Friday, September 3, 2010

Telegraph Cove in Beautiful British Columbia

Kirk and I just barely had time to catch our breath after our trip to Virginia, before we were off again. This time it was north of Victoria, BC, Canada. What a spectacular place! It was so gorgeous right there amid the pine trees right on the ocean! The view was picture postcard perfect right out our window. It was so cool and green, and quaint. We stayed in a place that used to be a sawmill village, and it was so much fun to walk the boardwalk and learn the history of the Cove.
































Our friends, Jim and Linda, invited us to share the week on their boat, The Silver King. We had a great time catching salmon and halibut, and watching all the wildlife surrounding us. We saw humpback whales breeching out of the water not far from the boat, a pod of killer whales traveling close by, and dolphins performing for us around the wake. We coaxed eagles out of their trees to come get fish, we saw otters playing on the dock, and sea lions lounging in the sun. Right in front of our boat, we laughed as a seal with a salmon in its mouth was getting harassed by seagulls who wanted to share the meal. Kirk even saw black bears. It was quite the wildlife viewing experience.































































We really enjoyed attending church in the little Port NcNeill Branch on Sunday. There were 24 people there total (that included 5 of us visitors and two missionaries). Their young men's program consists of 3 brothers, and there are no young women. Pretty impressive for teenage boys to keep going to church when there aren't any cute girls to flirt with! I was so inspired by those young Priesthood holders who come bless and pass the sacrament every week, and fulfill their responsibilities and callings.

Exciting Happenings in Virginia: Bailey's Baptism and Grandchild #9 on the Way!





We took a quick trip to Virginia for Bailey's baptism. It was wonderful to be able to share her special day, and we were happy to participate in the service: Kirk gave a talk and I played the piano. It was great to see Bailey as the newest member of the church in our family. It reminded me of the great privilege and responsibility it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. What a wonderful blessing. We didn't get any pictures of Bailey and Kenny in their baptism clothes, but Bailey had a beautiful white dress that she wore to the church. Bailey's best friend Rina and her mother came to support Bailey, and asked lots of questions about our church and the baptism. Bailey has explained a lot of things to Rina about the Church and what we believe over the last two years since they've lived in Virginia.

While we were there we also squeezed in a blackberry and peach picking trip in the rain (Drew picked the best rocks around), a shark tooth hunting afternoon, and a trip to the Manassas Battlefield where the first battle of the Civil War took place - just a few minutes from Kenny and Christan's house. Kenny and Christan also announced that they are expecting a baby in March. Grandchild #9 is on the way. What exciting news!

Random photos




Great Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa and Grandma Barrett loved spending part of the day with Mike and Bri and the kids while they were here from China. What cute parents I have!