Student Police Academy ~ July 12th

Charles had a wonderful opportunity for eight days in the first two weeks of July. Back in April, he started the application process for Delta Student Police Academy. He made the 1.5 mile run in 10 minutes (out of 12 minutes maximum), and survived an interview with 2 police officers. He was told not to expect to get into the class of 24, as the priority was for students from Delta and those graduating from Gr. 12, which he was neither of. We were all very excited when he received a letter of acceptance. And so began some very intense training. (And a lot of driving back and forth...)

Everyone was given an entire uniform.

A nice keepsake...

The course content was a miniature version of what would be taught at the Justice Institute in New Westminster. There were lectures on law (the Criminal Code), gangs, drugs, safe driving, and use of force. Physical training involved the usual calisthenics, drill practice, running and self-defense. Everyone was relieved after the second day when they each did the POPAT, the physical test that police officers have to pass. Highlights were traveling to Maple Ridge to practice driving police cars around pylons at higher speeds, and a trip to Langley to the shooting range to practice safe firearms use. Some students got to see what it was like for a police dog to attack their arm, and they all viewed demonstrations from the special forces team members. At the end of the week, they were also practicing simulations together that really got the adrenalin going.

On Thursday night, we headed over to the North Delta Senior Secondary School auditorium, for a very serious graduation ceremony. 

For some reason, Charles would love to train police dogs... :)

All the students had to stand at attention for at least 20 minutes, with Charles being right in the front and center. I was sitting in front of him, waving wildly, but he was not distracted. :) And, he did not faint!

They were inspected individually by Chief Jim Cessford, and given words of encouragement.

What a relief to sit down...

Speeches were given by the police chief, Mayor Lois Jackson, a school superintendent, and Constable Traversy, who heads theSchool Liaison Program of Delta.

The School Liason team: Constables Usipiuk, Doolan, Atkinson, Hilliard and Saroka.

The speeches were so positive, emphasizing how the students had come together
 successfully as a team. Everyone was very proud of how hard they worked.

With Constable Usipiuk, certificate in hand.

It was a great evening, and we were all proud of Charles being able to be involved in the program. Now he has 23 new friends, too. :)

A "Full" Sunday ~ July 8th

It was a full day, not just in terms of activity, but of being filled up "heart-wise". We had the opportunity of having a youth team from Louisiana attend our morning church service. There were likely more of the "red-shirts" than us, but it was a great experience. They were up to tour the area with their musical presentation, and were just stopping by in Delta for the one day.

A preparatory trip in the spring had resulted in trips to Home Depot for the things they would need. Garbage cans, paint cans and ladders. They did a "Stomp" presentation, beating out rhythms on the pails and ladders. Very well done, but also very loud!

Nora covered up her ears a few times... "Too loud!" Like she can talk... ;)

Everyone headed over to a nearby park for a BBQ... here's a rare shot of my niece, Abby. (She's usually too busy playing to make it on film.) The other kids went to Grandma and Grandpa's for a nap.

The infamous McDonald's orange drink mustache!

After a quick nap for Nora, we headed back to North Delta to spend the evening at Rob & Kellie's place. Their girls had been baptized in the morning, and so we were having a celebration. Doubly so, with the addition of Ann's family, also celebrating Abby's birthday. The kids were thrilled to be on the trampoline, taking shifts between little ones and older kids.

Uncle Steve protects Nora...

Steve & Aiden

Nora loves Auntie Kellie!

Grandpa with all his grand-daughters .. he's so popular!

A fancy cake, always fun...

Kellie's mom, Marylou, with Nora

Beautiful girls! Cousin Elisa and...

 ...cousin-in-law Tricia, with Asher.

Elisa's children, Calum & Fia

Ann with Kim, like another sister to us all.

Abby's always very nurturing...

So great to be with family, and especially twice in one month. The best part of all? It wasn't at my house so I could relax! Thanks, Kellie! :)

Taekwondo Summer BBQ ~ July 7th

Every summer, Scott hosts a year-end picnic for the most recent black belts and to hand out awards. We were blessed with a sunny day, which was awesome for playing softball. (I came late for that, of course!)

It's probably the only time our guys play softball, but they seem to be getting the idea...

Scott, being somewhat competitive, always enjoys a good game. Not being the best kind of spectator-wife, I really couldn't tell you what happened. I was happy to chat with a girlfriend.

 Nora was her charming self, as several girls were present who have seen her at school when we visit.

Before I knew it, they were at her beck and call. Empress Nora was happily entertained for the next hour...

These girls were so good with Nora. I should think about employing them to babysit in a couple of years when the boys aren't interested in doing so...

It was obviously a full day... Nora crashed on the way home. Where are her attendants now when she needs a fan to be cooled off with?!  :)

Surprisingly, Scott still had enough energy to take the boys to Barnston Island for a bike ride. They were checking out the river water level as it had been a flood risk in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the mosquitos are out in full force, too. But the guys still had a relaxing ride.

A glimpse of Lewis' mini-braces on his lower teeth...

Sweet moments ~ July 2-5th

Our following week was much more low-key, and the sun did arrive. The boys started swimming lessons, and James settled into his new life of working and having free time. This really warmed my heart to find Lewis assisting James with installing speakers into James' truck. They are both very mechanically inclined, and also prefer not to ask for help. So, in the end it worked out but they actually took the door completely off in the process. Lewis was all in his glory... And James, well I guess sometimes you just need a helper. :)

 Nora's latest thing it to be a "hot dog", by rolling up in a blanket.
 I remember doing this myself... not recently, I should clarify!

With Ann's family in town, we visited the cousins at my parents' home one evening. Aiden had a birthday in June that we missed, so he was surprised by a late gift. He certainly has a grin like Ann had as child, so funny.

With our recent visit to Winnipeg, Nora is so happy to see her cousins. It's great that she's close in age to them. Am I going to need to fly there again next Spring? Hmm.