CottrillCompass.com

Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan (video)

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:02 GMT

Today we went to Christopher Lake to the beach.

Now some people may be surprised to know that, since moving to Mexico in 2006, we have never once been to the beach. The kids have been to a beach in Canada many years ago, but they were too young to remember. So last night I was trying to explain to them what a beach is.

I have here about 5 minutes of clips from the beach. This may be a "grandparents only" kind of a video, but feel free to take a look if you like. I'm just trying out my video-making skill. Good chance to practise.

A little extra prayer for Nathanael…

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:23 GMT

A few things have conspired to give Nathanael a difficult week. Late last week he got a slight cold, which shouldn't be a problem in itself. But it seems these slight things sometimes have a major impact on his overall health, whether because of his medication or something else related.

Nathanael (right) in construction gear at the "Construction Zone" kids club

So he ended up being very worn down. He enjoyed going to a kids' club for a few days, but with the time change it meant we ran him hard all morning, and then tried to sit him down to eat when he normally would be having a nap.

All these things conspiring against us, he's been having a rough time and so have we. So do pray that we will be wise with his schedule, knowing when and how to give him the rest he needs; wise with activities and discipline and meal times and all those things; and that he will be feeling better soon.

If the tiredness drags on, we may need to check on his medication and make sure everything is in balance. That could be tricky while we're on the road, but I'm sure we can find a way.

Other than that, we are all well (even Nathanael did have a good time for the most part at the kids' club – he was the freshest first thing in the morning) and as I write we're on the highway somewhere in Saskatchewan driving east. We've been enjoying time with the abuelos (grandparents) here in Saskatchewan before finishing our drive to Ontario next week.

I hope to post more details about our time in Ontario soon so that those of you in the area will have an idea where we'll be when. Look for that over the next few days (Lord willing)!

Construction Zone (video)

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:08 GMT

Hannah and Nathanael were able to go to part of a kids' club while visiting their grandparents in Saskatchewan. Here are just a few clips of the games and crafts.

Obviously the theme was "construction". One day was rainy, which is why the games you see were indoors.

Watch for Nathanael and Hannah. He's wearing an orange shirt, Hannah has a green shirt and purple sweater.

Ashlyn at the Park

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:15 GMT

Our nice Ashlyn at the park with her butterfly airplane. it was a windy day, but it turned out to be perfect for the butterfly airplanes which fly beautifully.

Cousins with Airplanes!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:12 GMT

Uncle Jeff brought airplanes home for his two children and Nathanael and Hannah as well. Here's Ashlyn and Nathanael enjoying their airplanes in the park across the street from Uncle Jeff and Aunt Tracy's home.

Jevon and Nathanael at the Zoo

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:11 GMT

Jevon and cousin Nathanael at the Calgary Zoo, going for a ride. What a life.

Ashlyn and Hannah at the Zoo

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:09 GMT

Ashlyn and cousin Hannah go for a ride at the Calgary Zoo. Maybe next time they can give the adults a ride.

And now we’re heading East!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:08 GMT

Yeah, that's pretty much it. North, east, then south. How's that for an oversimplification of the trip?

Anyway, we drove somewhere around 7000km (4350mi) north, and all in all had a pretty good trip. I've got a few of the best pictures from our trip in our photo gallery (if you're reading this close to the time, they're probably still in our Recent shots… album). We were able to (briefly!) see a few friends, and spend a little time with family.

We also had quite a bit of business to take care of in Calgary, of which we got quite a bit done – visits to doctors, banks, things like that.

We also enjoyed the chance to visit First Evangelical Free Church to give an update to those of you in the area who were able to make it. It was great to see you! Wish it could have been longer – it was such a fly by visit.

So now we're heading east, spending a bit more time with family as we do so, before finally ending up in Ontario in less than two weeks. It will be another 3-4000km (1900-2500mi) before we start heading south again (on the 3rd of August). But we'll actually be in Ontario until the beginning of September.

We're trying to finalize some of our plans for where we'll be when in Ontario, so I'll be back to give you more details a little later. Meanwhile, we still have some work to do to get the schedule organized. I'd better get back to work!

Jevon and the SNAKE!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:08 GMT

A snake at the Calgary Zoo, and our nephew Jevon. I know it's a blurry picture, but I like it anyway. It's my photo album, after all.

Visiting Christy on Canada Day

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:06 GMT

On Canada Day (can you tell?) we visited Christy in Denver.

Stirtz Family

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:04 GMT

We visited the Stirtz family in Kansas.

Claassen kids

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:02 GMT

Visiting the Claassen kids in Kansas.