New business venture.

Back in May, Eric built each of the children (not Gideon yet!) a raised bed for veggies. The children have spent the last couple of months weeding and watering, and now we are starting to see the "fruits" of their labour! Levi was thrilled to be able to tell our guests one supper that HIS cauliflower was in the soup!

And although it will be a looooong while before we "recoup" the costs of soil, etc...these little veggie gardens and road-side stand are teaching lessons that money can't buy.

So. If you are a local reader passing by, stop in at "Valks Valiant Veggies".

Can you guess who came up with that name?

Sun and Sand.

Just gotta love naturally lit photos.......

We interrupt.....

this regularly scheduled "cottage photos" to announce......

MICAH JOEL VANHOOYDONK

The Lord blessed my brother Anton and wife Ruth with a healthy baby boy on July 18. We pray he will grow to love and work in God's Kingdom as he grows.

My five sons......

Such fun.

A few photos to start.....

We're back.

One week spent in a different part of God's Creation.
One week watching my precious children play......playing hard.
A week away from the regular household "duties."
A week to play with my camera in the great outdoors.
A week to reflect......

It was a great week!
More photos to come.....

Excitement.

There is high energy in the house for a planned week with lots of fishing. The floors in this house are in crazy need of attention, but I am purposely leaving that until tomorrow (Friday), so when everyone is bouncing off the walls, I'll give them a vacuum as an energy release!

Jacob told me yesterday he could hardly contain his excitement, and he is spending much time arranging and rearranging his tackle box, and methodically planning his choice of lures.

The children were all a huge help when we brought in some hay (into the barn) last week, so they were all able to pick out some new lures (gear) for next week up North. And as I chased Gideon around the store it was interesting to hear them talk- like Greek to me! All these different kinds of lures, etc.

The mammoth job of packing (and re-packing the unpacking of a certain 18mos old), shopping, and errand running has begun, and I too am looking forward to a week in cottage country enjoying God's creation, the company of family and hopefully fit in a good book or two!

Blessings!