Fromagerie, you can buy poutine cheese here

Taking a break from the carrier to practice walking

Quarantine sign due to cholera...creative!

Band outside of the General Store

Characters playing a game outside the church

Adah watching a fiddler and jig 

You can play croquet with the priest

Another band outside the Boulangerie (bakery)

Beignerie (donut shop)
Yes, we partook of said item on International Donut Day!

Trolley rides

This girl is photogenic! 

Québec City

The other week, we were able to celebrate Victoria Day with an extra day off. Woo-hoo! So, how did we celebrate? We took an overnight trip to Québec City! We had so much fun exploring the old city and peaking at archaeological evidence of the old old (ancient) city. The weather was beautiful, we were with good company (another missionary family with children), and the crowds were not too bad. Here are a few pictures from our exciting trip:

This is how we roll!

View from the top of citadel

View on the boardwalk

View from the boardwalk, down into the old city

One of the many streets in the old city

Playing with cannons

Grumpy Baby

View of the St. Lawrence

Adah was over the photos

Our attempt at a family photo did not work with a baby who wanted to play in the water!

View from the ferry crossing the St. Lawrence

Splash pad at the hotel

Happy 1st Birthday, Adah!

Our sweet little one turned 1 today! What a joy she has been to our lives. We have had sleepless nights and lazy days. We have enjoyed laughter and tears. We have enjoyed jokes and giggles. We have watched her learned to sit up and roll over and crawl. We have held her in our arms and rocked her to sleep. We have watched those tiny teeth pop through and shared in her pain. We have enjoyed hearing little babbles and helped her learn your first words. We have wrested and rolled in the floor with her and kissed her many bruises. We have played games and read stories. We have sung many songs and shared many prayers. We have shared many food messes and lots of snuggles. She is such a wonder and enjoyment who loves to smile. Our lives would not be so enjoyable without her in it! We are truly blessed.

SURPRISE!

Balloons in her pack-n-play

Many gifts from so many loved ones!

Puppy from one set of grandparents

Money from other grandparents

New romper from great grandparents

So many cards from the folks at Sulphur Well Church!

New shoes and onesie from aunt and uncle

La Cathédrale Saint-Michel

Last week, we had the privilege of having a field trip day. As a class, we toured Saint Michael's Basilica and Cathedral. The cathedral is home to the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sherbrooke. The Pope Pius IX created the diocese of Sherbrooke in the late 1800s making St. Michael's a cathedral. The building was completed in 1957 and in 1959 the cathedral was given the distinction of being named a basilica.

The church is filled with over 105 stained-glass windows, each crafted by master Parisian artist Raphaël Lardeur.

The building is filled with a variety of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and mosaics.

The cathedral is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross, with the points to the east where Christ was born.

There is an organ located in the lost that has more than 2,000 pipes and 35 stops.

There is a crypt below the basement that was once the original chapel. The crypt is currently in use and you can purchase your spot for a mere 3,000$ (CAD), which is actually quite costly for a burial spot in Canada (this information is what we deciphered from our admittedly limited knowledge of French funeral vocabulary heard in a very echoey location).

We spent the day in awe of the beauty of this landmark. But I think the kids were not as impressed with their surroundings.